DIY transmission flush????? Anyone tried this on a libby????

Klem531 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:03 am

So....I purchased the parts I need to do a trans service on my CRD. Now, I'm well aware that dropping the pan only removes a portion of the trans fluid in any vehicle (Roughly 5qts in the Libby) but what I was amazed to find out was that the 5-45RFE trans has a capacity of 14qts. So, dropping the pan really only changes approx 1/3 of the trans fluid. :shock:

So this brings me to the question: has anyone had good luck/bad luck with a full flush? I called the dealer and they want $160 to do a flush but they change the fluid only....Filters not included. Then I called my trusted trans shop and I thought they were gonna reach through the phone and smack me for even mentioning a flush saying that there is the serious potential of crud/bits of metal etc getting stuck in the various valves in the trans, and under no circumsatnces should I do this. :dizzy:

While scouring LOST and making neumerous google searches I stumbled on a couple of folks who have posted youtube videos of flushing their systems by simultaniously draining fluid from the trans cooler supply line while at the sametime adding clean fluid through the dipstick until it runs clean. Oh and they are doing this by running the engine and letting the trans pump do the work.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsdPAadc9fY Has anybody tried this??? It seems like an ingenious way to change all of the fluid in the trans system. Please let me know your thoughts on this method. Thanks, Tony :juggle:

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:34 am

That DIY flush if iffy at best,really takes 2 people and you must be quick.Not really worth a $3000 trans.

There is a big misconception about trans flushes,they can be bad and they can be very good.The bad reports stems from people waiting to long to have them done and there trans is already damaged internally and would have failed eitherway.If your at 100k+ no use doing a trans flush,damage has already been done so just do a pan drop and refill.Doing a trans flsuh at least every 30k-60k and you will never have a issue.Now there is 2 types of trans flushes,one uses a chemical which can do damage and the other just swaps out the ATF which is the best and you can tell the shop to not use the chemical cleaner.Trans filters have a extremely long life so you can get away without changing the filter(s) for at least 100k or more.Of course the correct ATF must be used,another reason for trans failures after a flush,the wrong fluid used.You also can not "power flush" a trans,it would blow the trans up in seconds,can not reverse flush a trans either as it would also blow the trans up in seconds or the lines making a very big mess.

I have had my trans flushed every 15k since brand new in my KJ(same trans as you) and then the filters every 30k(with flush) and have had zero issues.

ChesterCRD · **Posted:** Thu Aug 02, 2012 8:00 am

My experience with ATF changes with the Liberty is that I get 9-10 qts out by dropping the pan and changing the filters and waiting for it to stop dripping (I usually let it sit overnight). That's 2/3 of the fluid in the transmission so I haven't considered a flush.

Klem531 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 02, 2012 10:25 am

The trans fluid has definitely been changed in my CRD. Once for sure when the F37 was done. And the previous owner claimed he also had it "serviced" by his mechanic that used fleet lubricants in all his company vehicles. So my concern is that a universal lubricant may have been used. Now I'm only speculating on this. The fluid is clean and I'm not experiencing any problem aside from the typical shuddering at about 45-50mph under hard acceleration. I just want the peace of mind that its definitely ATF 4 coursing through its veins. I typically do all my own work on my vehicles unless its something significant like a trans rebuild. I would prefer to use a product by Schaeffer lubricants called Alltrans 204s. It meets and or exceeds chryslers specs on trans fluid. Problem is its only sold by independent dealers so I would have to buy it and hope a shop or dealership would be willing to put it in for me. Thus the reason for wanting to do the flush myself.

Radman · **Posted:** Thu Aug 02, 2012 11:34 am

Is there a drain plug on the tranny if one wants to just change fluid and not filters? I dont recall seeing one.... How about pumping it out the dipstick using an extractor pump? This is the method I use on my Passat and previous VW TDI's to change engine oil. Have not tried it for tranny, oil would have to be hot/warm to keep thin as possible for pumping.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Thu Aug 02, 2012 11:44 am

There is no tranny pan drain and I don't think I've ever seen one installed on any vehicle at the factory. You can certainly add one. Personally I would strongly advise against changing the fluid but not the filters.

Klem531 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:04 pm

papaindigo wrote:

There is no tranny pan drain and I don't think I've ever seen one installed on any vehicle at the factory. You can certainly add one. Personally I would strongly advise against changing the fluid but not the filters.

