Dodge Ram 87,000 miles - unknown service history

[nanne1]

Should I have a transmission service and flush out the old ATF. Or should I leave it alone? I have no idea whether the previous owner did regular auto transmission services on this truck.

I've often heard that if it hasn't been done on an older mileage vehicle, that doing the flush can cause problems shortly thereafter. Looking for opinions.

 

[SLCraig]

Well, as far as I'm concerned, that is really not a lot of miles. I would just do a drain and refill with some quality fluid that meets spec, and sleep easy.

 

[unDummy]

Flushes never caused any problems.

Have the ATF exchanged. Don't let the shop use ANY solvent cleaners or ATF treatments/additives.

Since its a Dodge, stick with ATF+4.

Might be better off just pulling the pan, changing the filter, cleaning any pan magnets, installing a drain plug kit, and refilling it. With the drain plug, you can service the ATF whenever you want without being forced to go to a shop.

 

[meangreen01]

What model yr, engine, trans?

For the first change I'd drop the pan and repalce the filter(s).
If you've got the 545RFE trans behind a 4.7 or hemi it has 2 filters. Refill with ATF+4.

Repeat every 15-30k miles and that'll keep the fluid fresh.

I added a drain plug to make it easier and less messy.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: unDummy
Flushes never caused any problems.

Have the ATF exchanged. Don't let the shop use ANY solvent cleaners or ATF treatments/additives.

Since its a Dodge, stick with ATF+4.

Might be better off just pulling the pan, changing the filter, cleaning any pan magnets, installing a drain plug kit, and refilling it. With the drain plug, you can service the ATF whenever you want without being forced to go to a shop.

Good idea.
I have Mityvac to do oil change for E430, and I also use Mityvac to vacuum ATF fluid via dipstick tube once every other year. I also use it to exchange Power Steering fluid and Brake fluid.