getting to do first trans service on my 99 1500 automatic. have heard atf +3 and atf +4. what is the correct fluid to use, and how much does it hold. also anything to watch for in changing filter ie springs or anything falling out when pan is removed for filter change?

 

follow this. except just change fluid and filter, leave the bands alone.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/trans.php

atf+3 is replaced by atf+4, which is now available at most walmarts and autozone. its synthetic, its expensive, about 4.50 - 5.00/qt. it takes about 6 qts to fill it back up. if your going to keep the truck put a drain plug in the pan to make it easier next time, about $5 at local auto parts, requires 1/2in drill bit. there is magnet in the bottom of the pan that is supposed to be there - don't lose it.

its a messy job, make sure trans is cold. tip. trans fluid level is above the gasket, so as you loosen the bolts it will probably start leaking all around the trans pan. loosen the bolts but don't remove them. if its not pouring out tap the pan with a rubber hammer to break the seal. use a BIG pan and let it drain down to the top of the pan. about 1 to 2 qts will drain out. now slide a floor jack under the pan and put just a tiny bit of pressure on it, remove pan bolts. now you need about 4 hands, balance FULL trans pan on jack (its very heavy) and lower jack, then tip the trans pan over into the drain pan. when you finish this you will realize why you want a drain plug next time. when you remove the old filter have the pan under it, as it will dump another column of oil out. filter screws are torx, about #20 or 25. nothing should fall out. wash the pan out real good with brake cleaner. note what is in the bottom around the magnet, some sludge is normal, so clean it out good. pieces of metal, or bands, or clutches are not normal. if you have anything bad like that, save it for the transmission shop to look at.

after you refill the trans, crank it up and make sure its not leaking, then shift to neutral and let it idle for a little while. it doesn't pump up the tc while in park, so after it runs in neutral for while it will need another 1-2 qts of fluid. dip stick doesn't lie when it says - check hot and in gear.

if your truck is 4wd, the transfer case is drained and refilled w/ about 1 qt (i think) of trans fluid. it has nice plugs, no filter.

 

dh, how often do you change your ATF fluid? I want to do mine coming this week, bought 6 qts Mopar fluid, and will probably get 2 more of the castrol or advance kind to top it off with. I'll do the drain plug thing if it's an easy shot to get too. I'll probably figure it once I drop it. Would a Racing jack hold up the pan? I don't think you need to jack the truck up for this unless your a bigger guy.

 

Why would you mix fluid? I'd go get more Mopar ATF+4. BTW I let mine sit for hours with the pan off but it took around 9 quarts to fill up.

 

Well everything Castrol that I've used was fine. I'm going that way to save money basically, but also I'll be putting some of the Lucas in there.

 

If you are going to use Castrol why not use all Castrol? I wouldn't mix two types of fluid together. If I infact had two types mixxed together being me I'd drain it out and change it. I'd go with all Mopar brand. It's not that expensive especially when compared to a new transmission.

 

I do realize your point, and I just may go get 2 more qts of Mopar, all I'm saying is if it's ATF +4, then I'm going to believe that it'll be fine.

 

Yeah it may be fine but I wouldn't mix two brands. I'd run all of one or the other. I just believe in paying a little extra for the Mopar brand but if you want to run the other brand it will hopefully be okay I'd just run only that brand.

 

old post going around for a second trip.... no problem...
i change transmission fluid about once a year. that's probably overkill but as long as i avoid a rebuild i tell myself i'm saving money. this past fall i just drained the fluid using my handy dandy drain plug and changed my external filter but did not drop the pan. this fall i'll drop the pan and do it right. i use the valvoline atf+4. i also like to change the diff fluids about every 1-2 years, more often if i'm driving in deep water as my front tends to suck in a little water (milky white fluid)

 

I get what your saying, especially concerning these transmissions, but let's say your loosing ATF and you need a qt just to get you home, well are you going to specifically chance it to get Mopar +4 or get what you can to stay mobil? I had to get mobil at the time I arrived up here because it was all that was there at the gas station. Running a dry tranny is wayyyy worse then running the wrong fluid. I'll see where my money's at to get the two more qt's at wal mart.