hi, i want to change my tranmission filter and fluid but not a complete flush. i have a 2005 ram 1500 2wd, 5.7 hemi with the 545 tranny. is the fluid from the factory synthetic?? can i mix synthetic and conventional if its not? i guess in everyones opinion, what fluid should i use if im not doing a complete flush? thanks!

 

That transmission MUST use ATF+4 and NOTHING else. Their are ZERO other types of fluid that are approved for use in that transmission. If an auto parts store tells you otherwise they are either A, Misinformed or B, Lying to you.

ALL ATF+4 is synthetic. Their is no such thing as conventional ATF+4.

All brands of ATF+4 are the same. Only three companies are licensed to even produce it and no company is allowed to alter the ingredients or the mix, so buy the brand with the best price. So long as it says ATF+4 it is OK to use. Their is no such as thing as lesser or better quality ATF+4.

Your transmission has TWO filters, not one. One of the typical flat style filter, the other is a spin on style (like an oil filter). Make sure to replace them BOTH. Based on issues i have heard on other forums as well as here, do NOT buy aftermarket filters. Buy the OEM models right from Dodge. Make certain you get the new filter seal with the flat style filter and to remove the old one. Install the seal into the transmission and then install the filter. Do not put it on the filter and then push it in.

Their are a bunch of threads on trans filter and fludi changes on this forum. Do a search. Here is a good one: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...n-service.html

 

Also, another word of advice. That tranny is very sensitive to fluid levels. I had an issue myself with lag and odd shifting that was all caused by the fluid being less then a 1/4" low on the dipstick. Once i got it right to the full line, the problems went away.

Once you complete the service, drive the truck and get it up to operating temp. (A good twenty minute drive should be fine). Find a perfectly flat area and stop the truck, set the parking brake and move the shifter through each gear including reverse stopping for a few seconds in each gear. Then put it in neutral and go out and check the fluid level. Of course wipe the disptick first, then re-insert and then check it. It should be right at the hole for FULL HOT. If it's not right there, add fluid to get it to that level. Just go easy. If you over fill it getting the excess fluid out is a nightmare. You either have to drop the pan again or get a suction gun.

 

Just dropping the pan and changing the filters and refilling should be just fine. Any of the ATF brands on this page meets the requirements for chrysler transmissions. http://www.centerforqa.com/licensedatf4brands.html

 

Not trying to hijack this thread but has anyone else had trouble getting the filter seal out of the case? I don't want to get too aggressive and mess anything up but can't seem to get it out.

 

I just changed mine last weekend. It was a bit of a hassle to get the old seal out of its seat, and also a hassle to get the new seal seated properly. I used a right angled flat head screw driver to gently pull it out by going around and around. I used a socket with the flatter/wider end to tap the new one in.

 

Dont forget to add a drain pan bolt for future usage. Be careful torquing the bolts back in the pan and use these to get the o-ring seal out

 

Link to pic's when I did mine.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...ange-pics.html

Hope that helps

 

Seal puller

http://www.harborfreight.com/seal-puller-35556.html

 

That seal puller is more for rear and front seals on transmissions. IDK that you would have the room to hook and pull that small o-ring out with that.