Just installed a transmission cooler and I was thinking of changing my fluid too, but when I checked, it looks brand new. I have 37,000 miles, should I wait and check again at 50,000 miles?

 

Why not "check" the manufacturers recommendations on fluid change intervals?

 

I'm sure someone else could throw out better guidance, but what I know is;
Are you hard on the vehicle like stop and go, drive through deep water, tow a lot in those 37k? If not it should be good till 50k. Honest question IMO, books aren't always realistic.

 

Just changed mine at 40k. Was pleasantly surprized at how clean the bottom of the pan was and almost zero debris on the magnet.

Ordered an OEM filter, trans pan and magnet from an online Mopar parts vendor. The trans pan was only $8.95. Worth it to me, no cleaning of old pan, removing old RTV, etc. Just wipped down new pan with brake clean. Used Permatex "The Right Stuff" in a pressurized container when installing new pan. Filled back up with Mopar ATF+4.

So to answer your question, if you don't use your Jeep for "police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer
towing", I'd wait until 50k.

 

Thanks, I am gonna wait. I do some beach driving now and then and have a roof rack which adds weight. Over-all I am light in the skinny pedal. I just wanna be safe. Thus the trans-cooler too.

 

I just did a complete flush at 28K miles. I also installed a cooler at the same time. I had "hot oil" warning come up 4 times for me, and I'm the 2nd owner. When tranny fluid overheats, it degrades and its life shortens. Since I was getting a cooler installed and will run cooler now, I thought it's a good idea to also start with fresh fluid. I'm a bit anal about auto transmissions, and would like to make them last. The old fluid that came out wasn't horrible, but noticeably darker than the new fluid. It now shifts slightly smoother too. I would never go by manufacturer's fluid change intervals. They're way over optimistic, especially with these JK's, that overheat quite easily.

 

Hope you aren't disappointed if I keep using the manufacturers "book".

 

I changed mine at 30k when I installed my trans cooler. It was dark and smelled slightly burned. The service manual will give you recommended mileages, but every vehicle is driven differently.

With something like transmission fluid, I don't see why anybody would go by the recommended mileage instead of the fluid condition.

I didn't notice any difference in the transmission's performance, but I have the peace of mind that the fluid is new. I frequently tow with and wheel my Jeep (typically in deep sand) so why not give the transmission every advantage I can give it?

 

x2 on this. Pull the dipstick and see what comes out. If it's pink and doesn't smell burnt, then you're okay. If it's brown and/or smells burnt, change it. When you get to 70k miles or so, then it's time to think about changing it regardless of color/smell, but up to then I would just go by the condition of the fluid.

 

Sorry. I was refering to normal drivers. The Manufacturers recs have specifications for "normal" conditions. Things like: Towing, Environmental conditions, ect ect. The "Owners Manual" has some really interesting facts and recommendations. You really should try reading it some time. Aggread that it doesnt apply to people who abuse their vehicles.

I got a good idea. Why don't you guys list your recommendations. Let's see how well they compare to the people that spend millions of dollars on research and development.