What Happens?
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
What Happens?
I'm having a problem convincing someone that the X needs maintenance. I'm not the one who pays to maintain the vehicle, but the person who does won't believe me when I say something is wrong. 
Alot of the maintenance has been skipped and things aren't looking too good. The way I see it becuase the diesel engine needs less maintenance, doesn't mean it needs no maintenance. Right now the transmission is shifting hard and as Bigslurrp says, "sideloading". The coolant used to be a clear and healthy green; now it's dark and looks filthy. The same applies to the transmission fluid. It used to be pinkish red, but now it's coming to a dark red. In addition to that, it almost seems as if the coolant level dropped below where it should be. Because I don't want anything to happen to me while I'm on the road, I called the dealership and asked for a quote. The service advisor said it would cost $374 (labor included). I would do it myself, but the advisor said that if you do it yourself, not all of the fluid is drained from either system. He continued by saying that they suck all of the fluid out of the transmission and coolant system. It makes sense, but then again, he may be giving me the run around. Can any of you tell me what is going to happen if neither of these problems get fixed?
Alot of the maintenance has been skipped and things aren't looking too good. The way I see it becuase the diesel engine needs less maintenance, doesn't mean it needs no maintenance. Right now the transmission is shifting hard and as Bigslurrp says, "sideloading". The coolant used to be a clear and healthy green; now it's dark and looks filthy. The same applies to the transmission fluid. It used to be pinkish red, but now it's coming to a dark red. In addition to that, it almost seems as if the coolant level dropped below where it should be. Because I don't want anything to happen to me while I'm on the road, I called the dealership and asked for a quote. The service advisor said it would cost $374 (labor included). I would do it myself, but the advisor said that if you do it yourself, not all of the fluid is drained from either system. He continued by saying that they suck all of the fluid out of the transmission and coolant system. It makes sense, but then again, he may be giving me the run around. Can any of you tell me what is going to happen if neither of these problems get fixed?
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Good question. My dad basically never changed tans, diff, or rad fluids unless something happened or just had an itch to do it some year. Therfore neither have I for all the gas vehicles I owned. I won't with this PU though; regular service for the PSD. Nothing ever happened to any of my dad's or my gasser cars and PUs. Go with your gut feeling on this. The practice of never doing anything to it like the way I used to is not a good practice for longevity. A micron filter or just smelling the old fluids has told me this pretty fast. We have also had to change out trans and a diff or two through the years. I always thought this was normal practice after a decade or so. Now I know better.
By the way, they're after your money for the fliud changes. Just change normal way. If you want to be sure to get all fluids go the torque conv and rad drain plug route. Do a search o this site and you will find some really good instructions on the 'get all fluids out' route. Just changing it out is better than nothing at all.
By the way, they're after your money for the fliud changes. Just change normal way. If you want to be sure to get all fluids go the torque conv and rad drain plug route. Do a search o this site and you will find some really good instructions on the 'get all fluids out' route. Just changing it out is better than nothing at all.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Northeastern Pa - USA
If it isnt your vehicle, I would keep the wheels turning. If something goes funky after you have messed with, they will blame you. When it does go funky, tell them you told them so and end it. I have been down that road before and decided to do what the owner says. QED
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
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From: Houston, Texas
Thanks for the advice so far. 
I will end up doing the fluid changes myself and save the $374 the "stealership" wants in order to do it. As far as replacing the tranny goes, I don't think I can afford something like that. Like you and many others will end up saying, it's cheap insurance just to do it all yourself. Any other convincing suggestions?
I will end up doing the fluid changes myself and save the $374 the "stealership" wants in order to do it. As far as replacing the tranny goes, I don't think I can afford something like that. Like you and many others will end up saying, it's cheap insurance just to do it all yourself. Any other convincing suggestions?
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Joined: Apr 2004
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The dealer does have the ability to get all the fluid out of the tranny( the fluid in the torque converter and cooling system) whereas you drain only the pan fluid. If they give you the run around you will know because the fluid would not be cherry red after they changed it. Also smell the fluid to see if it has a burnt smell. You will know! This smell should go away if they replace all the fluid with a flush machine. Now, you may not have a burnt smell at all which is good. The additives in a particular fluid ( the blend) does break down over time and this is often overlooked by individals who check for fluid levels and thats it. P.S. if the tranny is working fine and your fluid is getting darker this is normal wear on the clutches. I would recommend changing the fluid.
Other places have machines besides the dealer.
Other places have machines besides the dealer.
Last edited by jac6; Apr 22, 2004 at 04:21 PM. Reason: adding
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by bilder12
If it isnt your vehicle, I would keep the wheels turning. If something goes funky after you have messed with, they will blame you. When it does go funky, tell them you told them so and end it. I have been down that road before and decided to do what the owner says. QED
I already get blamed for anything else that goes wrong. I'd like to say thanks to everyone for helping.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 278
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From: Louisville, KY
screw having the dealer pump the fluit, you can take it to any shop and the average price is about 75 to 95 dollars. Only take the stuff to the dealer when the dealer is going to pay for it. The mechanics there are not any better than the independant garages.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by FarmerPhilCo
screw having the dealer pump the fluit, you can take it to any shop and the average price is about 75 to 95 dollars. Only take the stuff to the dealer when the dealer is going to pay for it. The mechanics there are not any better than the independant garages.
That's a very valid point.
The sad thing is, I didn't shoot for the 5 year/100,000 mile warranty. And now that all this is happening I'm really kicking myself about it. 
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