Is Flushing Transmission neccessary?

[Ives1]

I have a 2005 Town & Country, with 33,000 miles.I took it in for service and they are telling me. I need to have my transmission flushed, my engine oil flushed and a fuel induction flush. Is all of this really neccessaary at 33,000 miles? Is any of it really neccassary? Thanks for any answers to my questions.

[vipergg]

Flushing is not neccesary they are trying to fleece you . If you want to have the fluid and filter changed as peace of mind thats ok , though even the severe schedule for tranny maintenance is now 60000 miles . Don't know what they are talking about with a oil flush , you change the oil as per schedule in owners manual , under normal service every 4000 miles should be fine unless you are driving thru dusty conditions all the time or do a lot of very short trips then 3000 miles . If the car is running fine you certainly don't need any fuel system cleaning , if you dump a good fuel system cleaner in the fuel tank after every oil change it is highly unlikely you will ever have a fuel system problem. I would leary of that dealer with what they are telling you...

[Stretch58]

In only my opinion, it would be a good idea to service the transmission(fluid,filter). I would not flush it yet. At 33k miles it should not need either an oil flush or induction system cleaning yet either. Oil and Filter changes regularly, in my case every 3k miles. In one of mine I did the induction system cleaning up around 90 K along with a trannie and brake fluid flush(a lot of bad stuff came out of the rear brake lines). Also changed the fuel pump(had a Buick strand me at 100k with a bad fuel pump), water pump and tensioner about 100k. Uses no oil and you can hardly hear the engine idle at 114k miles. I also change the serpentine belt about every 40k miles. Am going in this week to change sway bar bushings.
If I were you, I would find another garage, I tend to think you would get hosed there if anything ever needs fixing. I would have the transmission serviced at the dealer, so some generic fluid does not get put in your unit.

[355smallblock]

If You Look In Your Owners Manual You Will Find Your Voyager Has Atf+4 Which Is A Fully Synthetis Trans Fluid And Never Needs Flushed Regardless Of Color Or Smell

[Ives1]

Thanks a lot, Gentlemen. I was real suspicious when he started running all that stuff by me. Plus he even threw in that if I didn't get the tranny flush I would void my warranty. Again thanks a whole bunch. Ives

[Paul94Z28]

My 97 PGV has a 3.3 V6. It stopped going into gears when cold at around 100K miles. I changed the fluid with the good MOPAR stuff and filter and the problem went away completely.

I think it should be changed, but not at 33K.

They always want to scare you into having more work done.

[neon_rt]

On the last couple of Caravans I've had, I changed the fluid and filter at 30K then again at 100K miles. I've not had them flushed ever. Some people have reported big problems after a flush, so I have never ordered one. The Grand Caravan that I have now I got used and it had Dextron in it (and was slipping). I had the fluid/filter changed, drove about 500 miles, changed again and have not had any problem since. Ended up costing $150 or so for two changes but it worked out better than paying for a new transmission. Bought it with 85K miles, now have 150K miles on my "glass" transmission.

[GTP Dad]

A transmission flush will not hurt a low mileage transmission however, the question to ask is why would it need to be flushed at 33k miles. Second, the same would apply to an engine flush. I have seen engines go for 200k miles and have never been flushed simply due to the fact that the oil was changed on a regular basis. As was stated earlier, the place you took this vehicle for service is trying to scam you. If this is a dealership, you should report them to the Chrysler Corporation for deceptive repair practices. As for the fuel system use a bottle of high quality fuel injector cleaner every oil change and you shouldn't have any problems.

[RIP]

Not no, but, hell no! I whole heartedly agree with the moderator. Those bosos are out to get your money period! The only thing that needs flushing is them down the toilet! Report them.

I've got a 96GC 3.8 ltr with 191,000 miles. It's never had anything flushed. I change the oil every 4-5k miles, change the tranny fluid annually, and have never done anything to the fuel system including change the filter. It runs like I just drove it off the showroom floor. My former neighbor has a 2001 with 138k miles. Ditto! Please tell them what they can do with their flushes and don't be polite.

