When did they STOP changing the filter for a transmission? I was about to rip into them but with these new cars, I figure I had better get my facts straight first. It was on my Jeep but I'm about to get the truck done as well. The whole "when you flush it, it takes the particles out of the filter" thing has me flustered right now.
I know somebody knows.......

 

Most places just do a flush nowdays. Only takes a fraction of the time and they can still charge the big bucks. My question is this: Why put a removable, replaceable filter on a transmission if it isn't intended to be changed? I know I asked for mine to be changed on an 02 and was told it would cost me an additional $120 to go beyond the flush. That was from a dodge dealer too. Oh yea, a drain plug would be nice so we could do it ourselves! What a mess otherwise! There is also a magnet on the inside bottom of the pan that never gets cleaned if the pan doesn't get removed.
I don't get it either!

 

I guess you and I are the only two who actually change our transmission fluid

 

Nah..................... your not.

Check this out.
I think it's an excellent post.
Al.


Oop's...can anyone tell me how to post a pdf file with pictures on this board?
It won't allow me to upload a pdf file saying its an unsupported file etc.

Al.

 

Just copy and paste!

 

I changed mine about 2 months ago. I changed both filters and also installed my new PML pan that is 3qt. more than stock, and also has a a drain plug along with a temp sender port. It has been one of my best mods so far, since I have not had any problems, and the temp stays below 150°F, even towing a trailer. I haven't had it out on any trails yet, but hope to see how the temp does on the sand dunes.
As far as changing the fluid... I changed mine at 16,000 miles (because I wanted to install the new pan), and it was easy. There are 2 different filters inside. One looks like a engine oil filter, and the other is your typical flat style filter. Since I put the aftermarket pan on, it took about 11 quarts to fill it. The only things you have to be sure of, is to make sure you prefill the cylinder type filter first, and also make sure the mating surface of where the RTV goes, it totally dry, otherwise your almost garanteed a leak.

 

I am not a fan of doing it that way.
Filters are meant to be changed... Thats why they are removable.

BUT... the newer stuff with ATF+4 does not need to be flushed unless there is a mechanical problem.

 

yeah, but when there is a mechanical problem that means it's too late!
I think the filters are OK on the Jeep but I'm going to take the Dodge to an actual transmission shop instead of a quick lube and have them do it correctly since the truck sees more work as in towing. It just ticks me off I had to pay $70 for them to do 1/2 the job.

I'm liking that aftermarket pan idea....

 

If you haven't seen the website, check it out.

http://www.hemitruckclub.com/pmlmark.htm

http://www.yourcovers.com/

 

Heads up. you have to be careful about even the tranny shops because of the need to use ATF 4. This I think is a Mopar exclusive and as particular as Dodge tranny's are, I would say use only that. Also, ATF-4 is big bucks too.

DodgeDlr, I believe my book says 30K to service the tranny. That's a lot of hours of use and a back-flush of fluid won't clean the filters. ATF-4 is good stuff I agree, but it is all about the accumulation of metal which is either gathered by the magnet (which won't get cleaned, reducing it's usefullness) or embedded in the filter. Any other time those metal shavings are suspended in the fluid which yea, a flush will get most of that. Anyway, what I am trying to bable on about is that this tranny has 2 removeable changeable filters that when properly "serviced" "changed" will do the maximum to extend the life of a transmission. The main reasons this is not done is because
1. It is a bitch to get a good seal around the pan because when gravity takes its toll, it is almost impossible to get and keep ATF off the seal surface and lots come back leaking.
2. It takes a whole lot longer and is a whole lot messier to do the full service.

There is one advantage to a flush in that the fluid in the torque converter is also flushed out and changed which is hard to take care of removing the pan and draining and replacing the fluid. That is the only advantage I can see.
Best case senario, Dodge could make these filters accessible from the outside of the tranny to change, then flush the fluid. Job done completely that way.
Just my HO.
Pig