I know that many here will change the factory-fill motor oil after about 2K miles. Should the transmission fluid be changed for the same reason (initial wear metals and contaminates)? It is too late for that for me. I currently have 42K on my Grand Caravan. I do some towing (camper). At what mileage should I change it?
Changing tranny fluid?
- Thread starter otis24
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OH, man, you just missed it. Should have been changed at 40,000. Now, your transmission is doomed. Ha! Actually, I have no idea about Chrysler transmissions. I drain/fill my Subaru's at 15,000 the first time, then, I'll probably move to every 20-30K miles. Interesting (maybe) is that the one that was most city miles had much more sparkly-metallic bits, and it was a darker color.
I change the transmission fluid in all my cars at an approximately 30K interval.
Every couple of years for normal use.
I think that you are due for fresh transmission fluid.
I think that you are due for fresh transmission fluid.
I would actually say that you are way overdue. It should have been done at approx 30k. Couple that with the fact that you do some camper towing and I would say every 20k miles.
My Subaru has a "no change recomendation" for normal driving. My old habit dies hard so I do a first pan drain at ~15,000 and then every 30,000 thereafter. I only do a pan drain/refill so I get ~ 40% each time. I'm not a believer in AT flushes unless you have burnt fluid or other issues.
You need to have the pan dropped & filter changed and then have the trans flushed to get all the oil fluid out. I have had 2 of those and if you don't change them often it will be trans time around 80k. 42k is way too long. I would recommend 25k if you tow anything.
I agree with this one.....
I am using the Mopar ATF +4, which I understand to be a synthetic fluid. I also have a transmission cooler installed. Does this change the interval?
No aftermarket filter?
Only a used oil analysis can tell you to change the interval. Since ATF flushes aren't too expensive, flush intervals should be kept
A pan drop isn't a flush and should be performed twice as often. Install a drainplug for quick/easy ~15k ATF partial drain/refills.
Only a used oil analysis can tell you to change the interval. Since ATF flushes aren't too expensive, flush intervals should be kept
A pan drop isn't a flush and should be performed twice as often. Install a drainplug for quick/easy ~15k ATF partial drain/refills.
You didn't say what year Caravan you have, but, the current generation transmission is suppossed(?) to have the transmission problems fixed. I haven't read of any premature failures at Allpar.com so far. Time will tell if they moved beyond the band-aid repairs..
You can't change the past, so no need worrying about the doomsayers here.
In your favor, the after market cooler should be a plus since heat is a major enemy of transmissions/fluid.
And....the severe service schedule for DCX says to change the fluid and filter at 60,000. So, change it now and feel good that you are still ahead of the game.
At normal sevice schedules , DCX says the fluid is lifetime fill (we all know different here). But, it is indicative that the +4 might be a robust fluid.
Also, I believe most here will agree that a "flush" is really just a total fluid exchange and not the harsh chemical flushes used to attempt fixing a badly neglected transmission.
My vote is for 20 to 30K changes depending on how severe your operating conditions are.
You can't change the past, so no need worrying about the doomsayers here.
In your favor, the after market cooler should be a plus since heat is a major enemy of transmissions/fluid.
And....the severe service schedule for DCX says to change the fluid and filter at 60,000. So, change it now and feel good that you are still ahead of the game.
At normal sevice schedules , DCX says the fluid is lifetime fill (we all know different here). But, it is indicative that the +4 might be a robust fluid.
Also, I believe most here will agree that a "flush" is really just a total fluid exchange and not the harsh chemical flushes used to attempt fixing a badly neglected transmission.
My vote is for 20 to 30K changes depending on how severe your operating conditions are.
The Genuine Mopar ATF+4 is a semi synthetic, but I since Chrysler licensed the spec out, there are a couple of manufacturers making a full synthetic version. My 04 Neon is getting Valvoline ATF+4 Full Synthetic this weekend and the better half's PT Cruiser is getting the same in a few weeks. Both have a transmission cooler installed, but I agree with the previous posts that 25-30k is about right with your application...
The worst thing that happens when you change your oil is the oil is cleaner. Yes it is too late to change the oil when the car has 2,000 miles, there is a benefit getting the breakin and assembly crud out.change your oil.
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