I purchased my 2008 Ram 1500 about a week ago. I am having my mechanic look it over on Friday. Should I have him do a transmission oil change? I don't have any service records but I know the previous owner towed a lot with it. It was a lease so I am assuming the previous owener did not put too much time or money into it. Also, can someone explain the benefits of the transmission oil change? How often should it be done? I will not be towing much with the truck.

Thanks,
scampb

 

When it doubt, change it out.

Why should you change it? The same reason you change your engine oil and other wearable parts, because of moving mechanical parts and friction.

 

How often would you recommend it be changed? I didn't get an owners manual with it (who takes that out of their glove box).

 

every 30k

 

I change mine yearly but it tows 90% on its running time. Also get the tranny flush job done as they don't have filters anymore.

 

^^^ If you are changing it that often then I hope you added a drain plug in the pan by now....lol

 

Wait what? Since when dont trannys have filters?

I'd make sure you change the filter when you change trans fluid.

 

LOL.....I didnt catch that.

Yeah, the 545rfe has TWO internal and replaceable filters

 

Thanks for the info all. Is this something I should be able to tackle myself or is it best left for my mechanic? Shouldn't be too much more difficult than changing oil....me thinks!

 

This guy did a good DIY on the transmission fluid change.
http://www.60ateight.com/DodgeRam/