96 Caravan 3.0L - Transmission Oil Change

[96caravan]

Regarding changing the Transmission fluid, I've been told by different dealers that removing the pan is the best way to change the oil, while other claim that simply going to one of those "quick lube" places does the same job for half of the price.
There seems to be the same arguement about which method really gives you the best bang for your buck. In other words, the people that want to drop the pan claim that the filter change is the most important, while the others claim that simply dropping the pan does not get rid of the majority of the oil and there method of circulating new oil through the system does the best job.

What do you recommend????

And what should I expect as a cost?

Thanks

[manaboo]

96C...
I just replaced my trans fluid last weekend. I had read on other boards that doing a flush could cause more harm than good, as the clean fluid is highly detergent. A total fluid swap could loosen enough 'varnish' that ends up lurking in corners to plug up the valve body. I did the drop the pan method, which on my van (98 3.3V6) and it only took a little more than an hour...of course might as well change the filter, that takes <30 seconds because it just clips in. Sealed it with copper Permatex and a can of brake cleaner to clean the pan. The manual states to put in 4 quarts of ATF (Chrysler swill of course), but I had to put in just about 5 quarts before the foaming and lack of engagement went away.

Good luck!

manaboo

Originally Posted by 96caravan

Regarding changing the Transmission fluid, I've been told by different dealers that removing the pan is the best way to change the oil, while other claim that simply going to one of those "quick lube" places does the same job for half of the price.
There seems to be the same arguement about which method really gives you the best bang for your buck. In other words, the people that want to drop the pan claim that the filter change is the most important, while the others claim that simply dropping the pan does not get rid of the majority of the oil and there method of circulating new oil through the system does the best job.

What do you recommend????

And what should I expect as a cost?

Thanks