Transmission Flush 04 KJ

Therian · May 17, 2017

So I've looked through the owners manual and for the life of me it doesn't say how much fluid the transmission actually holds, it talks about the type of fluid but I can't see where it says how much it actually holds. 2004 Jeep Liberty has a radiator for the transmission to help cool it down (I guess towing package). I called up the dealer and amusingly enough he couldn't tell me, but he probably didn't want me to do it myself.

I did find this, but I wanted to verify, I'm guessing I have a 42RLE (8.8qts) but I will verify tomorrow with the dealer just to be sure.
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Jeep_Liberty/Fluid_Capacities_&_Intervals

I will drop the pan and replace filter/gasket but I will also disconnect the transmission radiator hose after I refilled and do a full flush for my 200k regime. I imagine I will need about 16qts to do it right (assuming a few quarts are wasted when I drop the pan/refill and the radiator takes 1qt, anything left over will do power steering flushes with)

Another question to those who might have done it does it matter on what type of ATF+4 you use? I can get the Oreilly for $4 a bottle with discount or Valvoline for $5 a bottle, I can also get mopar for about $6.50 but I imagine atf+4 is going to be virtually the same, right? Appreciated.

uss2defiant · May 18, 2017

that's correct for the 42rle.

Any ATF+4 will work.

It's licensed out so it's pretty much the same.

I'd do the fluid exchange before changing the filter.

the 42rle has a separate external transmission cooler unless you have changed your setup to run with an in radiator ****** cooler.

TwoBobsKJ · May 18, 2017

There are a couple of things going on here...

First, I suggest you take your KJ to a good transmission shop and have them do a ****** flush and refill. You'll be sure to get all the old fluid out and flush the system at the same time. Assuming it's a good shop - or the dealer - they'll refill it with ATF+4.

Second, the cooling system flush is a separate operation and will take about 14 quarts of 50/50 HOAT antifreeze and distilled water (so two 1-gallon jugs of HOAT full strength to be mixed with distilled water or four gallons of pre-mixed [expensive]). Unless you have a modified cooling system the transmission cooler is in front of the radiator and A/C condenser and it won't be impacted at all by a ****** flush - they are totally different systems. Dropping the transmission pan won't affect how much antifreeze you need.

Like the ******, my suggestion is to take it to the dealer for the cooling system flush. Dealers in my area are very reasonable for the service and like stated above they'll use the correct HOAT fluid and get rid of the used stuff for you. Their flush machines do a good job pushing sludge and crud out of the system.

So again, two separate and distinct projects here that don't affect each other unless you're replacing the radiator and you have an in-radiator trans cooler, which was not included on 2004 and later KJ's :waytogo:

Bob

kage860 · May 18, 2017

I think dropping the pan changed 5 quarts? It has been a while.

Myke · May 18, 2017

TwoBobsKJ said:
There are a couple of things going on here...

First, I suggest you take your KJ to a good transmission shop and have them do a ****** flush and refill. You'll be sure to get all the old fluid out and flush the system at the same time. Assuming it's a good shop - or the dealer - they'll refill it with ATF+4.

Second, the cooling system flush is a separate operation and will take about 14 quarts of 50/50 HOAT antifreeze and distilled water (so two 1-gallon jugs of HOAT full strength to be mixed with distilled water or four gallons of pre-mixed [expensive]). Unless you have a modified cooling system the transmission cooler is in front of the radiator and A/C condenser and it won't be impacted at all by a ****** flush - they are totally different systems. Dropping the transmission pan won't affect how much antifreeze you need.

Like the ******, my suggestion is to take it to the dealer for the cooling system flush. Dealers in my area are very reasonable for the service and like stated above they'll use the correct HOAT fluid and get rid of the used stuff for you. Their flush machines do a good job pushing sludge and crud out of the system.

So again, two separate and distinct projects here that don't affect each other unless you're replacing the radiator and you have an in-radiator trans cooler, which was not included on 2004 and later KJ's :waytogo:

Bob

wait what? The ****** cooler has coolant running through it? I thought it would have atf+4.

Leeann · May 18, 2017

Nope, transmission fluid runs through the ****** cooler. Just ATF+4.

And this is why I have a drain plug on my ****** pan. Drop the pan, replace the filter, fill ****** back up. Run it a week or so, pull the drain plug, fill it back up....

uss2defiant · May 19, 2017

or you can use an extractor via dipstick

uss2defiant · May 19, 2017

Myke said:
wait what? The ****** cooler has coolant running through it? I thought it would have atf+4.

you should re-read what Bob wrote.

Myke · May 19, 2017

uss2defiant said:
you should re-read what Bob wrote.

This is why I shouldn't be on at work lol

Cardhu · May 19, 2017

TwoBobsKJ said:
There are a couple of things going on here...

First, I suggest you take your KJ to a good transmission shop and have them do a ****** flush and refill. You'll be sure to get all the old fluid out and flush the system at the same time. Assuming it's a good shop - or the dealer - they'll refill it with ATF+4.

Second, the cooling system flush is a separate operation and will take about 14 quarts of 50/50 HOAT antifreeze and distilled water (so two 1-gallon jugs of HOAT full strength to be mixed with distilled water or four gallons of pre-mixed [expensive]). Unless you have a modified cooling system the transmission cooler is in front of the radiator and A/C condenser and it won't be impacted at all by a ****** flush - they are totally different systems. Dropping the transmission pan won't affect how much antifreeze you need.

Like the ******, my suggestion is to take it to the dealer for the cooling system flush. Dealers in my area are very reasonable for the service and like stated above they'll use the correct HOAT fluid and get rid of the used stuff for you. Their flush machines do a good job pushing sludge and crud out of the system.

So again, two separate and distinct projects here that don't affect each other unless you're replacing the radiator and you have an in-radiator trans cooler, which was not included on 2004 and later KJ's :waytogo:

Bob

Do this. Big advocate of doing most things yourself this works better if you have the flushing machines.

If you still do it yourself despite bobs advise. they recommend doing the filters first as the new fluid (with more detergents, cleaners) will loosen the stuff in your filters.

uss2defiant · May 19, 2017

fluid exchange before filters

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f196/drain-refill-transmission-what-does-means-45234/

bendix · May 20, 2017

nevermind

Transmission Flush 04 KJ

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