I recently purchased a 2003 Dakota SLT QC 4.7 with a 545 rfe transmission. I was able to get all the service and maint info. The tranny was flushed at 35K and 75K and it now has 108K. Apparently the filters were not replaced. Should I replace the filters and do another flush? The only problem I am having is that when the vehicle is cold it is sluggish to shift into 2nd for just a couple of miles.

Also, the serpentine belt was replaced at 65K. Is a new one in order?

Thanks

 

i f the trany is clean on the inside put this on. go to auto zone get 2210 magna-fine. 3/8 tube size. it is an external filter. use high pressure hose NOT fuel hose. not unlike the one on a 1962-1963 chrysler new yourker from the factory.

 

Yes I would drop the pan and replace the trans filters. I don't like flushes with out changing filters after the flush. Just refill the trans with ATF4+ after you replace the filters.
The belt is probably still good but if you do a lot of long distance trips I would replace it.

 

I believe I read where there is a temperature sensor that will cause slower shifting until the fluid reaches temperature. Someone correct me on this if I am wrong. My truck does the same thing when it is cold. I have changed my fluid and filters several times and it never made a difference in the shift pattern.

 

Uh, Moe I really have no idea what you are saying..sorry.

Everyone else, thanks for the info. If the filters have never been replaced should I buy two sets of filters? Change filters, flush, then change filters again?

 

OK, I got the filters changed and OMG what a messy job. I had to take the truck to the local coin-op car wash and spray it off underneath.

The original filters were in place and everything looked good. I cleaned the magnet and all that and made sure there wasn't anything weird in the pan(nuts,bolts,seals etc.) but it was all good.

 

I changed the filters and fluid and now my transmission has a faint whine to it. It shifts fine. Yes the fluid level is good. And I used ATF+4 (full synthetic). Any ideas?

 

just a thought. alot of people don't know that you have to check the tranny fluid with the truck running.

 

Yep, running in Neutral..

 

whine could be from you spraying it down at the car wash. i am going to guess while you were there you sprayed the engine bay too.