2008 42RLE trans fluid and filter change

[tonyiiiafl]

My 2008 Liberty with 42RLE had 137,000 miles on it 16 months ago, now at 158,000. Trans fluid was pink, no smell. I was going to change the fluid and filter. I checked with the aftermarket dipstick checker. Instructions said at 200 degrees should read at 50, MAX is 60. Mine is at 65. Using the engine dipstick, it is just above the high full mark. I bought a filter/gasket and pan kit from AMAZON. I am waiting for new bolts.

I was going to drain flid, measure it and return same amount? May use a vacuum evacuator to pump out through dipstick and then see what was left in the pan the next day as I let it drip down to empty pan? Thoughts?

 

[Pitneykk]

Make sure you use atf+4 .

 

[tonyiiiafl]

Make sure you use atf+4 .

I bought the Chrysler fluid. It is going on the drive up ramps tomorrow, to let is drip so i dont get covered

 

[tonyiiiafl]

Did A NICE DRIVE THIS AM. then parked in driveway up on my ramps. gave it 3 hours to cool off from the operating temp to just slightly 2warm. I used my fluid evaluator to suction fluid from the “dip stick” hole. I got 3 quarts out. I am sure there is more left in the pan. Tomorrow will drop pan and see what it looks like. Seems to have been scanned as really pink stuff.

 

[lfhoward]

I will be doing this job soon too, so I am very interested in your experience.

 

[tonyiiiafl]

THE GOOD, THE BAD, The UGLY! It is done, however there are a few things that need to be pointed out

THE GOOD:
just a little dust on the pan magnet

Glad I pumped out the 3 quarts last night and let sit.

When I dropped the pan, I got another 3. It was over filled so 5.5 went back in

Shifted great afterwards!

THE BAD:

People need to know what proper torques is! These bolts were on there with the power of Zeus!

Each time I tried to break one free, I at first used a 1/4” impact Dewalt. However, it didn’t budge. So to a 3/8” ratchet and brute strength. i saw jesus for every of the 13 bolts I removed! I was awaiting one to snap. However I learned they were 10.9 grade

The filter took a 3/8” ratchet to break free with that 25 torx bit.

THE UGLY:

Do not do this without a thread chaser! I had a couple bolts that went in hard. I had no 8 x 1.5 tap, so had to trek down and get one. Still need to chase one more tomorrow. Hoping I can do it with the pan on.

I used a gasket, not RTV. Not sure if a good idea, but torqued to 12.5 FT/LBS. NO leaks, but watching

Just because you take 6 out does not mean 6 go back in! Check dipstick frequently.

Just my .20 worth.