Alright I know this might be a controversial topic, but I have had some personal experience with automatic transmissions that crapped the bed immediately following a fluid/filter change. My theory for this is that the clutches are already failing, but the contamination of the fluid gives them the "grit" necessary to continue to function. Once you remove the old fluid and replace it with nice new fluid, the failure of the clutches becomes apparent and you lose function and end up needing a rebuild/replacement.
I just purchased a 2014 Charger R/T with 91k on the clock. The transmission functions perfectly, and I'd like to keep it that way for a long time. Chrysler says the first transmission fluid change should occur at 60,000 if used for police, taxi, or frequent towing (none of these apply, but it was probably hot-rodded a fair bit), or 120,000 under normal driving. At 90k, I'm splitting the difference there almost exactly, and I think the usage is probably somewhere in-between normal and severe duty as well...so it seems like a safe enough bet to go ahead...I'm just nervous about it.
Is there anyone here with significant experience with these transmissions that could speak to this issue and give a recommendation? I would like to add that I just ran a piece of coated cable down the dipstick tube and blotted a small amount of the fluid on a paper towel to check the condition. It's still red, not brown or black, but a dark red. By comparison, I dabbed a little fresh ATF+4 on the towel and it looks pink. So there's some fluid degradation for sure, but it's not in horrible shape. Doesn't smell burnt, but doesn't smell fresh either.
Thanks.
I just purchased a 2014 Charger R/T with 91k on the clock. The transmission functions perfectly, and I'd like to keep it that way for a long time. Chrysler says the first transmission fluid change should occur at 60,000 if used for police, taxi, or frequent towing (none of these apply, but it was probably hot-rodded a fair bit), or 120,000 under normal driving. At 90k, I'm splitting the difference there almost exactly, and I think the usage is probably somewhere in-between normal and severe duty as well...so it seems like a safe enough bet to go ahead...I'm just nervous about it.
Is there anyone here with significant experience with these transmissions that could speak to this issue and give a recommendation? I would like to add that I just ran a piece of coated cable down the dipstick tube and blotted a small amount of the fluid on a paper towel to check the condition. It's still red, not brown or black, but a dark red. By comparison, I dabbed a little fresh ATF+4 on the towel and it looks pink. So there's some fluid degradation for sure, but it's not in horrible shape. Doesn't smell burnt, but doesn't smell fresh either.
Thanks.
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