transmission Fluid Capacity

[CraigJones]

I'm being told its going to cost me $179+ tax to put a new transmission filter in,adjust the bands,flush and replace all fluid. The price didn't seem to bad until he told me that the transmission will only take about 8qts. If it was twelve 12-14 qts($28/gal) this price wouldn't bother me. I can't beleive it only takes 8qts is this right ? Does anybody know the transmission capacity?Thanks Guys.

 

[TCDiesel]

Trans

It will take four gallons dry. about half that on a pan drop only.



Make sure they use ATF+4 if charge for,I would watch"em put it in.

 

[Ken F]

If the dealer is only using 8 quarts and it takes 16 quarts when dry, then they are not doing a flush. From my experience with another brand, a flush is very important.



It's not a difficult job to do yourself. It's just a little messy and you will need a helper.



Here is what I did on a brand "X" truck.



1. Buy your supplies. Filter, oil and pan gasket if necessary. It is a good idea to have a couple extra quarts on hand when you do the change. (Brand "X" didn't need a gasket. Aluminum pan with o-ring. I'm not sure about the 48RE. )



2. Drop the pan, change the filter, clean the pan and re-assemble.



3. Re-fill the trans with fresh fluid until it is in the right spot on the stick.



4. Dis-connect the trans cooler line that returns fluid to the transmission from the cooler and run it into a bucket. (I'm not sure which line that is on our trucks. )



5. Have your helper start the engine until it pumps out 2 quarts or so, then shut it off and refill to the proper level.



6. Repeat step 5 until you have exceeded the 16 quart total by a quart or so.



7. Re-connect the trans line and re-check the fluid level. It's a good idea to drive the truck and re-check levels and inspect for leaks.



From what I am told, this procedure is equal to or more effective than having a trans flush done at most transmission shops. This general procedure was provided by a transmission engineer over on another site. (That was before Ford threatened to end some careers of engineering guys that were helping out consumers in forums such as this. ) In my particular case, the converter was giving me a shudder whenever it locked up. As it turned out, the fluid was almost black. As I was performing this procedure, when I got to the designated amount (somewhere around 16 quarts) the fluid went from black to red just like flipping a switch. This effectively changed all of the fluid in the converter and in the cooler. My shudder problem was gone approximately 500 miles later. I am told that if I had just changed the filter and the fluid in the pan, my problem would have never gone away, and would have likely gotten worse. (Thanks again, Mark K. !)



I took the old oil to a local drive through oil change place. They took it free of charge.



I will be doing the same to my 48RE between 20 and 30K miles.



I will also be adding a drain plug to the pan so that it is less messy the next time around.



Best regards.



Ken.

 

[DPKetchum]

The flush machines work great and a cleaner is also used. The only TRANS services I have every sold folks that they NOTICED a difference in shift etc. Most filters good for up to 90k. Bans ARE never out or fooled with unless its being overhauled. On mail JEEPS its the only way to go. Fluid in them is BLACK and filter is metal with only a clean in major overhaul. Standard service on them doesn't even begin to change the color of fluid or do ANY-GOOD at all.

 

[TCDiesel]

Transmissions

If you plan on servicing your trans you will need a quick dis-connect toll,Also you will have to run your fluid temperature up to operating temp, Two feet of 3/8 to 7/16 hose,two worm gear clamps. Follow the line from trans ,to cooler this is the line you tap into{THE FLOW IS FROM TRANS TO AIR COOLER THAN TO WATER COOLER THAT IS ON THE INTAKE SIDE OF MOTOR ON REAR MOUNTED BY BELL-HOUSING}. The location of the dis-connect is driver side wheel well.

 

[NSperduto]

I also do my own service (not time for the ram yet) but when I had troubles with my Dakota, I did the same procedure flush as Ken and it made a world of difference.



I'm still not sure about the "flush" thing, plus I don't trust anyone to put the correct fluid in the truck. Most trans shops have one fluid and just put additive it in. I assume the dealer uses mopar fluid, but I find it easier to do it myself and I change it often. with past experience, mopar trans are very sensitive to fluid quality.



Nick

 

[DPKetchum]

the flush machines operate on a bladder. out goes old in goes new. Use to do 10 to 20 a day for $119. 95. Prices will vary at different locations. As big a mess as trans fliud can be its not WORTH my time to try a flush at home. Most if not ALL D. C. dealers will have a flush machine.