I agree whole-heartedly. I don't like the idea of a flush without a filter change. My intentions are to change the filters first then flush the entire transmission.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:30 pm

Klem531 wrote:

papaindigo wrote:

There is no tranny pan drain and I don't think I've ever seen one installed on any vehicle at the factory. You can certainly add one. Personally I would strongly advise against changing the fluid but not the filters.

I agree whole-heartedly. I don't like the idea of a flush without a filter change. My intentions are to change the filters first then flush the entire transmission.

Flush 1st then change the filters,no use putting new/clean filters in then pass old/dirty fluid through them before new fluid is indroduced.

Klem531 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 02, 2012 1:02 pm

tjkj2002 wrote:

Klem531 wrote:

papaindigo wrote:

There is no tranny pan drain and I don't think I've ever seen one installed on any vehicle at the factory. You can certainly add one. Personally I would strongly advise against changing the fluid but not the filters.

I agree whole-heartedly. I don't like the idea of a flush without a filter change. My intentions are to change the filters first then flush the entire transmission.

Flush 1st then change the filters,no use putting new/clean filters in then pass old/dirty fluid through them before new fluid is indroduced.

Er.....um that's :goink:

what I meant to say.lol

Big Montana · **Posted:** Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:30 pm

Boy this posts makes me feel pretty bad that I'm sitting on 109k with the original fluid. I'm not sure how much they changed out at 32k when they did the F37 flash. I'm getting my timing belt on Tuesday with all the crap in the front, so I may as well tell them to tack on another load to the bill.

DocB · **Posted:** Fri Aug 03, 2012 1:59 am

I did a full trans fluid change when I changed to the deep PML pan.
After changing the pan and the filter, I filled the pan with new fluid.
Unhooked the return line just before the pan.
Ran the jeep, kept filling the pan, and watched until the new fluid came through and then some.
Hooked the return line up and all is good.

I also took the opportunity to install a trans fluid temp sensor at this time in the PML pan.
Not my first choice for location, but it seems to be working quite well.

dirtmover · **Posted:** Fri Aug 03, 2012 8:22 am

Radman wrote:

How about pumping it out the dipstick using an extractor pump? This is the method I use on my Passat and previous VW TDI's to change engine oil. Have not tried it for tranny, oil would have to be hot/warm to keep thin as possible for pumping.

I use a fluid extractor and it works fine. I basically half the interval and change the filters every second time. It's a lot cleaner dropping the pan once you've drained the fluid. It can suck the fluid when cold without a problem.

Klem531 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 03, 2012 1:36 pm

dirtmover wrote:

Radman wrote:

How about pumping it out the dipstick using an extractor pump? This is the method I use on my Passat and previous VW TDI's to change engine oil. Have not tried it for tranny, oil would have to be hot/warm to keep thin as possible for pumping.

I use a fluid extractor and it works fine. I basically half the interval and change the filters every second time. It's a lot cleaner dropping the pan once you've drained the fluid. It can suck the fluid when cold without a problem.

I understand what your saying buy I think you might me missing the whole point of what I'm trying to achieve. When you drop the pan to change filters you only really change about 1/3 to 1/2 of the fluid in your trans. Same goes if you pump it out of the dipstick hole. The only way to change all 14 qts is to pay to have it flused by a trusted shop or stealership. I my case, I would like to do this flush myself and save about 200 bucks. This is why I'm asking if anyone has tried the method I mentioned in my origional post. I attached a link to a you tube video showing the procedure. Its on a Honda but the procedure should baiscally be the same. :-)r

papaindigo · **Posted:** Fri Aug 03, 2012 1:46 pm

Klem531 - Look further back in the chain, looks like DocB did it successfully.

Klem531 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 03, 2012 2:12 pm

papaindigo wrote:

Klem531 - Look further back in the chain, looks like DocB did it successfully.

I saw that....thank you. :mrgreen:

Klem531 · **Posted:** Mon Aug 06, 2012 11:42 pm

A six speed huh? Sounds promising. Correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't that require a different TCM as well?

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 07, 2012 12:21 am

Klem531 wrote:

A six speed huh? Sounds promising. Correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't that require a different TCM as well?

The 45RFE/545RFE has the ability for 6 forward speeds and 3 reverse.But trying to swap a 68RFE in will require a TCM and I'm pretty sure it will not bolt up to your engine.You'd also loose alot of power turning it.

DIY transmission flush????? Anyone tried this on a libby????

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