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Hi, I read there is some controversy about flushing automatic transmission fluid and power steering fluids? Is this correct? I drive a Dodge Grand caravan in Phoenix, so hot and dry climate. Would you change these fluids and how often? Right now fluid levels which I regularly check are good. - Thanks.
I have had mine on my Hummer flushed at 30K and then at 50K (the 50K was simply due to the fact I was having a cooler installed so might as well do a flush too). Dealer did it both times, and installed the cooler. Had a neighbor in MI who worked for GM Transmission and he told me a flush is OK, provided:
1. It is a known tool that is designed for a trans flush, such as the Kent Moore tool designed with Kent Moore by the major manufactures, and
2. They flush it with the same fluid type. So in my case, it was Dexron they used to flush the trans, and Dexron is what they put in (and what they took out).
He warned me that some of the local oil change stores use a crappy tool that does not do a good job, and that some places recommend some type of cleaner.
That was the only vehicle I have had in the past six years that had over 25K miles before I dumped it. And the Hummer was driven off road on some tough Utah/Colorado trails, at low speed and in low gear.
A drain and fill might be ok at low miles, if done all the time. But normally only about half the fluid is drained so half remains in the lines, packs, cooler, torque converter, etc. Whereas with a flush, all is removed.
But for a highway vehicle...I can't say. Other than the flushes worked good and no problems.
I have heard about the transmission but PS fluid? What was the last time it failed on you? I always had a problem trying to “fix” something that isn’t broken. Chances are something goes wrong.
Some of the front wheel drive cars have issues with the power steering pump sitting right in front of the radiator fans and it cooks the fluid. If you drive a car like this, example: a Ford Focus, then you need to change power steering fluid every 50,000 miles especially if you are in a hot climate. Failure to change the fluid will most likely have you changing the burnt up pump before 80,000 miles. Automatic transmissions should be every 30,000 miles using proprietary fluid and if you have a locking or traction lock rear axle, change fluid every 30,000 miles. The fluid in the axle contains an alcohol based friction modifier that absorbs water from the air and will cause corrosion if you don't change it.
If you've been consistent with it from day one then I'd suggest doing a flush and fill every 30k. If the car has been running the same tranny fluid since day one with no fluid changes, then leave it be. Chances are you will suffer tranny failure or a leak once u do.
Its recommended to change the trans fluid and filter @ 60,000 for severe condition.
Use only Mopar ATF+4
Its recommended to change the power steering fluid @ 60,000 for severe condition.
Use only Mopar ATF+4
It is car dependent these days. Many newer cars don't even come with a tranny dipstick and claim "lifetime fluid" Take that for what it's worth but mfg basically saying "don't touch it"
what counts here is the specific maintenance schedule from the manufacturer, not the recommendations from other vehicles.
Dodge has a maintenance schedule as need4speed2012 posted.
In my experience, it's very much needed on these vehicles.
If anything, I'd probably change these fluids at 30,000 miles ... since they tend to break down and the transmission life in your vehicle is very dependent upon having the correct Mopar ATF+4 fluid in good condition. These were a heat-related short lifespan transmission and it's cheap to change the fluid to keep them in the optimum working order for as long as possible in your use.
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