One thing I will give them is THEY HAVE BALLS!

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Ives1

I have a 2005 Town & Country, with 33,000 miles.I took it in for service and they are telling me. I need to have my transmission flushed, my engine oil flushed and a fuel induction flush. Is all of this really neccessaary at 33,000 miles? Is any of it really neccassary? Thanks for any answers to my questions.

They have some new flush macxhines they want you to help pay for.
And they have added you to there sucker list.
Look at your owners manual for service intervals.
Engine oil does not need flushed.
Transmission does not need flushed. Just fluid and filter change with the cry ATF+4 fluid.
Fuel system or injectors do not need flushed or cleaned.
Just check fuel filter.
In about 3 years or 50K you may need to have coolant flushed or serviced.
50-60K on transmission fluid and filter.
Find a good 5 star dealer that does not push that flush stuff or a good repair shop to take care of you.
And do not let them tell you tou have to have your car serviced at a dealer for warranty.
http://autopedia.com/html/HotLinks_LemonMM2.html
MT

[ktk3438]

I own a 1998 Caravan Sport.

You know, these vans are SO easy to drop the pan & change the filter & fluid. I think if you do that every 15k, you won't have to worry about the trans.

However I took it a couple steps up since thse things had some tranny isssues, and I did not want to take any chances. I had my fluid changed over to Redline Synthetic, and I also installed a small tranny cooler in the front grill. I still use the cooler on the radiator, but then it goes to the cooler I installed before it goes back to the trans.

I just change the 4 (or more) qts. of Redline by dropping the pan every year or 15k.

The angle these tranny pans are on is awsome, makes it a cake walk to do it!

Save yourself some money and do it yourself!

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ktk3438

I own a 1998 Caravan Sport.

You know, these vans are SO easy to drop the pan & change the filter & fluid. I think if you do that every 15k, you won't have to worry about the trans.

However I took it a couple steps up since thse things had some tranny isssues, and I did not want to take any chances. I had my fluid changed over to Redline Synthetic, and I also installed a small tranny cooler in the front grill. I still use the cooler on the radiator, but then it goes to the cooler I installed before it goes back to the trans.

I just change the 4 (or more) qts. of Redline by dropping the pan every year or 15k.

The angle these tranny pans are on is awsome, makes it a cake walk to do it!

Save yourself some money and do it yourself!

15K is a overkill but I do not see why it would hurt anything.
One of the thick rubber stiff reuseable pan gaskets would help on changing filter and fluid.
Cry says to only use only there ATF+4 cry transmission fluid in most of the newer automatic transmissions and has retofited some of the 95 up past years to it.
MT

[ktk3438]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

15K is a overkill but I do not see why it would hurt anything.
One of the thick rubber stiff reuseable pan gaskets would help on changing filter and fluid.
Cry says to only use only there ATF+4 cry transmission fluid in most of the newer automatic transmissions and has retofited some of the 95 up past years to it.
MT

15k is overkill? If I'm not mistaken does the owners manual recommend 15k intervals for fluid & filter change?

Also, even though cry says to use only ATF+4, the Redline version of that not only meets the requirements of that, but exceeds it by far.

The trannys on these things are typically good for 80K, but you can ask any trans expert and he'll tell you that a good trans cooler that can reduce the temp by as little as 20 deg. F will just about double the life of the trans (under normal driver habits) as well as using a good synthetic that can take the heat without breaking down. High temps are the biggest reason for trans failure next to infrequent fluid change intervals.

Fluid change intervals of 15k keep the fluid from varnishing the inside parts, which will cause many problems down the road. Waiting too long, and then flushing will cause trouble as well. It's important to keep up with it, how hard is it to change the fluid on these? I paid $15.00 for the gasket & filter, and 8/qt. for the Redline. For the lousy amount of money it costs me a year, I'm sure it will prolong the life of my trans. I've had 2 Caravans, and both have had trans issues, the first went at 87k, and the cry rebuild only lasted 50k. And once again with my newer van, it went at 85k. So this time I decided to do my homework before I have it rebuilt.

