Transmission Fluid Warning Light

[TradesmanGuy]

The manual transmission in my Toyota FJ had 147K miles on it, no service had been done.

Got me thinking ->

 

[star_deceiver]

My new Ram is the first vehicle that has an oil change light.

That light will give you a 10000 mile oil change interval. And if you follow that, you’ll probably get the pleasure of paying someone to change out rockers and camshafts. Don’t let it drop past 40% and use the best oil off the shelf.

Also, budget changing out the oil filter housing. It will split and leak eventually.

 

[TradesmanGuy]

That light will give you a 10000 mile oil change interval. And if you follow that, you’ll probably get the pleasure of paying someone to change out rockers and camshafts. Don’t let it drop past 40% and use the best oil off the shelf.

Also, budget changing out the oil filter housing. It will split and leak eventually.

Generally I do this, but on a select basis. First off, just look at the oil (on the dip stick), and change the oil filter and break it open. Again inspecting the oil, and looking for any metal shavings. If all looks good then continue on til 10K. However, this being a shiny new purchase I will do the oil change at 5K, and for the record (carfax) have the dealer do it.

On my CanAm ATV, I did just an oil filter change, and the oil in the filter still had the golden honey look of new oil. I kept the oil in place for the next check/change interval.

 

[Tominator223]

Filter & fluid change every 30-50k miles , I got 300k miles out of my 545rfe never flushed. Just filter & fluid. Most have a trans light but it’s for letting you know you just burnt it up. Also about 20yrs is all trans fluid is good for. I know this because I have a 97 XR7 Cougar just hit a 100k miles , last year trans starting freaking out not shifting right having false neutrals. I check my records and realized I hadn’t done trans filter & fluid in 20yrs-50k miles. Did the filter and 5-6 quarts then drained again and more new fluid 5-6 quarts. Shifts fine now. Was the old fluid.

 

[Reicher5]

That is quite the process. Sounds like having the dealer do it might be the wise thing.

I ended up getting my dealer to do it. I bought the ZF 8 speed lifeguard fluid, and I had an aftermarket pan (which are hit or miss btw. Mines been a hit so far). Fluid I bought off rock auto, which is way way way cheaper then the dealer. I paid $250 CAD to the dealer. I also know roughly how much fluid was put in based on the oil they didn't use. Seems like they did put the proper amount in.

 

[Marshall]

That is quite the process. Sounds like having the dealer do it might be the wise thing.

If they do it right, I would ask if they level the trans. I would be surprised, as some shops seem to think it should not be done, after all , they want you in a new truck.

 

[David Oakes]

I know on my HO equipped diesel truck, the aisin trans was supposed to have the fluid and spin on filter swapped at 30k miles. Dont think there was any idiot light to bring that to your attention though.

You are right about no dummy light, but where did you get the idea that the transmission filter was spin on?



Not sure how this could spin on?

 

[jimonqa]

My shop suggest every 30K miles. I was fine with the first 30K, but I would think 60K intervals are sufficient. I only trailer a boat a couple miles, twice a year - launch in spring, pullout in fall.

 

[Marshall]

You are right about no dummy light, but where did you get the idea that the transmission filter was spin on?

View attachment 579960

Not sure how this could spin on?

Maybe he is think fuel filter? , a spin on filter on a 8 speed, interesting idea

 

[Bob Horowski]

Fluid and filter, I would be very wary about a flush since a lot of people do not replace parts of the system that a flush will only amplify after a transmission started to fail and they think a flush will save the transmission.

 

[MJCs18Diesel]

After reading all these Posts, I need to add my 2-cents worth. First, every post SHOULD specify which Ram truck these ATF fluid/filter servicing procedures are for. My 2018 CTD Ram 2500 68-RFE transmission has an internal spin on filter. I serviced it at about 40K because I tow a 5th wheel RV about once a year from NY to GA or NC. I too like the idea of pulling the pan and letting it drip overnight. That said, I always clean and paint the outside of the pan (and differential covers) with red engine paint. Even print the mileage on the corner of the pan with a sharpie. It is an unspoken indicator of taking pride in your work, and showing others you do your own work. And lately, be careful when ordering these filter kits and oil/fuel filters on line. Chinese filters are being misrepresented as OEM.