Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) transmission fluid change interval

[JPLB22]

I have a question as to when to change my transmission fluid. I know that the answers I get will be a lot of opinion, but I really do value the opinions on this site a lot!!!



My truck has 19,900 on it right now. Two dealers in my area say that it should be done every 15,000. My manual on the hard driving service schedual says 30,000. The normal driving schedual says 60,000.



My fluid is still red and does not smell burnt. I have towed only 6 times in the first 19,900. I was considering doing it at 20,000 but was wondering what you guys OR gals thought about doing it at 30,000?? Considering the trucks so far easy life style.



Thanks for any and all replies!

 

[Ron Bissett]

Go by the Book . LoL Ron Bissett in Metro Louisville KY:-{}

 

[GWHaley]

transmission fluid

Just make sure that whenever you decide to change, use a high quality synthetic fluid and make sure to flush it through the T. C. The syn fluid will stand up to the heat waaay better than convetionals

 

[rluft]

I added a B&M drain plug to my pan. Now I dump oil in the pan every 12,000 or so. It takes about 6 quarts to refill and takes about 15 minutes to do. Every other time I drop the pan and change the filter. I figure over time I keep fresh fluid in the transmission and I can keep track of its condition. I use Amzoil Synthetic and by now I have effectively replaced all the original fluid.

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

The magic number?

20k miles intervals for changing the ATF works for me. BUT I do have the Mag-Hytec double deep pan on my transmission. 25% of the time I'm hauling my slide-in camper with an all up weight of 12,500 pounds and 15% of the time with a regular trailer and a similar overall, combined weight. I use Valvolene ATF as recommended by Cummins Europe and my DTT transmission just keeeps on going and going and going... ... ... ... ... zzzzzzzzzzzz... ..... Just be realistic on your useage profile and change the fluids/filters accordingly.

 

[JPLB22]

I went ahead and changed the transmission fluid this morning at 20,000. The fluid was nice and red and did not smell burnt at all. Basicly the fluid I took out didn't look much different than the new fluid that I put back in. I used an ATF +4. I feel that under the same driving conditions I could extend to 30,000 with no problem at all. But I think I will stick with 20,000 just for piece of mind.

It makes me feel good to know that the truck will always have good clean fluid from front to back.

 

[TnLRacing]

Here in our shop, I tell My customers every 15,000- 20,000 or Once a year which ever comes first

 

[Challenger-II]

I have heard mention several times NOT to use ATF+4. I was told to stay with ATF+3 on my '99. Any thoughts on this?

 

[JPLB22]

I was told that the '02's come from the factory with ATF +4 in the transmission. But maybe I misheard ( I sure hope not ). The truck has ran perfect since yesterday when I changed it. Except it does seem to shift slightly later under normal acceleration, but that may just be my overactive imagination.

 

[stevek]

Chrysler switched to ATF4 sometime during the 2001 model year...

 

[Challenger-II]

Yes... Chrysler did switch to the ATF+4. They also issued a TSB about trucks originally filled with +3 fluid. It stated to use +4 whenever doing a fluid change. I was told by the transmission gurus here on the TDR not to switch and to stay with +3. It was less likely to allow converter slippage from what I understand. Any experts want to chime in here?Oo.

 

[mimprevento]

ATF4

Not an expert but I believe it is in the manual. ATF4 is a synthetic and is all you need- It was formulated for the Chrysler trannies and Dexron or Mercon cannot be used. ATF3 cannot either. Every

year which is 20-25k miles for most of us is good. I believe that Red Line, Mobil 1, Royal Purple and other high quality ATF synthetics are not interchangable with ATF4 as far as DC is concerned and I would not beg the warranty question right now. Besides the factory fill is a good synthetic and there is no reason to change for post 2001 trannies.