How big of a job is this? The dealer is now asking $189 which seems ludicrous given that they've done it in the past for me on "special" for $89. Normally, I would just wait for the next special, but I want it done before pulling my fifth wheel in a month. I'm fairly mechanical and would tackle it if it isn't a big job or one that requires special skills or tools.

 

I stopped by the dealer and was told the trans service now includes a complete fluid exchange using FLUSH MACHINE (his words). The cost for this is $189. I assumed the increase is justified by the additional fluid required (16qts). However, he then told me that the old style service (drop pan, change filter, refill ~5qts) was only $2 less. I don't know if a filter change was included in the flush. Since he didn't say so, my guess would be NO.

I did ask if they used an external pump or only the transmission's pump to move the fluid. He said, "both".

I know many of you do complete exchanges using the method described in this forum (5/8 tubing on the return line periodically stopping and refilling until fluid is clear). However, is there anyone who still believes the factory recommended (drop pan, filter change, refill only lost fluid) method is sufficient if done at the recommended intervals?

 

I swear I saw a memo from Chrysler recently where it said DO NOT use and kind of fluid flush or exchange service, I might be wrong though, I'm sure someone else knows.

 

If you have been doing the drop pan, change filter, add fluid on a regular basis, I would continue doing this. The "Flush Machine" does change all the fluid but you are still left with a dirty filter.

You can easily do the job yourself as long as you have a big catch pan or a drain plug in the pan. Dropping the pan can get messy if you are not careful. after the pan is down the rest is very easy and you only need basic hand tools for the whole job.

 

I get a total exchange done, mine with the hytech DD pan takes right around 24 quarts, thats $100 bucks at walmart just for the trany fluid, so add the filter and labour, think it took 18 quarts before DD pan, and its all synthetic so every 30k miles, I think thats not bad, I have done just the filter and drop the pan, takes about 6 quarts easy job, oh ya my guy also adjusts the bands every 30k miles, shifts great. I do this as I tow a 5th wheel trailer. only 12k lbs though.

 

OK. It depends on the definition of "regular". The truck has 58k and it was done once at 30k. I have only towed a handful of times with it. Mostly, it's a (expensive to feed) commuter vehicle.

 

I would do the drop pan and filter then. For a little piece of mind you could always drive another 10k miles after the filter change, and then have it flushed to get all the fluid changed. this way the filter is still clean (ish) and then go another 30k after that with the regular drop pan method.