Transmission Servicing - Filter and Fluid Chgs

[Hanna]

Originally Posted by Jeepboy79

I just did mine yesterday. Transmission and diff service. Took it to a local transmission place. They did everything for $340. Transmission fluid, filter and flushed the lines. They also replaced the diff oil which he said to me was in dire need of replacement. Something was telling me to go and do it...

Did you supply your own ATF +4 and parts? That sounds a little too cheap....

If you have a look at the ATF +4 thread I got a price of $140 for 5lts at my local Jeep dealership. Lucky I got it for $60 for 5lts.

To do a drain and flush they would've needed at least 10lts I'd reckon. The cost of the 2 filters and gasket (or RTV) locally would also not be cheap.

[Jeepboy79]

No I didn't supply anything. These guys do transmissions day in and day out. They have all the right filters and fluids and they use what they need. I knew that I would have to buy much more than I needed and as you said it ain't cheap. This way they've charged on what was used not based on retail level pricing of oils.
I know it's counter intuitive but sometimes doing it yourself is really not the most economical.

[Hanna]

For your sake I hope you're right - the type of transmission fluid you can use is a non-negotiable in the 545RFE.

In your case it appears to have worked out well, but in general I prefer to change my own fluids and filters so that I know it has been done correctly. Also, as I only paid $60 p/5lts and got my filter service kit for about $30 from Rock Auto it was only $150 for the full service. Oh, and I also changed the flow control valve (anti-drain back) whilst there for an additional $20.

It is a messy job though and if you can get it done at a reasonable price and you're not super confident swinging a spanner then I would stick with the auto specialists.

I do everything on our cars these days as it's hard to find a mechanic out here in the Wild West that has a clue and/or doesn't want to rip you off. Much different to my home town of Geelong where decent, honest mechanics were aplenty.

[black-xj]

Hi there Hanna,
Just add bit by bit and keep checking until it is close to full, don't overfill !
You are best to stay in the safe level rather than overfilling...

[Hanna]

Thanks mate.

What I'm really trying to figure out is whether the dipstick level checking method is accurate and also how much fluid people have added during a standard drain and refill.

Glend mentioned the US forums say 6 Quarts (under 6lt) and he used 6.5L, so I am concerned that my 8L is a bit high. It would be great if I could get some input from people who are familiar with this procedure.

Have you done a fluid and filter service on your KJ before?

[black-xj]

Not yet...as i have other things to do..such as timing belt..but the trans fluid looks as new and clean as you would hope for..so that can wait for a bit yet.

[black-xj]

Also as there is no other fluid level check, we, and qualified mechanics can only rely on this system...
Providing the dipstick tube is fitted correctly in the trans, then i would have no real reason to be worried about perfectly accurate amounts compared to the correct level of fluid in the trans.