'89 Dakota, 42RH transmission. 198,000 miles. I'm going to drop the pan, adjust the bands, replace the OD solenoid and the filter.

Problem is, I don't know what kind of fluid is in there! It's a light red/pink in color.
I read somewhere that the factory fill was Dex III. If that's what's still in there, can I safely top off (4-5 quarts) with ATF +4?
If not, is there a universal fluid (Amsoil maybe) that with work with whatevers in there no matter
what it is?

Or better yet, is there a way to easily identify the fluid that I don't know about?

Thanks much,
Ivan



Posted from Dodgeforum.com App for Android

 

Typically the dipstick will say what fluid to use. Dodge Automatic transmissions need ATF 3+ or higher. If your in the middle of no where without any ATF then you can use Dextron III just 1 or so to top it off.

I suggest to do a complete drain and flush of the transmission.

 

Don't mix the fluids. A dealer should still be able to tell you what the factory fill is on your truck.

 

The problem is that I don't know if the factory fluid is still in the trans or not. The dipstick says to use Dex III or Chrysler ATF.

I have no history of the transmission, it's been 22 years and nearly 200,000 miles. I thought these transmissions were on the weak side, is it possible that this one has gone this long with no maintenance? Is there an easy way to tell if it is the original trans?

Thinking that I might as well try to get all the old fluid out and replace it with ATF +4. What is the recommended way to swap out the fluid, including the fluid in the torque convertor? I've heard of three methods:

1. Hook up a short hose to the output line for the cooler, run the engine in neutral and add fluid through the dipstick tube until new stuff comes out the line.

2. Same as above, except instead of adding through the dipstick tube, disconnect the intake line as well as the output line, and insert the intake line into a resevoir of fresh fluid so it sucks it into the transmission as the old stuff is pumped out.

3. Drop the pan, drain the fluid, replace pan and top off. Drive for a bit. Repeat procedure.

Which method is the most complete and least hassle?

Thanks for all the help so far!
Ivan

 

It is a mopar transmission. It takes ATF+ 3 or 4. Any other fluid WILL destroy it. I get the best performance from actual mopar brand ATF+4.
I Also replaced a transmission Someone (not me) put dexron in.