So I changed tranny fluid today..I was really proud of myself to..Cleaned the pan painted it put it back on with no leaks!! Me and the GF were standing there drinking a cold one when she turns to me and ruined the mood..
So just how important is that little magnet that's suppose to be in the pan? I searched some threads and some say you need it others say not so much.. Would it hurt if I waited till next fluid change..

 

Obviously it would b better in there, I would run it for a while couple thousand or so .
Stick mag to bottom of pan may attract thru pan.

 

The two filter system works very well. The magnet is a good backup but you'll be fine without it.

 

Get a strong *** magnet and slap it on the bottom near where it went until next change imo. You can get some pretty strong neodymium magnets out of old hard drives.

 

Interesting that the magnet is removeable.
My older 4X4 trucks and jeeps with aluminum transfer cases had the magnet epoxied in to the pan.

I just bought the fluid and both filters for my 2000 Dakota 45rfe trans yesterday.
Total cost was:
$25.95 ATP B197 pan filter and gasket kit
$11.95 ATP B200 spin on filter
$39.54 6 quarts +4 ATF

So $77.44 for the whole trans service.

After reading this thread i realize i need to go back and buy a can of degreaser solvent to clean the trans pan.

Will clean under that magnet too and sure hope I remember to replace it now!

 

Just make sure you put it where you won't forget....Also watch out for the tranny fluid bath!!! LOL it sucks

 

You are not kidding about an ATF Bath.
I've done auto tranny services before but this 45rfe trans is still draining fluid.
Already went out to bid a job, released a possum back into the creek (was stuck in the toolshed), and drank a six pack.
Now i need to go get another six pack but can't take the truck...

Should have sent the possum for more beer.

 

concur on the atf bath, the flat filter plugs directly into the transmission pump so you get endless drip of fluid. Also makes it hard to get a good RTF seal. I've had good luck using a gasket.

 

Guess what i almost did right after posting to this thread?

Yea, I almost left the dang magnet out too!
I had cleaned off the magnet, then stuck the magnet to the tailgate while i cleaned out the pan..
When i swapped the filters out I just started putting the pan back on.
Already had the pan up and half the bolts in when I realized the magnet was still stuck to the tailgate!
Took the pan back down a popped it in there.

It is really easy to forget the magnet.

 

LOL yes it is