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qbert
Dodge Dakota
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3/21/2004
14:48:54

Subject: Transmission fluid change.
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I have a 93' 5.2L. Maybe this is a dumb question. I'm looking at trying to do a transmission fluid change (& filter) for the first time. Just looking around I don't see anywhere to add trans fluid besides the dip stick tube. Is that where you add? Obviously I'm a newbie when it comes to auto trannys. Is a trans fluid change a DIY project? It seems straight forward enough, eventhough it will be messy. Any suggestions, tips, are appreciated!



j fenrich
Dodge Dakota
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3/21/2004
15:29:28

RE: Transmission fluid change.
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It depends how far you want to go.

You can do it a number of ways.

1.) drop the tranny pan and fluid replace filter and fill back up through dipstick tube.

draw back: fluid in torque converter is not changed.

2.) Drop old fluid out of pan and replace filter.

Top tranny fluid up.

Remove one of the tranny cooler lines and attatch app 3 ft of clear hose to it. Set the hose up so that it drains into an old pail.

Then start the engine and allow app 1 litre of fluid to pump into the pail. Shut off engine and top off the fluid again.

You can keep doing this until you see that the tranny fluid comming out of the line is new

Caution: Make sure to keep shutting off the engine and topping off the fluid or you can damage the tranny.

Draw backs: Depending on the fluid you use it can be a costly proceedure. As you are essentially mixing the old fluid with new at the initial filter change. It will take quite a bit of fluid this way to see all new comming out of the hose. Not recomended if you are using higher grade fluid such as Amsoil due to the cost.

3.) If you are not mechanically inclined I would suggest that you take it to a reputable shop with the proper equipment. They can change the fluid similar to the way I described in method 2 however the machine makes sure that the tranny never runs low.

Drawback: Cost. Depending on where you are. In Canada I've seen it anywhere from $75 to $150.

The bonus is you can speak to them about replacing the fluid with Amsoil and you will not have to worry about it again for a long time.

J.



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3/21/2004
16:19:41

AMSOIL Synthetic Universal ATF - Free Catalog
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You are correct J Fenrich,

Extended Drain Intervals

AMSOIL Synthetic Universal ATF is formulated for extended drain intervals. Transmissions usually operate under severe service conditions. They are subjected to extensive idling, frequent short trips, cold temperature driving, sustained hot weather driving or trailer towing. When conventional transmission fluid is used, it should be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. AMSOIL ATF should be changed at intervals up to three times longer than the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer.

SERVICE LIFE

AMSOIL Synthetic universal ATF has an expected fluid life of three times the automatic transmission manufacturer's recommendations. Drain intervals may be extended indefinitely when fluid analysis is used.
__________________________________________________

I know many Dodge owners that have noticeable and significant improvements switching to Amsoil Synthetic Universal ATF. They state that the transmission characteristics are better than when it was new.

I am going to quote a Member of this website, BigBlue QC. (He won't mind ... I have exchanged emails with him on a few occassions).

BigBlue QC states:

"I have had perfect luck with AMSOIL ATF in my trans, it has been in the truck for 60000 miles, tested twice, with perfect results each time. Good luck. 14 quarts for a complete flush, another 1-1/2 quarts if you have a 4x4 for the transfer case, which you have to drain and re-fill. You will need a pump for the transfer case to re-fill. If you bought whatever you decide locally why can't you return whatever you don't open??? Having an extra 2 quarts on hand while doing this is not a bad thing as a just in case."

" ... the 14 quarts is with the tranny cooler as I have one also." "... it has been over a year since I changed the transfer case to AMSOIL ATF. I remember filling to the hole level and then buttoning it up. Haven't had any problems with it. I am a preferred customer for AMSOIL (I pay the $20/year to get the wholesale pricing) and I remember it is cheaper to get the bigger jugs of fluid, like 2-1/2 gallons, when you need larger quantities. 2-1/2 gallons is 10 quarts, if you got two of them it should be enough for the trans, transfer case, and power steering. Yes, I have changed the power steering fluid in my truck to AMSOIL ATF also(my year uses ATF+4 as the ps fluid) with no regrets."

__________________________________________________

... and ... Everyone Respects Larry of J and J Auto ... correct?

Here is Larry's quote from another thread (hope you don't mind Larry!

Larry stated:

"Amsoil Universal Trans fluid or the Chrysler ATF+4 are the only fluids we use in these trans at the shop.

I have been running it (Amsoil) in my trans for about 30,000 miles now, made the trans shift smother and run almost 30 degrees cooler. I also run it in my transfer case.

