'99 Passport trans filter change

Just completed the test drive after changing the filter and fluid this morning. I used a Pioneer Automotive Products filter kit from Advance Auto (web site order only, PN 745079). I picked this one because they claim to use OEM filter media, it was a pretty good price, and has a silicone rubber gasket. I refilled with Valvoline Max Life because it was cheap and easy to get. And because we have 90,000 miles on it, there are the beginnings of leaks and this stuff is supposed to help "revive" the seals.

First off, I should have done most of the work (except resetting the fluid level) on ramps or jack stands. It would have saved a LOT of time wiggling around on the floor.

Second, there are two fasteners at the back of the pan that are not quite as easy to get to as one would like. The right one was a big pain because the trans crossmember is too near to the pan lip to get a straight shot. I finally got it with a frankenstein setup of flex-handle ratchet, short extension, universal joint, short extension, short socket. Going back together, the pan sat back so there was even less room for the ratchet setup until I prised the pan forward again.

Third, filling was a pain. God forbid, they put the fill plug in the side of the pan. Oh well, I rigged up a pump that screws onto the fluid bottle with a hose on the end long enough to snake up in to the pan. It took about 6 1/2 quarts going by the service manual's procedure.

The filter appears well made, identical to original. The gasket also is nice. The screw holes are undersized. You can lay the gasket on the pan, push in the screws, and install the pan without the screws falling out. Heat from operating the vehicle is supposed to fully cure the gasket material for a better seal. We shall see about all of their claims.

Tomorrow, I will check the pan screws again and then recheck the fluid level. Hopefully, I can forget about the trans for a few years now.

Ahhhh. Brings back memories. Only 7K before I do mine again!

how did the old filter look?

how did the old filter look?

I did not open it up but, looking into the opening, it was MUCH darker than the new one. I have never changed the fluid, let alone the filter in the 89,987 miles it had before the work today.

The fluid and swarf I cleaned from the pan and magnet smelled hot/burned somewhat. It was obviously "time" to do it all.

The first drive was an easy one, just about ten miles. At first glance, it does shift more smoothly; we'll see in the days ahead if that is reality or just in my head.

cool, thanks for the reply. Don't forget to check the level of ATF a few more times. Definately want that as close to perfect as possible.

marc

The pan fasteners were good, no runs, no drips, no errors, and the level was perfect. I'll check everything again in a month or so for giggles.

Next problem to solve is the hard starting. That'll have to be a different thread.

I've had the hard starting since I bought my Rodeo over two years ago. It comes and goes, so I live with it. Can't seem to pinpoint the problem, so hopefully it doesn't get worse.

marc

I feel your pain. I did mine a little over a week ago. I used a 10mmm racheting wrench on the 2 hard to reach bolts. You have to come at them from a 45 degree angle around the crossmember. The PITA was reattaching the pan.

My filter was covered with sludge and metal shavings. I couldn't even see the magnet. I even did 2 more drain/refills, but the tranny keeps slipping. I'm taking it to a local rebuilder to get a diagnosis.

Pharm Rodeo - FWIW, I don't know if I would *rebuild* the 4L30-E transmission, they typically only last a year to 2yrs by doing a rebuild. Your best bet is to look for a low mileaged used one, many people that have done rebuilds find themselves in the same boat within a year.

It's the design of the transmission that doesn't allow the rebuild to hold very well.

The main reason I am going with a rebuild is b/c this shop is offering a full 3 yr/36,000 warranty. That's actually better than most shops that want to swap out. It just seems almost impossible to find a reputable tranny shop. I've looked into so many shops my head is going to explode. Unfortunately, I have to bite the bullet and get this issue resolved.

FWIW, I personally believe that ppl who get this tranny rebuilt still continue to neglect it. I guess ppl assume that once it's rebuilt it never needs to be serviced. If I spent 2k on rebuilding a tranny you better believe I'll checking that fluid level every other oil change. I'm just paranoid..lol.

I'm just paranoid..lol.

TRUST me, you're not the only one! I just changed out a perfectly good OEM radiator from what I can tell, just because I felt going on 10yrs was too long for it. Still looks to be in REALLY decent internal/external shape. Figured with all the dirt roads, muddy river beds, sandy beaches this trucks been on and through that the lower part of the radiator, if anything, would be dented up and such. Gonna keep it around a while, just incase.

You're probably right about the neglect on the rebuilds - course you never hear of people admit that part :disappoin

Good luck to you - keep us posted, eh?

One issue that has now been solved is the sluggish engagement after sitting a while. It was starting to take a second or two to actually engage if the vehicle sat more than a day and a half. There are no leaks just dampness so that is why I suspected the filter. I just drove the car after letting it sit for almost two whole days with no hint of this now.

The trans also shifts smoother now. I thought it was smoother immediately after the change and I am certain of it now.

I will check back in on the thread in a month or so with an update.

