Flush or Change?

annie oakly · 04-20-2015, 07:57 PM

So to change the transmission fluid

in at 95 dodge 2500 what would be the cost? I can not remember when it was changed last, plus the rad fluid.

ALJO · 04-20-2015, 08:35 PM

Transmission DY around Cad 65.00 and Garage around Cad 200.00 to 300.00
Rad flush DY around Cad 35.00 and Garage around Cad 140.00 to 225.00
If you are a DYer and have ramps that's the way to go. I always done my own jobs as a mechanic.
If you need more info let me know

Wrascal · 04-20-2015, 08:35 PM

Call several service centers and ask them. They may ask a few questions before venturing an estimate (such as gas or diesel).

Rustic Eagle · 04-20-2015, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annie oakly

So to change the transmission fluid........ snip

Just a heads up, there is a difference between a transmission fluid "change" and transmission fluid "flush"....., notable difference in cost.

A "change" simply drains the transmission fluid using natural gravity. Not all the fluid in the system is drained and it does not flush out contaminants.

A "flush" uses a machine to completely flush all the transmission fluid from your vehicle and to remove some grime and contaminants. This process usually includes replacing the internal filter.

I would assume with the older '95' TV a flush may be the way to go....., just had my TV transmission "flushed" (w/filter) a week ago for $250.

Bob

tugboat95 · 04-20-2015, 09:52 PM

I just paid 120 for a full fluid change new filter and gssket. As well as a detailed inspection of my Chevy transmission. Found no wear or needed repairs. This was done by a transmission shop not a General garage. Trannys is all he does. Btw my tranny and gas engine have 252k miles on them. Take care of them they will last. Seems to be a personal preference but I would avoid a transmission flush. Results seem to be a mixed bag. Personal opinion is Drop the pan and look in it. Most flushes generally do not open the system and do not change the interior filter or clean and inspect the magnet. Also on some models the additive they use to clean it are actually harmful and caustic to some seals and such inside.

Rustic Eagle · 04-20-2015, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tugboat95

snip..... Most flushes generally do not open the system and do not change the interior filter or clean and inspect the magnet...snip

In my case the $250 covered the flush, removing/cleaning the lower transmission pan & magnet, transmission inspection, and R&R pancake filter. I did have the opportunity to view the pan/magnet and exposed internal transmission last week...., all looked great (clean).

I agree that taking care of the tranny is a must, especially a TV. My local GM dealership preformed my recent flush (and it's first flush a few years ago). Since 80% of my TV's usage is towing my 8,500lb TT, I target every 40K miles for a flush (80K miles thus far).

Bob

tugboat95 · 04-20-2015, 10:39 PM

You had the complete service then. Most "Jiffy lube" type places and quite a few full service garages only hook up hoses for the flush, And don't go inside or any further. Be sure what you get when talking to the service manager. My particular guy refuses to do flushes because of potential seal problems after repeated flushes. But I've also heard exactly what you said about the contaminants. Like I said results are a mixed bag. But by all means Drop that pan even if you elect to do the flush. Visual inspections can go a long ways to preventing problems at an inconvenient time.

tugboat95 · 04-20-2015, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

In my case the $250 covered the flush, removing/cleaning the lower transmission pan & magnet, transmission inspection, and R&R pancake filter. I did have the opportunity to view the pan/magnet and exposed internal transmission last week...., all looked great (clean).

I agree that taking care of the tranny is a must, especially a TV. My local GM dealership preformed my recent flush (and it's first flush a few years ago). Since 80% of my TV's usage is towing my 8,500lb TT, I target every 40K miles for a flush (80K miles thus far).

Bob

I thought that price sounded high hut with the flush and the chemical they use that would explain it. Flush in my area runs from 80 to a little over 100.

annie oakly · 04-21-2015, 07:06 AM

Thanks for the information, I will look into the local transmission shop.to see what will it cost. I have a diesel. I do have some oil filters for it. and fuel filters
I will look at the old receipts for repairs to see when the transmission was last done.
Goes back on the road next week.

tugboat95 · 04-21-2015, 07:34 AM

I see you are driving an older Dodge Cummins. My Dad has a 96 model 3500 that he pulls his 5th wheel with. Great engines and before all the electronic conversions. Shade tree guys can actually work on those. Ain't nothing wrong with a Cummins. Short of a rod going thru the block, you can always fix or rebuild them. I've tried to buy my dad's but he wont give her up.

