What's involved in changing the transmission fluid? Are there any filters that need to be changed? Is there just a drain plug or a cover & gasket that needs to be removed? I hear that these transmissions have problems and I guess it would be wise to change the fluid more often. (Only 51Km so far)

Thanks,

Mark

IMO-
I think servicing the transmission is bad luck. Every transmission I have had trouble with has started AFTER a transmission service. I haven't had many problems, but they've been varied as far as makes/models/mileage.

Typical Auto-Tranny service includes removing the pan (typically there is not a drain plug) this can be quite messy. Remove the filter, they usually just pull out. make sure all of the old pan to tranny gasket comes off (if not scrape off). Insert new filter, place new gasket on and re-install the pan. If you are wise (I'm not always) you will use a torque wrench to replace the bolts, remember, aluminum is a soft metal. Replace with proper type/amount of tranny fluid (read the manual).

Did I miss anything?

I've owned more manual cars than auto's, and have done about 3-4 autos without any problems. Get the Haynes/Chilton manual for reference, it is not a tough job, but, can be messy.

SN95GT50

Thanks for the replies. I'm a little concerned about the negative talk about these transmissions. I thought it would be wise to change the fluid more often to keep it as clean as possible to hopefully prevent problems with the transmission.

Thanks,
Mark

Reuse the pan gasket.It is a reusable gasket

I think 20 lbs torque is all you need on the pan bolts. I change my ATF with each oil change. I had an AT Teacher at the local commuity college who recommeded installing a drain plug. All of my teachers stated that you change the fluids and oils on schedule or before. They belive it and since they see all the problems I believe them.

RE:Kali8

You have problems after you change the fluid in a transmission because old fluid, ie. fluid past its service date forms a glaze on transmission parts, this adds to the width of these parts. When the new fluid is added it has detergents that cleans this glazing off, messing up the tolerance on these parts causing problems.

FIX.......Change your fluid on time, or early if your driving conditions qualify.

J. Franciamore
www.Transmissionkingsa.com

I'm gonna chance it and do one on my 02 Silhouette I just purchased. Drop pan, change fluid & filter.

I did one on my ol' 98TS. It was about 7 years old when I did the tranny filter/fluid. I bought used from a small car dealer, there was no records of any previous work done. I think it was a good decision to do it because I never had a problem with it.. Still don't even tho I retired the van in the barn now.

Now before that van I had a 1992 Plymouth Voyager and about three or four years into ownership from buying used I noticed a little shudder when getting the highway so I took her into the garage for tranny service.. cost 125CDN a week later I now only had 1st & 2nd gear and I drove it like that for almost two years before the engine bit the big one.


Now I never did buy another Dodge did I now !

Cheers
Wayne.