Cooler line transmission flush procedure?

[Rock_Hudstone]

I'm considering doing a cooler line trans flush on a 2000 Dodge Caravan I recently picked up. 113,000 miles, trans seems fine but the fluid looks old, could be original.

Dropping the pan only removes four out of nine qts. so more than half of the old fluid stays in there.

Anyway, where should cooler line be opened, at the radiator and then run it until the flow stops?

Also, why is ATF-4 so pricey, and no gallon jugs?

 

[tommygunn]

If you just got the van...you'd want to remove the pan anyways to change out that filter....cause yea....the trans filter is typically one of the neglected parts that most car-newbies forget about....I'd definitely just drop the pan, and top off with the correct grade fluid (should be ATF+4....since Chrystler, Dodge, Jeep, etc.....require ATF+4)....

I know I didn't answer your question.....but just a suggestion. The filter IMHO, is more important than the "old looking fluid"....then perhaps do a couple drain and fills, say every 6 months....you'll eventually replenish the additive.

I recommend changing out that filter before doing the flush though. Check youtube though.....there's videos on how to do it.

 

[Colt45ws]

Yup, pull the lines off the radiator, attach a length of hose from the lines to a bucket and start it. Kill it when it starts sputtering. If you want to change the filter, do it now because the pan will be empty so you will avoid the atf shower. Then you can refill and either run another round of ATF through it or seal it up; which ever you wish.

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Originally Posted By: tommygunn
If you just got the van...you'd want to remove the pan anyways to change out that filter....cause yea....the trans filter is typically one of the neglected parts that most car-newbies forget about. I know I didn't answer your question.....but just a suggestion. The filter IMHO, is more important than the "old looking fluid. I recommend changing out that filter before doing the flush though.


Oh yeah, I'm definetly replacing the filter as well, I simply wanted to get as much of the old fluid out as possible since these transmissions are not known for their durabilty.

I'm more familiar with GM vehicles that dump 7-8 qts. out of 12 just by removing the pan.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
Yup, pull the lines off the radiator, attach a length of hose from the lines to a bucket and start it. Kill it when it starts sputtering. If you want to change the filter, do it now because the pan will be empty so you will avoid the atf shower. Then you can refill and either run another round of ATF through it or seal it up; which ever you wish.


If I could add to that, I would suggest using a measurable container so you know exactly how much fluid to put back in.

Having said that, maybe go with a short interval and repeat before following the recommended interval.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Funny, I own a bunch of GM trucks and the most fluid we can get out with a pan drop is 5 quarts, mostly 4.

But a big X2 on dropping the pan and changing the filter first, then do the exchange.

Good luck.

 

[Donald]

Dropping the pan, changing the filter and refilling it with new ATF (and immediately do the flush without starting the engine first) will do the least mixing of new and old ATF which is what you want.

Consider a Magnefine inline filter.

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Funny, I own a bunch of GM trucks and the most fluid we can get out with a pan drop is 5 quarts, mostly 4.

Guess it depends on the vehicle. When I recently changed the fluid/filter on my moms 1999 3.1L Monte Carlo it took 7qts. to bring up to the full mark hot, exactly what the manual states.

My 1987 Olds 442 with the 200r-4 trans takes almost 8qts. on a filter change.

 

[mikered30]

Does using the line flush get the fluid out of the torque converter too?

 

[lexus114]

Originally Posted By: mikered30
Does using the line flush get the fluid out of the torque converter too?



Yeah I`m pretty sure it does.

 

[KrisZ]

It does but not all in one take. When I did the cooler line flush it took about a gallon before I could see bubbles in the line, the same amount as a drain. So I still had to refill with a gallon of fresh ATF to keep going.