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2003 Grand Cherokee Transmission Fluid

17K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  coloradowjowner  
#1 ·
My fluid is pretty dark....I had it flushed at like 50k or so and now I am at 120k miles. I have read some articles that say just don't worry about flushing it and run it dirty. I have also read some articles that say just drain and replace the fluid and filters. This seems like what I want to do since I don't have a machine to access to flush the system. Anyways, do yall have any videos or tutorials on how to flush and change the fluid? I am under the impression to just pull the pan on the transmission, unbolt the filter, put the oring on the new fitler, re-install and then re-install the pan, and then fill with transmission fluid. Anyways, I was going to see if anyone had any videos?

Thanks,
Blake
 
#2 ·
I think that you can get away without the flush, Be sure to use ATF+4 and adjust the bands. Just get a manual for the Jeep, You don't need a video as its pretty straight forward. You should not run into any problems.
 
#3 ·
You'll want to rig up something to feed fresh ATF+4 in while the return line is disconnected pumping (engine running) all of the oil dark fluid out in to a container. When you see the fluid turn red, you're done. The reason you should do it this way is because if you don't you only get about half of the fluid from just a pan drop and filter change and the rest is sitting in the radiator trans cooler and torque converter.
 
#4 ·
I know a guy that works at AAMCO Transmission and he said he will do it for 80 bucks and that includes everything. I think I may just go that route being it is 35 degrees here and I don't have a shop or anything I can pull it into.

Thanks for the help though.
 
#5 ·
Since you've already had it flushed, I wouldn't see a problem with doing it again. It's the vehicles with 150k+ miles and have never touched anything that have something to worry about. I have never flushed mine, but I do drop the pan and change out both of my filters, every spring. Another good tip I can advise on is to give your guy that works with AAMCO a quart of Lucas Transmission Stop Slip. It goes for around $10-$15 at your local parts stores and it revitalizes and helps lubricate the gears. Don't get that confused with Lucas Oil Stabilizer, for they are not the same thing. ATF+4 is recommended in most WJ's, and the new updated fluid from Service Pro is a synthetic fluid, some aren't actually synthetic, believe it or not.
 
#6 ·
Change your filter....what transmission do you have the 42re or the 45rfe.? MOPAR recommends changing the filter every 30k, you may be able to go to 60k by flushing the fluid. Dark fluids could be a sign that the filter is clogging and causing the transmission oil to run hotter than normal. This could cause discoloration.
Both transmissions are pretty easy to change. The filling procedure on the 42 is a little complicated, due to the shifting and filling and shifting and filling. I would suggest if you have the time and an extra car. I would take the pan to a welding shop and have them add a drain plug, it really cuts down on the mess the next time you change the fluid.