30,000m need to change transmission fluid - HELP

[easytim]

30,000 miles and I need to change transmission fluid - I know about oil and air filters but I don't know anything about transmission fluid.

I have an automatic transmission in both the 1997 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L and a 2006 Dodge Caravan 3.8L

I don't mind spending the money and doing it right and getting the good stuff, please guide me the oil thats best or second best,,,,THANKS

 

[easytim]

The owners manual says use ATF-+4 on the 2006 Caravan but it doesn't say how much is needed

 

[MaximaGuy]

Start with drain and fill of the transmission pan with fresh ATF. You can get Mopar ATF+4 from Walmart at a resonable price.

Check for the tranny dip stick and the drain bolt on the pan. I bet the Wrangler will have them so drain and fill on that will be a breeze. Remove the drain bolt and drain the pan, refill via the dipstick the amout you have collected in the pan..

On the newer vehicles like the Caravan you need check the owners manual if they have a drain bolt and dipstick to check levels.

 

[unDummy]

You can't go wrong with the ATF+4.

I would flush them both, 10 quarts through the ATF cooler loop after a drain/refill of the ATF pan.

A drain/refill is a partial change. If using that method, consider shortening the interval. Once a year would be great.
Or, a flush every 30k, adjusted/shortened for driving style and time.

 

[Donald]

As unDummy says, the best and most cost effective thing to do is a cooler line flush which you can do yourself. Just get the needed amount of fresh ATF and open up a cooler line and pump out 2 QTs at a time and refill 2 QTs. Best to drain and fill the pan first.