Change oil or not?

[Idleswede]

Hello all,
I have a 01 Caravan SE with 120.000 miles. It runs excellent & transmission works great.
My question is, should I change the trans. fluid or leave it alone & if so which oil to use?
I've heard so many horror stories about transmissions braking down after oil changes so I'm a bit worried.
What are your experiences in this matter?
Thanks in advance for any input.

[mprtech]

Take it to a good dealer at 30,000 miles and have the fluid changed. The horror stories are written usually by people who attempt to do something they shouldn't.

[Idleswede]

I don't have 20.000 miles on it but 120.000

[GTP Dad]

I changed the fluid in my transmission at 127K went out 6k miles later. Chrysler says to change at 100K. If you decide to change it use only ATF+4 for Chrysler transmissions. Get a good filter that fits properly usually the ones from Chrysler are the best. Aftermarket don't seem to work very well. Other than that, I don't have any additional advice to offer.

[Mbriggs]

My 96 3.3l had 87k on mine when I had it drained(not flushed) and changed the filter. 5k later, the trans blew. BUT...at the time the filter was changed, the mech said that there was a lot of junk(some metal shavings) in the bottom of the pan. So, apparently, it was almost shot before I did the fluid/filter change. So this example isn't much help in your case.
Overall, with 4 chrysler vehicles, all blew tranny's between 80-90k. So either way, you're probably on borrowed time.
If you decide to, most recommendations are to drain, not powerflush.

Good luck!

[RIP]

My 2 cents - Got a 96GC with 151,000. I pump the fluid out once a year from the dip stick tube. I've changed the filter twice. Workin OK so far.