I run all Amsoil even the rear ends and grease it with the synthetic fortified with molly. Yes I have a transmission temp guage in my truck also a nordask Air/Fuel meter on its own o2 so I can monitor my stroker very closely.

The Amsoil runs very good in these transmissions."


Larry
J&J Auto

__________________________________________________

Thanks BigBlue QC and Larry of J&J Auto!

FREE Amsoil Catalog anyone? Click the following link:



Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products



AmsoilSponsor
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3/21/2004
16:23:42

Amsoil, Changing Transmission Fluid, 12 EASY Steps
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ATF Fluid Change:

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 I can provide it for you. 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.

-------------------------------------------------

This is really a "two-person" or a "three person" DIY operation. The ATF will come out faster than it goes in ... so you may need to stop and restart the engine a few times.

--------------------------------------------------
__________ __________
__________________________________________________

Amsoil Synthetic Universal ATF --- Retail Pricing

(Preferred Customers and Dealers receive discounted pricing of approximately 20%)

Product Codes - Quantity/Size - Retail Pricing

ATF-QT - (1) quart bottle ------------ $7.80

ATF-01 - (12) quart bottles --------- $92.40

ATF-TP - (1) 2 1/2-gallon bottle ---- $74.25

ATF-05 - (2) 2 1/2-gallon bottles - $146.50

ATF-30 - (1) 30-gallon drum ------- $689.00

ATF-55 - (1) 55-gallon drum ----- $1,181.00
__________________________________________________

Request a FREE Amsoil Catalog by clicking the following link.



Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products



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3/21/2004
16:38:13

Is Amsoil Approved By Dodge --- YES !!!
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Many have asked: Is Amsoil approved by Dodge?

This was posted by Sephiroth 3/20/2004
V8 Forum --- Subject: New Chrysler Product?!

Message posted by Sephiroth:

"I went in to have my brakes checked today, and when I walked into the garage the first thing I saw made my jaw hit the floor. My local dealership now uses and sells AMSOIL products!! They've got it posted on a big banner over the service-desks. GM may not have been able to get it for their 'vettes, but obviously Dodge was able to, or they found out how awesome it is and started buying at regular price! When I go in for a tranny-filter, fluid, and gasket change next week, it's getting filled with AMS.

Sephiroth went on to state:

This is at the Raleigh, NC dealership, Al Smith Buick, Dodge, Mazda. I told the guy at the desk I was astounded to see them using AMS and that I had been using it for a while now. After he rode in the truck he said he'd be switching next oil-change in his Ram.

As for me, I've got it in the engine, and I'll have it in the tranny soon! Next up are the differentials. After that I need to get a dyno just for curiosity's sake. IF I get 3-5hp form the differential, and God knows how much from the engine and tranny, that'll be enough without any heavy mods. Well, for all I do anyway. If it is a significant gain, I'll post the results.


__________________________________________________

... and as part of the same thread jeremiah2360 stated:

"Norwood (MA) Dodge sells Amsoil too."
__________________________________________________

Dodge Dealerships are beginning to realize that Amsoil offers a FULL LINE of Premium Synthetic Lubricants and they are beginning to offer them.

Why ...

1) Dodge knows Amsoil meets AND exceeds Dodge's requirements.
2) Because their customers are asking for Amsoil.
3) Amsoil = 30 Year History of Research and Development
4) Amsoil offers the best Synthetic Lubricants
__________________________________________________

Request a FREE Amsoil Catalog by clicking below.



Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products



Timberwolf
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3/23/2004
14:04:49

RE: Transmission fluid change.
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I have not tried the following method myself. I have always used fenrich's method. However, I got this from someone who I trust. Instead of turning the motor on and off to pump out the fluid, just disconnect the supply line and hook an air line into the inlet and blow the fluid all out before adding the new (0f course you will change filter and adjust bands before adding new fluid). I see a few potential problems with this method: 1. You would have to watch the pressure closely or you will end up taking bath in tranny fluid. 2. I don't know if just putting the fluid in the filler tube will fill up the torque converter before you start up the motor. If anyone can either endorse or reject this method, let me know. It seems less time consuming and more efficient if it actually works. When I changed my fluid to Amsoil it cost me $100, so if there's a way to do it better, I'm all for it. By the way( and don't take this as an insult), if you don't know where to add the fluid this project may be beyond the range of your mechanical ability. If this is the case, have it done by a professional. The transmission is the most complicated mechanical device on your truck and you DON'T want to break one. You will spend more up front to have it professionally done, but it will save you money in the long run from fixing what you screw up.




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