He said it's time for trans / xfer case/ diffy fluid replacements. I won't argue the mileage as I plan on doing that anyway at around 30K, but doing it myself and told him so.

Here is what he is saying:

"YOUR TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIALS REQUIRE FRICTION MODIFIER"

Ok so I have 3.55 gears and the 5 speed 545RFE transmission. As far as I know there is no need for that! With the 3.55 factory rear end it can't possibly have the LSD option can it? Has anyone heard of friction modifier in the tranny?

I think this guy is full of it but would like to somehow verify that.



09 1500 QC SLT 4x4 5.7 HEMI ~ 28,000 miles

 

No friction modifier in the transmission, definitely. ATF +4 already has a built in friction modifier to help reduce clutch chatter in Chrysler transmissions.

There aren't any factory LSD's available for the front differential that I'm aware of, and I believe LS is only available with 3.92 gears for the rear.

So nope, no friction modifier for you.

 

tell him to prove it to you, in black and white

 

I believe if you read the owners manual it says the fluids are to be checked, not replaced. Also the transmission is sealed the level is checked by the computer readings. due to this the fluids installed at the factor are synthetic and are suppose to have a life of 100,000 miles.

Kind of sounds like he is trying to get a commission check or something like that, you can always call chrysler.

 

????????

I don't know about you but i have a dip stick running to my tranny to check the fluid level.

 

Talked to the service manager at my local dodge dealer, he says no friction modifier for tranny's, or rearends with out LSD.

 

Easiest way is to follow the manual to the letter. If it says inspect, it means inspect, not "definitely replace."

We go a little above and beyond for most of our cars' service requirements...I know in our truck we use full synthetic but still change every 6K. I've been doing the changes myself. Our driving is a solid 75%+ highway.

I also use full synthetic in my G35 and go 5-6K miles, and I'm also 75%+ highway. Manual states I can go up to 5K miles with regular oil, so I figure 5K with full synthetic is pretty safe.

 

Dealerships make almost no profit from new vehicle sales, so they get it from used car sales and the service bays. I've experienced the same thing with a service manager for another brand of car I own. He basically told me any time spent "checking" something is going to get replaced to cover the labor cost. If I object, its implied I have put my 100K powertrain warranty at peril.

My 2010 Ram 1500 also has a tranny dipstick just off the passenger side of the engine block.

BTW, Mopar ATF+4 is a full synthetic fluid to begin with. No modifiers are needed.

 

Every oil change according to this fing sheet they attached to my Avengers receipt has something other than just and oil change, funny thing my owner manual says 6mos or 10000km's but this says 3mos 5000km. Also tire rotations , fuel injector service, peace of mind inspection. This is funny too, I had winter tires put on and an alignment done at a reputable shop in the area, then went to deal or the 19.99 alignment check, of course it was out and had to be aligned so charged 129 for 4 wheel alignment. When I showed them the receipt from the alignment shop that I had just driven from then said I could have hit a pot hole or something on the way or they used different specs. Funny the alignment shop provided a nice statement showing before, supposed to be and after basically. The dealership provided nothing, I called the Service Dept. when I got home I just assummed the extra paperwork was the alignment specs, no its a list of stuff that Chrysler says you have to do and it pretty much makes every oil change cost over a hundred bucks. I guess it is time to start going somewhere else to get me stuff done they are being jerks. I can get fuel injector service at a quick lube place, they change all fluids but they suck out the diffs. I don't like that. so I will get under and do that myself. I will use synthetic even though I don't have LSD on my truck. The Avenger, I will let the shop do it, front wheel drive. Dealer wants 189 for same service for fuel injector that the lube place charges 79. ? As long as you keep receipts, I find though at the dealer if you get their service they recommend and stuff they give you discounts on future things you get done, but is it worth it. I think I will go back to just warranty and stuff I don't know how to do or can get done other places.

 

I guess we are fortunate around here, two Dodge dealers to choose from and the one I used asked me to get my owners manual when I asked for my trans fluid changed at 35k along with the diff fluids since he said it should not need it yet. But I changed the oil last weekend and was checking it out while I was under removing oil plug and it looks like they used a siphon to get the fluid out of the front diff from this big rubber plug since the diff case cover and seal looked undisturbed.