Tranny fluid replace

[netsirk522]

Yesterday I took my Rodeo to get the tranny flushed and fluid replaced since ( have 45k miles on it and haven't done it before. However, the shop said that I don't need it until around 100k miles according to their computer. I checked the owners manual and it says maintenance involved is just checking it for fluid leaks after every so many miles and that the fluid change is not necessary until 120k miles unless the car is driven under severe driving conditions.


The shop said they are only suggesting that I don't need it yet but they will do it tho if I think the car needs it. My question is do I really need to get this done? They're charging me $80 bucks btw and they have that machine to drain it totally and replace the fluid. thanks!

[amigo-2k]

Yes you need it.

Trasmission fluid hasn't changed much in the last 30 years. So why all or a sudden can a tranny go 120k without a change instead of 30K?

Its a marketing gimmic.

Most people who own cars have them for 3-6 years. So when they see that you only change the fluid at 120k, a light bulb goes off in their head that says, "Great! I won't even own this car that long! It is like, maintance free!"

80 bucks seems like a great deal (I pay 100 to my dealer to do it).

Good clean fluids are what keep cars/trucks running for a long time.

FYI: a new tranny costs 3500.00 ...

[netsirk522]

Ok I'll get it flushed. Is synthetic fluid recommended? What about the filter, do I need it replaced too? Thanks Ryan.

[amigo-2k]

you can just stick with normal dino fluid and plan on flushing it every 30k (and more frequently if you tow offen).

Folks here are saying 100-120k is a good time to change out the filter (you have to drop the tranny pan) as long as you keep up on your flushes. So if you flush at 45k and then at ~75k you can do the filter swap at about 105k.

[surferfletch]

I change as much fluid as I can drain every 15K, and drop the pan to change the filter and as much fluid as I can drain every 30K.