Changing Tranny Fluid

[Scott K]

Doing it with a bucket, the tranny pump makes the exchange as well, doesnt it?

I have used these machines, and done it with a bucket. The machine is great for closed systems, it is also nice that it puts in the same amount that came out, but what if it is under or over filled to begin with? The tech still needs to check and top off or drain out to get it to spec. The time saved using the machine, is lossed hooking up the machine.

I am a tranny tech, and I have worked with a couple of the best tranny techs, it was our opinions that these machines were nothing more then a fill bucket and a drain bucket enclosed in a $4000 box. Again, just our opinions.

[Scott K]

I want to add a couple other things. I am by no means saying doing it with a bucket is better, I was just saying it was just as good.

One more thing, the sale price on them tranny flushes at your shop is a good deal. Espeacially with all the fluid types you stated.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Its a very good deal!

[WingDing2]

Well now you tell me! I have heard so many people tell me these "machines" can cause Tranny suiside on higher mileage transmissions, Is this true guys? I had a 100,00 on my truck before I changed the fluid & filter, My bad! but I really never exspected to have to keep driving it. I only changed the filter and 6 quarts for now. I would like to flush it. This truck does have the 4L80E Tranny. The Chev dealer want $160 to flush, I'm not that stupid.

[michaelpettersen82]

It is not a good idea IMHO to exchange the fluid on a higher mileage vehicle, 100k is about the highest miles I would recomend changing the Fluid and filter, so many people think that a Trans. fluid exchange is a miracle fix, it is PREVENTIVE MAINTNANCE not a miracle trans fix. I would never use a power flush machine(the difference being a power flush machine does not work with your trans pump, it has its own pressure pump and may overpressurize the system possibly blowing seals) Anything over 100k miles I would only change the filter and replace the 4-7 qts. of fluid lossed during the dropping of the pan. Most people that have problems with the trans fluid exchange("trans. suicide") are already having issues with the trans. before they flush it, and are completely wasting there money trying to fix it with a fluid exchange. They are better off going to a good tranny tech and paying to have the trans inspected.

[Gus]

Do you change your own oil? Since you already changed the filter I would just drain the tranny pan of it's 4-6qts and replace with fresh on your next couple oil changes. After that just do it every other oil change and be done with it.

[Mid-Lake Rock]

There is a lot of info in this post that I'm trying to digest. I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota V8. I had the tranny flushed at 30K, 60K and filter/fluid changed at 90K. I'm at 125K. Should I have the filter changed and fluid replaced after dropping the pan, or another type of service? Looking for opinions. Thanks.

[Scott K]

I would think you would be ok with just a flush, since you had a new filter just 30k ago.

[WingDing2]

I would think from everything Ive heard/read is to just drop the pan and refill at this point. I'm not a tech like alot of the guys on here but I would be cautious using the "pressure flush" with a higher mileage tranny?

[michaelpettersen82]

As long as you use a trans. fluid exchange machine or the "Old School" way of exchanging the fluid you should be fine, I would not use a Power flush machine. Personally I would not worry about changing the filter either.

[DTro]

So what is the concensus about dropping pan and mixing synthetic with dino fluid?

[Scott K]

So what is the concensus about dropping pan and mixing synthetic with dino fluid?

I wouldnt switch, I would put what is called for in the owners manual. But if you do switch, I would flush it out and put all synthetic in it, but the way I look at it, if the manufacturer thought it would benifit that tranny by having synthetic in it, they would have put it in it.

[DTro]

OK thanks

plus it's probably cheaper

[Jeremy airjer W]

So what is the concensus about dropping pan and mixing synthetic with dino fluid?

DTRO, If your talking about Toyota's than there are not many options for the newer transmissions that are approved by Toyota!

[DTro]

Cool, I might be picking your brain in a couple of months when the fluid is warm enough to drain

[Jeremy airjer W]

Make sure you have a dipstic before you pull the drain plug!!!

[DTro]

Yeah I do, it's not a sealed system

However speaking of dipsticks Airjer, you ever run into stuck oil dipsticks on them Yotas. Mine won't budge and I don't want to force it.

[Jeremy airjer W]

However speaking of dipsticks Airjer,

I resemble that!

4runner? Its stuck because you never checked it because you never needed to! Typically the rubber oring has fused itself to the tube. Or the tube has rusted up really bad. Twisting and pulling within reason is all it usually takes to get them to break free.

[DTro]

bad hijack on my part sorry

the dipstick spins, but won't pull out (yes it's from lack of use). I'll try some penetrating oil or something I guess thanks

[WingDing2]

dtro, do you get paid to do this alllll day long????