My source of information on trans maintenance comes from a very well known trans rebuilder, who actually advises Ford, GM & Chry on why they have failures. He also used to work for a well known trans rebuilder who to this day uses his patented methods of rebuilding.

He rebuilt mine, and after 60K and 3 years I have no issues. It's still early I know, but I'm following what he told me and so far so good.

Here's a description of the Redline C+ trans fluid:

Red Line Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluids are designed to provide excellent low-temperature shiftability and improved thermal stability. The products identified as Synthetic ATF, Synthetic D4 ATF, and Synthetic C+ ATF have better thermal stability and lower volatility characteristics than a petroleum ATF and provides a much lower viscosity at lower temperatures, providing much quicker shifting in cold weather. The balanced frictional characteristics provides smooth and consistent shifts for extended drain intervals. The superior stability compared to petroleum ATFs allows high-temperature operation without varnishing valves and clutches which leads to transmission failure.

C+ ATF Satisfies the performance requirements of Chrysler Types 7176 and ATF+4 (Type 9602), while providing 30% greater operating viscosity, 1/3 the evaporation of petroleum ATFs, and improved oxidation and sludge protection. Red Line C+ ATF provides the exact frictional characteristics required in the Type 7176 specification, providing proper shift feel and proper lockup torque converter operation. The use of an improper fluid could cause torque converter shudder or harsh shifting. Red Line C+ ATF also provides the best low-temperature shiftability in automatic transmissions allowing proper shifting at extremely low temperatures and will flow down to temperatures as low as -60°C. The improved wear protection makes C+ ATF the perfect automatic transmission or transaxle fluid for Chrysler vehicles.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ktk3438

15k is overkill? If I'm not mistaken does the owners manual recommend 15k intervals for fluid & filter change?

Also, even though cry says to use only ATF+4, the Redline version of that not only meets the requirements of that, but exceeds it by far.

The trannys on these things are typically good for 80K, but you can ask any trans expert and he'll tell you that a good trans cooler that can reduce the temp by as little as 20 deg. F will just about double the life of the trans (under normal driver habits) as well as using a good synthetic that can take the heat without breaking down. High temps are the biggest reason for trans failure next to infrequent fluid change intervals.

Fluid change intervals of 15k keep the fluid from varnishing the inside parts, which will cause many problems down the road. Waiting too long, and then flushing will cause trouble as well. It's important to keep up with it, how hard is it to change the fluid on these? I paid $15.00 for the gasket & filter, and 8/qt. for the Redline. For the lousy amount of money it costs me a year, I'm sure it will prolong the life of my trans. I've had 2 Caravans, and both have had trans issues, the first went at 87k, and the cry rebuild only lasted 50k. And once again with my newer van, it went at 85k. So this time I decided to do my homework before I have it rebuilt.

My source of information on trans maintenance comes from a very well known trans rebuilder, who actually advises Ford, GM & Chry on why they have failures. He also used to work for a well known trans rebuilder who to this day uses his patented methods of rebuilding.

He rebuilt mine, and after 60K and 3 years I have no issues. It's still early I know, but I'm following what he told me and so far so good.

Here's a description of the Redline C+ trans fluid:

Red Line Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluids are designed to provide excellent low-temperature shiftability and improved thermal stability. The products identified as Synthetic ATF, Synthetic D4 ATF, and Synthetic C+ ATF have better thermal stability and lower volatility characteristics than a petroleum ATF and provides a much lower viscosity at lower temperatures, providing much quicker shifting in cold weather. The balanced frictional characteristics provides smooth and consistent shifts for extended drain intervals. The superior stability compared to petroleum ATFs allows high-temperature operation without varnishing valves and clutches which leads to transmission failure.

