transmission fluid change

COPGUY · Oct 3, 2013

I was just reading my maintenance schedule in my owners manual and it states the transmission fluid needs to be changed for normal driving conditions at 120,000miles. It does indicate changing the fluid and filter at 60,000miles if using as a fleet vehicle, taxi or police vehicle. I have read that guys have changed much earlier then this, but I only use my truck as a daily driver, nothing harsh. Am I ok to wait until 120,000 or even 100,000?

BlkRamRt · Oct 3, 2013

i would wait to the 100k

toofart · Oct 3, 2013

Trans fluid and filters are cheap.

Burla · Oct 3, 2013

Go to oilstop they are real cool about checking your transmission fluid. They will put a sample on a dohicky next to clean atf, gives you a eyeball view on how your oil is doing. The dohicky doesn't lie either, if your oil is dirty you need to change it, if not go about your day. Another cool thing about those oil change places are they are pretty good about changing transmission fluid, it is way cheaper then any dealer and they do it right in front of your face.

craigsez · Oct 10, 2013

99% of the time those desk top testers are crap..Not enuf detail and have poor results..try these guys....One of the better companys to test with the most updated methods and many owner ops(truckers)use this company..
http://polarislabs.com/test-list.php

Jeepkid · Oct 10, 2013

I was quoted less then 150 for a filter and fluid change im gonna do mine at 60k

LovMyRam · Oct 10, 2013

Jeepkid said:
I was quoted less then 150 for a filter and fluid change im gonna do mine at 60k

$10 says they'll run it through a machine and not even change the filter.

Burla · Oct 10, 2013

Does anyone know what the 6speed Dodge tranny filter looks like? Is it fiber or just a metal mesh? It is only 79 bucks to change the oil at the quick stop, but if it is a fiber filter I might consider paying the extra to change it.

Jeepkid · Oct 11, 2013

LovMyRam said:
$10 says they'll run it through a machine and not even change the filter.

I specifically asked if they would drop the pan and change the filter, i did intend to stand there and watch the whole time.

Hornet · Oct 11, 2013

The proper way is to do a tranny flush then a filter change,will cost a lot more then 80 bucks to do it right.
An oil change on a tranny doesn't change the fluid in the convertor,so you're still circulating dirty oil through your clean filter and transmission after your oil change.
An oil change is better then nothing ,but not really the best way to do it.

Burla you're our resident oil expert,any reconmendations on tranny oils

retiredfireman · Oct 11, 2013

"Does anyone know what the 6speed Dodge tranny filter looks like? Is it fiber or just a metal mesh? It is only 79 bucks to change the oil at the quick stop, but if it is a fiber filter I might consider paying the extra to change it."

there are 2 filters- one is an oil filter looking one and the other is a long flat metal encased thing with the tube on it.
I'll see if I can get a picture of one.
I did mine when I did the valve body.

chrisb38002 · Oct 11, 2013

Just don't forget that if you have the 545/645RFE trans, there are 2 filters, the primary filter and the cooler return filter. Both should be changed if you're going to do it right. Last time I had mine done, the shop had a special "$99 trans service", but ended up costing over $140 due to the extra filter (cooler return) and these trans taking 12 quarts instead of the normal 8 (or whatever the special covered, can't remember).

retiredfireman · Oct 11, 2013

here they are:

1 & 2 are the filters I used

Burla · Oct 11, 2013

Thanks for posting that, they definitely need to be changed. I guess I will forget the cheap flush and do it myself at 45k or so. Just upgrade the VB while I'm down there, and install a plug if their aint one to make it easier next time.

retiredfireman · Oct 11, 2013

that's my only regret, I should have changed the pan to a larger one with a drain plug

Burla · Oct 11, 2013

How many quarts did it take to fill it back up? I thought it was a lot. They have a lot of kits to add a plug to your pan too, maybe a cheaper way to go. Custom pans cost serious doughramey.

alexis · Oct 11, 2013

My mechanic does not recomend the flush at all and he desribed how they do it with the machine to me.Lines are above the valve body and filters full of dirt and crud.All that dirt and crud ends up getting disturbed and gets dumped into the valve body.Advised me on using the ATF+4 fluid only and it is sold at most auto parts stores now.

Ramunit · Oct 11, 2013

Pan drop, change both filters, make sure you get the specific flat filter for 4x4 or 2wd, they're two different part numbers and designs. Use trans RTV to seal the pan back up. It should take about 8 qts. to top off. A full flush is not recommended.

Hornet · Oct 11, 2013

Well that's a new one on me,never heard of a flush not being reconmended.
Is that Chryco reconmending no flush?

alexis · Oct 12, 2013

My mechanic sent me to a transmission shop to see a valve body full of dirt and crud all because of a flush with the machine was done.I listened right away.

transmission fluid change

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