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Matt96V6
Dodge Dakota
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7/18/2003
12:58:21
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 Subject: Tranny Fluid Change
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Message:
Hey, I bought my 1996 4x4 Dakota Sport (Auto Trans) about 1.5 years ago with about 40k miles on it. It now has 60k. The trans fluid isn't nasty brown...but I have no idea when it was (or if it ever was) changed.
If I run down to the auto parts store and get a filter and gasket, this should be a pretty simple change...right? Anything that'll trip me up? Do you guys simply use the gasket or maybe also use a little RTV?
ALso, what fluid? DM-III?
Thx,
Matt
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jay
Dodge Dakota
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7/18/2003
14:34:28
| RE: Tranny Fluid Change
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Message:
hey matt it's no big deal to cgange it I also have the same year and model.I changed mine a few months ago get some gasket remover to clean your pan real good before you put on your new gasket so it will seal.I used a little bit of a liquid gaket compound just to tack it to the pan.So far so good!
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Joe
Dodge Dakota
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7/19/2003
00:17:26
|  RE: Tranny Fluid Change
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Message:
For me it was alittle messy since you lower the rear of the pan first and let some pour out, then take the whole pan off. It got in my hair and didnt come out for a day or two.. HAHA.
Scrape away the old gasket gently so you do not gouge the pan. You can get a filter and gasket for five bucks at auto zone. I would also look into getting a synthetic fluid. I just put redline MTL in my car's 5speed and it makes a good difference. A lot of the guys on here recommend amsoil which I will try as soon as I get the freee catalog. you may also want to adjust your bands.
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J and J Auto
Dodge Dakota
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7/19/2003
00:45:23
| RE: Tranny Fluid Change
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Message:
It takes about 6 qts of fluid.
The filter kit from autozone is $10 and comes with
the filter and gaskit, It is not nessasary to use
any silocon or gaskit sealer just be sure your
pan surface is clean.
The bolts holding the filter are torx, don't
remember the size off hand.
Chrysler ATF +4 or equiv.
I use Amsoil universal syn and it actualy made
my trans shift smother.
Any trans filter job is a little messy to say
the least, have a few rags handy.
Larry
J&J Auto
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Jay Wingate
Dodge Dakota
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7/20/2003
07:04:04
| RE: Tranny Fluid Change
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Message:
If you can, adjust the band while your there. Check a Motor book on how to do this.
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Shank
GenII
7/20/2003
09:21:24
| RE: Tranny Fluid Change
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Message:
It's gonna make a mess, If you do it over concrete get you a bag of dry-sweep or kitty litter also.
Larry, are you sure it's ATF +4 for a '96? I thought it was ATF+3 up to '99 and +4 for '00 & newer.
Wal-Mart is selling a QuakerState ATF+3 for around $2.25/Qt. Beats the heck outta the dealership wanting $4+ ea!
Shank
If it don't work hit it with a hammer, Still don't werk? GET A BIGGER HAMMER!
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J and J Auto
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/20/2003
12:57:39
| RE: Tranny Fluid Change
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Message:
They did use the +3 but if you go to dealer they
are now using and recomend the +4 but either will
be just fine
Larry
J&J Auto
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AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
7/20/2003
15:15:19
|  Amsoil Universal Synthetic ATF
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Message:
Consider ... Amsoil Universal Synthetic ATF
-------------------------------------------
Changing Your Transmission Fluid in 12 EASY Steps:
1. Make sure the fluid is warm. Warm up your Dakota so the transmission is at normal operating temperature. Pull the transmission dipstick. Fresh fluid is translucent and cherry red. Some darkening is normal, but if it is reddish brown or mustard color and smells like burnt varnish, it is worn out.
2. Drain the fluid by loosening the pan. Select the correct filter replacement based on pan shape and prepare a large pan to catch the fluid. Then loosen each pan bolt a turn or two and loosen one corner more than rest. Drain mostly from this corner.
3. Finish removing the pan and any gasket material from the pan or case. Avoid scratching the metal and make sure the pan’s gasket surface isn’t bent or distorted.
4. Remove the old filter. Most transmission filters are held in place with a bolt or two, but some are held by a clip. Be careful to include O-Rings or other seals.
5. Install a new filter. Use the clips or bolts from the old filter. Be sure O-Rings, etc. are in place. If the filter has a long intake neck, gently push the neck into place without unseating the O-Ring.
6. Clean the pan thoroughly. Inspect the pan before cleaning. A small amount of fine grey clutch dust is normal. However, if you find metal shavings, there has been transmission damage. Clean the pan with solvent and wipe dry so there is no harmful residue.
7. Position gasket on pan. Some gaskets have four holes slightly smaller than the rest to allow four bolts through the pan and through these smaller holes to hold the gasket in place.
8. Hand tighten pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern. After that, use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to proper ft-lbs as per manufacturer.
9. Refill the transmission using only the amount shown as “refill capacity” in the owners manual or "AMSOIL Product Selection Guide,” using the type of fluid specified for the vehicle.
10. If doing only a partial fluid replacement, skip to instruction 12 below. If doing a complete fluid replacement, follow the steps in instruction 11.
11. You now have replaced the fluid in the pan. To replace the fluid in the torque converter and oil cooler also, follow these steps.
Step 1. Obtain the total system capacity of the vehicle from the manufacturer or AMSOIL. Have this amount readily available.
Step 2. Disconnect the oil cooler line from the oil cooler. As you may not know which is the pressure side and which is the return side, have both directed so the stream of fluid will be directed toward a receptacle.
Step 3. With another person, be prepared to add ATF to the fill area as it is being pumped out of the oil cooler line.
Step 4. Start the engine, and as the old fluid is pumped out, add fresh fluid to the pan.
Step 5. When either the fluid color brightens or the total capacity has been replaced, shut the engine off and re-attach the oil cooler line. All fluids has now been changed.
12. Recheck the fluid level. With the truck on level ground, set the parking brake and the transmission in “Park” or “Neutral.” Let the engine idle for a few minutes. Shift the transmission into different positions before returning the lever to “Park” or “Neutral.” Check the fluid level again and check for leaks.
---------------  ---------------
Amsoil UNIVERSAL Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Improves fuel efficiency, reduces transmission temperatures and increases transmission life. Provides unsurpassed thermal stability and up to five times the service life of conventional ATFs. Delivers maximum protection for towing and other severe-duty applications.
Recommended for applications requiring the following specifications:
Chrysler ATF+, ATF+2, ATF+3, ATF+4
--------------------------------------------------
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
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Matt96V6
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/20/2003
16:09:06
| RE: Tranny Fluid Change
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanx for all the insight...... I am no rookie to trans fluid swaps (I dragrace a supercharged mustang with a powerglide in it). I was just looking for any hidden traps....like the torx head bolts on the filter (thanks!).
I appreciate all the help,
Matt
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Charles D
Dodge Dakota
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2/28/2011
10:05:21
|  RE: Tranny Fluid Change
IP: Logged
Message:
What about Castrol ATF +4? It is on sale at
Advance. I cannot find the +3 anymore.
charlesd
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Charles D
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/28/2011
10:13:35
| RE: Tranny Fluid Change
IP: Logged
Message:
I forgot to ck to be notified when I get a responce on my previous post.
charlesd Message:
What about Castrol ATF +4? It is on sale at
Advance. I cannot find the +3 anymore.
charlesd
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