I just turned 60K miles on my 2001 Dakota with the 45RFE transmission. I want to completely change the fluid, not just drop the pan and drain. Of course, I will also change out the two filters. I've read about how to remove the return line from the transmission cooler and run the engine to flush all of the old fluid from the system. QUESTIONS:

1. Has anyone used this method to "flush" the transmission? Where is the connector located?

2. Are there bands to adjust on the 45RFE transmission?

3. Where is the best place to buy ATF+4 fluid?

Thanks for the help.

 

I have heard of that method. But I wouldn't do it to my truck. If you want to get all changed out I would suggest you take it to a shop that can power flush it. They will disconnect the line like you said above and hook up their machine. It will replace the fluid. This way you will never have to run it dry. It may be $60 or so.

But if you want to save some $. Do an oil pan drop oil change 2 or 3 times. Wait a day in between and do some driving. This will dilute the bad oil. Most of it will be clean at the end.

There are bands to adjust but if your not having any issues you don't want to mess with them.

For fluid you can by ATF +4 anywhere. Mopar ATF +4 will be the best. They even sell it at Walmart.

 

A little dirty oil + a lot of clean oil = a lot of dirty oil

 

After 1st oil change 50% dirty.
After 2nd oil change 25% dirty.
After 3rd oil change 12.5% dirty.