Hello and advice on service

I would first like to start out by saying hello to everyone! This is my first post so I am a newbie. I have been browsing through this site and I am glad to have such a great resource for my Dodge Ram.

I have a few service related questions, any advice given would be greatly appreciated. First off, I have a '97 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport with about 81k. It has the 360 engine with an automatic transmission and I bought it 4 and a half years ago with 45k on it. I need a transmission service done soon, I was searching the forums and saw some users do not recommend a transmission flush. Is a flush the only way to get all of the fluid changed as opposed to only 4 qts with a pan drop and filter change? I have not had any transmission trouble and I want to keep it that way.

Secondly, I am preparing to do a tune up, since the dealer offered to do it for $200 or something like that, I am going to do it myself. My only question is about the computer system. The dealer said it would cost $85 to hook it up to thier machine and "clear the parameters" which is included in their tune-ups. Is this neccessary? Would disconnecting the battery do the same thing without harming it?

Thanks in advance for all of our help!

James

yeah the pan drop with a new filter is good enough, just make sure that you only use mopar tranny fluid, its synthetic and is the best stuff for the tranny, little costly i know, but its worth it, and the tune up...yeah i wouldnt pay someone 200 bucks for new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and all that....and yes, clearing the parameters is where they just hook it up to a scan tool, and clear the computer, so if your service enigine soon light isnt even on, you just handed them 85 bucks for nothing...so just leavin the battery unhooked for a lil bit will do the same thing

on dodgetalk.com unhooking the battery is sugested to not be sued much. Some people ahve an opinion that it will harm the computer more than just reset it. when doing a tuen-up the computer will sense changes and adjust after awhile it may take a tank of fuel before it adjusts but it will. But I do agree 200 for a tuneup is a lot of money it is pretty easy to change everythign yourself. Especially compared to my last vehicle a blazer....
Good luck and welcome to the forum.

If you drop the pan and replace the filter and then flush with ATF4 and adjust bands as necessary then
you have a complete service and the dealer can also flush the trans cooler in the rad and the auxilary one also removes any restrictions for better flow and we can also monitor pressure required to flow through coolers this indicates if there is any type of blockage wich could be important indicates if anything may be deteriorating such as clutches or torque and will also keep trans
cooler if not restricted but yes flushing is good we flush every day at the Dealer and is recomended by
Dodge and service reps

Do the tune-up yourself as its not that difficult on this vehicle.I agree that "clearing the computer" is a money maker gimmick if you have no real problems. You can have the codes read/cleared for free at most good auto parts stores, Or get a cheap code reader that will also clear the codes and do it yourself.

Here's a simple, inexpensive one, but it still works good at reading /clearing codes on the OBDII '96 or newer veheicles:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46030


I guess sometimes, after clearing codes on the Dogdes, the engine light will remain on for a period of time until the computer sees no more popping up. I ran into this and the dealer told me just to drive around normally for a while and it would go away soon.


I heard alot of mixed reviews on the tranny flushes. Some say that's when all your tranny problems start since it can dislodge and push contamination around in your valving. Other's say its the only way to get the tranny really cleaned out. Personnally, I think a good tranny should be designed to last the life of the vehicle with basic fluid/filter change. Having said that, driving conditions, load, and environment have a lot to due with tranny life as well- hence the need for more or less frequent fluid changes. I've always gotton over 200K on all my veheicles just doing it myself.

Hey Guys, thanks for all of the great advice. I am going to try to tune-up the ol' boy this weekend! See ya around