Trans fluid exchange....

[jeepzj]

Just had the transmission fluid and filter changed yesterday on my 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with ATF+4....6 quarts came out of the pan. I was thinking of doing the 100% fluid exchange service, without filter change, but decided I thought it was important to drop the pan change the filter as well. Fluid in the pan still came out looking clean\pink after 30K miles with no signs or abnormal wear so that's good. So I just had this done yesterday. Would it be ok if I did the %100 fluid exchange service in a month after 1,000 miles of driving? I figured it would be ok since I just had the filter changed and cleaned out the pan and magnet. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Kestas]

I think it's a good plan. The only thing you've lost is that you could have used 6 qts less fluid if you did the exchange immediately after the pan drop.

 

[jeepzj]

That's true I could have saved 6 quarts....oh well. The local Firestone will do the 100% fluid exchange for $94.99 using Mopar ATF+4. I figure it will take 12 quarts so I think that's a reasonable price....dealership probably charges more. The only thing I'm a little weary about is how will I know they used the correct fluid unless I see them pour the fluid in the machine? At least with the pan drop method I saw the tech use the Mopar ATF+4 bottles.

 

[Islandvic]

Sometimes the techs do not clean out the trans flush machine.

You may be having Dexron, MerconV, Mitsu SPII, and who knows what else in their.

I have never trusted Firestone's.

$99 is high in my opinion. Just b/c it will take 12 quarts does not mean they will use 12 qts. Some machines only hold 10 qts.

How many miles does it have?

I just did a pan drop/filterchange/refill on my 4l60e in my '95 K1500 with /166k miles (orig trans fluid). I installed a drain plug so I can do drain/refills which I think are safe for higher milage vehicles.

Good luck.

 

[jeepzj]

quote:

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Originally posted by Islandvic:
Sometimes the techs do not clean out the trans flush machine.

You may be having Dexron, MerconV, Mitsu SPII, and who knows what else in their.

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Good point. Maybe I'm better off having the dealership do the fluid exchange. At least this way I know they have ATF+4 in there since that's all they use. I always thought about installing a drain plug in the pan like the one from B&M but I keep hesitating because I'm thinking it's going to leak at some point....unless I have it welded.

 

[Jim 5]

Islandvic,

What was the condition of the trans filter when you took it out? I assume this was the original filter.

How is the truck driving now? I know you agonized over this decision.

 

[Islandvic]

jeep, the drain bolt/nut combo will not leak if you use Permatex High Temp Thread Locker. It will take a temp of 500degrees F to be able to loosen the nut if you paste some on the threads before you install. I used it and have no worries. Plus there are two nylon washers and a o-ring in the drain plug system so there sould be no leaks or anything loosening up.

My drain plug is made by MotorMite and I bought it from NAPA for $4!

Jim5, everything went ok!! I have no leaks and I just did a drain/refill today with more ST DexIII and added 15oz of LubeGuard. It shifts great and no problems!!

Here are some pics

http://www.supermotors.org/users/islandvic

 

[ford390gashog]

do you know the part number for the drain plug? i could use a few of those.

 

[Islandvic]

If I can find the part number I will post it or PM you.