Transmission fluid change

[tiger862]

For reference 2018 Caravan. I seen an article the other day while I was idle at hospital, so I didn't get a link. They were stating that to get most out of transmission you should suck out dipstick tube, which you get 2 qts approximately out of transmission every oil change. I do 30k changes if fluid is not red, I know color doesn't matter. Pros and cons. I still think filter needs changing at some point.

 

[KGMtech]

Agreed on the eventual need of a filter change, but keeping the fluid rejuvenated will prolong the transmission's life and might slow down debris generation.

 

[JHZR2]

For reference 2018 Caravan. I seen an article the other day while I was idle at hospital, so I didn't get a link. They were stating that to get most out of transmission you should suck out dipstick tube, which you get 2 qts approximately out of transmission every oil change. I do 30k changes if fluid is not red, I know color doesn't matter. Pros and cons. I still think filter needs changing at some point.

That has generally been my process in every vehicle I own that has an AT. Knocking on wood I’ve never had an issue. Longevity is more than that of course, but fluid upkeep definitely helps to keep viscosity up (less of Ann issue these days I think) and junk out.

 

[BigCahuna]

Some vehicles trans filters can only be changed if you remove the trans from the vehicle. I'm not looking to spend a fortune to have that done on a routine service. I've had the fluid changed twice on my equinox, and it's just a drain and refill event. Just as a precautionary action, not due to problems with the trans. We will see if it was worth the money spent if a trans problem pops up in the future. 97,000 miles on the clock now.,,

 

[Sumboodie]

Filter isn't picking up much unless trans is on it's last legs.

 

[MaximumMini]

I bought a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan with 157,000 miles back in 2009.
First thing I did was change the transmission fluid completely.

Since then I drain and refill it every other year.
Drives and shifts like a champ.

 

[MaximumMini]

For reference 2018 Caravan. I seen an article the other day while I was idle at hospital, so I didn't get a link. They were stating that to get most out of transmission you should suck out dipstick tube, which you get 2 qts approximately out of transmission every oil change. I do 30k changes if fluid is not red, I know color doesn't matter. Pros and cons. I still think filter needs changing at some point.

Good habit.
Another similar good habit is to do the same with the power steering fluid

 

[repairman54]

I've taken several FWD trannies over 200k miles with regular 35k mile fluid changes. Last one was a '09 2.4 Malibu with the non-accessible filter from buying it used at 75k to selling it running fine at 220k miles with the OEM transmission. And right pedal was no stranger to the floor either.

 

[thescreensavers]

Of the few Magnefine filters I've opened up its usually just ferrous material on the magnets with virtually nothing on the filters. So id say it would be beneficial to clean up the magnets if they are accessible.

 

[JeffKeryk]

1st thing I did when I bought our beloved '01 Tundra was change all the fluids; I spilled-and-filled the trans. After a short time, I dropped the pan to service the filter. I am of the belief the 1st trans service is important as it removes break-in materials.

I do simple a simple spill-and-fill every 25K or whatever using MaxLife. In fact, I need to get out there as that trans ain't gonna service itself!