C+ ATF Satisfies the performance requirements of Chrysler Types 7176 and ATF+4 (Type 9602), while providing 30% greater operating viscosity, 1/3 the evaporation of petroleum ATFs, and improved oxidation and sludge protection. Red Line C+ ATF provides the exact frictional characteristics required in the Type 7176 specification, providing proper shift feel and proper lockup torque converter operation. The use of an improper fluid could cause torque converter shudder or harsh shifting. Red Line C+ ATF also provides the best low-temperature shiftability in automatic transmissions allowing proper shifting at extremely low temperatures and will flow down to temperatures as low as -60°C. The improved wear protection makes C+ ATF the perfect automatic transmission or transaxle fluid for Chrysler vehicles.

The 15K service is only on servire service.
Regular service is 30K and 60K
Check your owners manual.
Your 98 came out with 7176 Transmission fluid but.
Cry is changing ships in the middle of the ocean on going from atf+3 to atf+4 trans fluid.
There is a TSB out on it. All newer trans have it already in them and they recommend changing and using it in a lot of the older ones to it.
TSB 21-004-04 transmissions March 16 -04
Your dealer should furnish you with a copy of it.
I think the ATF+4 is full synthetic fluid.
I have changed my personal town and country van 4 speed auto over to it and it did help improve the shifting.
I cannot say it will help all of them but keep it in mind and that is what cry recommends.
But cry has a patent on it and you may have to get it at the dealer.
It will mix with the atf+3 so you can just add it with a filter change or flush the trans out and put all atf+4 in. your choice.
MT
Also a new gasket out.

DATE: Sep. 03, 1999
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 21-05-99 DATED
MARCH 5, 1999 WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS
ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE ADDITIONAL PARTS AND
MODEL COVERAGE.


SUBJECT:
Reusable Automatic Transmission Oil Pan Gasket


OVERVIEW:
This bulletin announces availability and installation of a reusable
automatic transmission oil pan gasket.


MODELS:
1989 - 1995 (AA) Spirit/Acclaim/LeBaron Sedan
1989 - 1993 (AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon
**1989** - 1993 (AG) Daytona
**1989** - 1995 (AJ) LeBaron Coupe/LeBaron Convertible
**1989** - 1994 (AP) Shadow/Shadow Convertible/Sundance
1990 - 1991 (AQ) Chrysler Maserati TC
1989 - 1995 (AS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1990 - 1993 (AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1993 - 1995 (ES) Chrysler Voyager (European Market)
1995 - **2000** (FJ) Sebring/Avenger/Talon
1996 - **2000** (GS) Chrysler Voyager (European Market)
1995 - **2000** (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze
1996 - **2000** (JX) Sebring Convertible
**1993 - 2000 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/New Yorker/LHS/Vision/300M**
1996 - **2000** (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
**1995 - 2000 (PL) Neon**
**1997 - 2000 (PR) Prowler**


DISCUSSION:


A reusable silicone gasket has been developed to replace the RTV
method of sealing the automatic transmission oil pan. Due to more
frequent Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) change intervals and the
possibility of the fluid foaming if it comes in contact with uncured
RTV it is recommended that this gasket be used in all applications.


NOTE: THIS GASKET CAN BE REUSED UP TO THREE (3) TIMES.


PARTS REQUIRED:


**1 05011113AA Gasket, Transmission Oil Pan, 31TH**
**1 05011114AA Gasket, Transmission Oil Pan, 42LE**
1 05011115AA Gasket, Transmission Oil Pan, 41TE/AE

[mishalah]

As good as Redline claims its products to be, the safest and most proven fluid by far is the Mopar recommended ATF. After having to rebuild my T&C trans because I did a flush/change with Castrol+3 I choose to believe the Chrysler people. Don't take a chance by using something else.

I switched to Redline fluids in my ZR-1, and after experiencing some rear gear and tranny "problems" I did more research and found that the ZF manufacturers were seeing trannys that had switched to Redline with problems, too. They recommend only the GM or Castrol (same as BMW) fluids for their 6 speed manuals trans. The performance builder that set up my new rear also did not recommend Redline. Not saying Redline isn't ok, but sometimes the hype is more than the real thing.