Just an update to say that the filter and fluid change has made a great difference. The "lag" in engagement (read back) was gone immediately (noticeable right away). But the shift quality has also been improved greatly. I really noticed this yesteday during a long drive. The shifts now happen more quickly and are smoother as well. If you have not yet, and your mileage is nearing 80,000 or more, CHANGE THAT FILTER!

Edit: Oh yeah, I would highly recommend the Pioneer Automotive Products filter kit from Advance Auto (web site order only, PN 745079). I repaired two broken/loose exhaust heat shields yesterday and took a good look at the pan again. Absotively, posilutely dry.

Good to know. every time i change mine (every 10,000 miles ,i know i'm paranoid) my shifts get very much better. it makes a big difference and i can feel it!. i have not changed my filter yet but i will do it soon.

woowagon is the filter a screen, like another auto i own or is it fabric like?:dunno:

thanks mike

Here is a link to Advance Auto's page for the filter:

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=PIO&mfrpartnumber=745079&parttype=1158&ptset=A

If this link works, you'll see the filter is a plastic case with a oval shaped "pickup tube". The filter media is a fabric that looks somewhat like felt.

Looks OEM stylz.

Looks OEM stylz.

Because it is. As identical as it can be. It just isn't OEM cost. Local stealer wanted $75. I got mine shipped to my house for about $40.

cool i see the need to change it now,being a fabric like filter. they catch alot more stuff than screens, slowing the flow way down when partially clogged.

First time I swapped it all out - Pep Boys.
Second time - Advance
Next time - Advance again, I guess!

So last week I ordered the Pioneer Products tranny filter kit from advance auto parts online.......only to be told they are out and have a "supply problem" but they would be happy to replace it with the Fram product. I called their customer service and was told that they didn't anticipate getting any more Pioneer Products kits. So I can either use the Fram or try to find the Pioneer kit somwhere else. Anybody know anyplace else that might sell the Pioneer kit? If not, thoughts on Fram or other brands?

-Justin

That is a bummer! One of the reasons I got the Pioneer kit was the silicone gasket. At both Advance Auto and Auto Zone, we're talking brick stores, the kits had cork gaskets for the pan. I can't stand cork gaskets, personally. I don't know what the FRAM filter kit's gasket is made of.

But, if the trans filter is anything like their oil filters, I won't buy one. I used to cut my filters open and FRAMs are (were?) pretty cheaply made. Maybe theirs is fine and everyone else overbuilds theirs but I just never got a good feeling from FRAM oil filters.

So last week I ordered the Pioneer Products tranny filter kit from advance auto parts online.......only to be told they are out and have a "supply problem" but they would be happy to replace it with the Fram product. I called their customer service and was told that they didn't anticipate getting any more Pioneer Products kits. So I can either use the Fram or try to find the Pioneer kit somwhere else. Anybody know anyplace else that might sell the Pioneer kit? If not, thoughts on Fram or other brands?

-Justin

I bought mine at O'Reilly Auto Parts. They list pt# 745079 for $27.99

One of the reasons I got the Pioneer kit was the silicone gasket. I can't stand cork gasket, personally. I don't know what the FRAM filter kit's gasket is made of.

The FRAM transmission filter kit's gasket is cork.

But, if the trans filter is anything like their oil filters, I won't buy one.

Exactly what I was thinking, glad to have a second opinion.


Also, Tom01Rodeo, thanks for the tip about getting a pioneer products kit at O'Reilly. Hopefully they will start providing online ordering soon because I live in the Pittsburgh, PA area and we don't have an O'Reilly's around here. Too bad I don't still live in NC. I guess I'll be using the FRAM kit and waiting until I have an opportunity to buy one from O'Reilly. I'm betting that clean fluid and an average filter with a less than optimal gasket is better for my transmission than fluid that is 85k old and I'm betting has never been changed (I'm the second owner).

It can be ordered online from partsAmerica.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductList.aspx?parttype=1158&searchfor=Transmission+Filter+Kit&mfrcode=PIO&ptset=A

It can be ordered online from partsAmerica.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductList.aspx?parttype=1158&searchfor=Transmission+Filter+Kit&mfrcode=PIO&ptset=A

You can order it, that's for sure, but they won't ship it to you because they don't have it. (I know because I called them after they told me my order was being substituted) When you order online from Advance Auto, they actually forward you to the partsAmerica site. This is actually where I tried to order it from in the first place, and probably also where Woowagon got it before they ran out. The item shows up in their inventory, but they in fact do not have it in stock and will substitute for it if you try to order it. I also tried ordering sway bar bushings from partsAmerica and they no longer stock those either, despite them being listed. I think their website is a bit behind in terms of being up to date on what they actually have in stock.

Hope that didn't come off as unfriendly. I do appreciate the tip anthonyn.

Here is a local tranny parts shop that you can order from. Just call them up and tell'm what you need.

http://www.areds.com/

Almost a month since the last update. The usual mix of driving and it is still dry and shifts great.

Just another update while I'm on the forums for other issues:

Trans pan gasket still dry as a bone and shifts are still perfect.