Need advice changing ATF in my Isuzu truck

[Maximus_pr]

Hey guys i'm new to this forum and need some advice

Next weekend i planned to change the filter and fluid on my 1996 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2, 2wd, 4L30E transmission

I'm a big fan of Redline products and used MT-90 and their motor oil on my other cars and always wanted to try Amsoil but at this moment the cost of this 2 are prohibitive due to my financial situation.

I thought about trying to drain as much as i can change filter and refill with Valvoline Maxlife then maybe in 3k-4k miles drain and refill and maybe repeat after 5k-6k miles repeat.

This transmission are very well know in the Isuzu community to cause problems specially the overdrive which uses a separate pan.

Need advise or recommendations.

 

[unDummy]

Maxlife is a good choice.

Drain, refill, repeat...... is easy and should help you prolong the life of the transmission. Drain/refill yearly or every 10k-15k.

If the tranny runs hot, add an additional cooler.
If budget allows, add an inline filter like the magnafine, permacool, or equivalents.

With a 15 year old transmission, with unknown maintenance history, the damage is already done. The goal now is to keep it running the way it is. Fluid changes now won't rebuild it.

 

[sunfire]

Originally Posted By: Maximus_pr
This transmission are very well know in the Isuzu community to cause problems specially the overdrive which uses a separate pan.


Yup. My father's 93 Isuzu Trooper's (had since new) tranny had a very short life... only lasted 60 or 70K miles (9 years). Tranny started slipping and eventually wouldn't shift anymore.

Too bad I didn't know much about cars back then. Otherwise I could have tried to save it.

 

[caravanmike]

i had a 2000 rodes with the 4l30E and i used (changed) mercon/dextron III every 10,000 miles. the good thing about the fluid is alot of multi-vehicle fluids will work also and be an upgrade.

make sure you change the filter in the main pan because it is a media filter!

the only problem i had with mine was the range sensor (nss) switch.

also i used a pump to fill the trans because by 2000 the 4l30e was a "sealed" unit with "life time fluid" yeah right!! the life time fluid is merc/dexIII lol. but i believe in 96 it still had a dipstick? mike

 

[Maximus_pr]

Originally Posted By: caravanmike
i believe in 96 it still had a dipstick? mike


no dipstick

and thanks for your advise guy

 

[JTK]

Yep, I had a 2002 Rodeo and serviced another Rodeo and Trooper 4L30E in the family. At the time I used any generic Dex/Merc ATF and had no issues. Today I'd use Maxlife. I definitely don't miss the dipstickless 4L30E w/ 2 downward facing plugs on the pan for servicing. Whadda PITA.

Joel