Rustic Eagle · 04-21-2015, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tugboat95

snip...... But by all means Drop that pan even if you elect to do the flush. Visual inspections can go a long ways to preventing problems at an inconvenient time.

X2

Bob

Rustic Eagle · 04-21-2015, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tugboat95

I thought that price sounded high hut with the flush and the chemical they use that would explain it. Flush in my area runs from 80 to a little over 100.

I'm sure my GM dealer isn't the most cost effective place to go for my general preventative transmission service, but they have treated me fairly well since I purchased the TV new from them back in 2002.

A few years back (around 30K miles) my dealer upgraded my OEM ATF (Dexron-III) to the latest developed GM fluid type (Dexron-VI). Since then I've noticed a smoother shifting pattern and little lower tranny operating temp with the Dexron-VI under heavy towing conditions.

Bob

tugboat95 · 04-21-2015, 09:58 AM

Nothing wrong with going to a dealer. They are supposed to be the experts. When you said you got it all done that price was pretty much right in line with my area for all that. That chemical They flush with is fairly expensive and it's a one time use thing. It has be properly disposed of. Ill have to look into the latest dexron stuff for mine and see if it'll work for my 99 suburban

annie oakly · 04-21-2015, 08:51 PM

So I went up to the transmission shop, about $ 130 for the flush.
came home and found the repairs for the truck, We had the transmission done in 2012 at 2990033 k I am sitting at 316.000 K
I phoned a friend up in Kamloops told me that it would be ok
still going to do the rad when I get the oil changed.

It has been a good truck, I am going to sand down the hood and top and spray paint it to cover the peeling paint. To make it look nice. A friend said I should do it black.
It has been dry in the cab all winter which is great. (that helps my nose)
I will get the brakes also check out.

Rustic Eagle · 04-21-2015, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tugboat95

snip..... Ill have to look into the latest dexron stuff for mine and see if it'll work for my 99 suburban

My understanding is that DEXRON-VI fluids are designed to be backward compatible with earlier Dexron version fluids in automatic transmissions.

I also read that "DEXRON-VI can be used in any proportion in past model vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, in place of DEXRON-III (for instance, topping off the fluid in the event of a repair or fluid change)." The article went on to state that; "Simply topping off the fluid is adequate, but a full drain and replacement is preferred, to obtain the full benefit."

Bob

campingn.c. · 04-23-2015, 09:23 AM

Rustic, I was quoted $270 at the dealer to have the same thing done as you on the same truck so you did OK.
The method I prefer is the drain and fill. I usually do it back to back within a couple hundred miles to get a good old/new fluid ratio.

For the DIY guys, I just ordered 4 gallons of Dex 6, filter, gasket, and new pan with drain plug, all OE ACDelco from Amazon for $170.

cbss · 04-23-2015, 09:43 AM

Bob hit it right on the head. If it was me I would do the flush as it cleans the system and the converter. They will flush the system with fluid as they filter the outgoing fluid.

What is a Transmission Flush? | Process and Advice

Seann45 · 04-23-2015, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

I'm sure my GM dealer isn't the most cost effective place to go for my general preventative transmission service, but they have treated me fairly well since I purchased the TV new from them back in 2002.

A few years back (around 30K miles) my dealer upgraded my OEM ATF (Dexron-III) to the latest developed GM fluid type (Dexron-VI). Since then I've noticed a smoother shifting pattern and little lower tranny operating temp with the Dexron-VI under heavy towing conditions.

Bob

My dealer GM gives me a 20% discount for having a "high mileage"

vehicle. Brings his price to below my other shop..

annie oakly · 04-26-2015, 01:25 AM

Got the truck back on the road today. Ran great. will get the oil changed and the rad flushed .
I am going to look a small solar panel to keep the batteries charged up. I can not run it enough during the time it is off the road
Had to jump it today.
Ran it out to Chilliwack today got the batteries on and the cover off.
The old girl ran great.

tugboat95 · 04-26-2015, 06:55 AM

I park my Escape for two weeks in a company parking lot when I'm at sea. Nothing will tick you off more than being 500 miles away from home for 2 weeks and get back to the dock in the middle of night (with the office and shop closed) just to find a dead battery. I got a cheap 2amp solar charger from harbor freight. I think it was about 15 bucks. Just plug it into your cigarette lights....huh sorry, your power accessory adapter. Works great for me. I used to come back to weak or dead batteries especially in the winter. No more. If it's less than 2 amps then you don't need a controller. I think mine is 1.5 amps. It basically will act like a trickle charger.

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