Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need Auto Trans Fluid Change Help

[SHermreck]

I just bought a 2001 2500 2wd 5. 9 Cummins with and automatic and want to change all of the fluids... . it has 52K on it right now. The trans was serviced at 26K so it's probably due again. I have heard you can't drain the converter on the 47RE so how do I get all of the fluid out when changing the filter..... dealer just wants to flush and not change the filter. Thanks for the help, Scott... ... oh yeah any other tips on changing the coolant would help out also.

 

[Fireman Dave]

Would you change your motor oil without changing the filter? I didn't think so. Do it right and drop the pan and change the filter. I change mine every spring. No flush, just whatever drains out - probably about 6 quarts or so. Since I do it every year, I figure I'm cycling out the old stuff bit by bit eventually (what's left in the TC). It always comes out nice and pink, and no transmission problems so far. Some on here have said the flush risks stirring up crap and causing more problems than it's worth. This is just what I do, so you can take it for what it's worth.



There's a thread on here with really good instructions for the coolant written by Steve St. Laurent. Do a search, and you should find it. I think he posted it back in 2000 or so. If all else fails, PM Steve and he can probably send you a link. Good Luck.

 

[SHermreck]

I feel the same way about changing the filter..... I don't agree with the flushing method. When I had a Ford I could drain the converter..... another 6-7 quarts and get most of the old fluid out. I just wondered if there was a way to take off the return line out of the cooler and flush the old stuff out with out damaging anything. Thanks for the help.

 

[DFerverda]

I changed my transmission fluid in my 98. 5 and cycled all the fluid out of the transmission. do a search on here . I changed the filter and cleaned out the pan, put the same amount of fluid back that i took out. Than take off the return line from the raidiator put a piece of clear hose on the old hose put it in a gallon jug . had my wife start the truck. when there was about 1/2 gallon in jug she shut the truck off and i poured in 4 qts, had her start it again till the jug was full. shut down and dumped the jug. and started the process over again till i cycled out 16-20 quarts. Dont let the transmission get more than 1-2 qts low at any time and keep good track of what fluid is left in transmission. This method worked really well for me and after about 16 qts the fluid going into the bucket looked real good. put hoses back and check the fluid with the truck in N after you cycle through D 2 1 R I think this is a lot better than back flushing like they do at the shop good luck dirk

 

[JFaughn]

Thats what I was going to say , and thats with out spending 2500-4500 dollars on the machine.