Should i risk changing my jeep tranny fluid if i have no record?

Question

I have a 1999 jeep grand Cherokee 6cylinder with 146k on it. I wanted to have my tranny fluid changed but dont have any record that is was done. Jiffy lube told me not to change it if i have no record of it. I therefore only have my axle differentials changed and have an antifreze flush, both fluids were terribly dirty. I'm nervous the tranny might be that bad too. The car runs great but should i change it or leave it as it is for now. HE says if i change it, tranny might start to slip, maybe but if i leave it, isnt going to get worse anyways with all that mileage??

Answer 1

Not sure why they would tell you not to change your transmission fluid. It's a fluid that should be done on occassion. Please see website below.

Answer 2

Yes change it if you don't know when it was last changed if it's ever been changed. A lot cheaper to change tranny fluid than it is to change transmissions. Changing your tranny fluid will not cause transmission problems it will lengthen the life of your transmission fluid, and will actually make the transmission operate better. The tranny fluid breaks down after about 50,000 miles, so its better to spend about $90 to have it done than not to have it done and then spend around $2500 for a transmission.

My jeep has 190,000 miles on it and I have the oil/filter changed every 3000 miles, and the transmission fluid changed every 55,000 miles, or sooner if I do any heavy towing. I usually have the front and rear differentials changed the same time I do the tranny fluid.

Answer 3

Problem number 1 is going to Jiffy Lube, they have a horrible record with dishonest employees, check them out on the net. You should have no problem with a reputable service place getting this done. I am a firm believer in word of mouth advertising also, check with a trusted friend on where they go. I have a Jeep Cherokee with 198,000 miles on it and I take it to the same place to get worked on, I pay a bit more, but they are totally honest.
Incidentally I use Valvoline High Mileage oil, works great!

Answer 4

He's right. Don't touch it. Besides, he already got you for the diff fluid change. Most professional tranny shops will tell you that if it was never changed after 60K miles don't bother. With that kind of mileage you are on borrowed time anyway and I am amazed that the tranny hasn't failed already, everyone knows that Chrysler trannies are ready to explode at a moment's notice.
You have had success with this vehicle, don't change a thing.

Answer 5

I am a certified mechanic, not like all the guessers on here. If your transmission is not serviced by 70K miles then it actually is MUCH worse to change it than to keep the original fluid in it. If you put a newer (and therefore thinner) transmission fluid in a car that has been conditioned to run on old thick fluid, the new fluid will not work properly and therefore cause it to slip. That would be a real quick way to ruin your car.

Answer 6

I partially agree with the guy above me. But from what I hear its when you start having tranny problems that you dont want to change it if it hasnt been done regularly. Now if you dont have any problems then its a roll of the dice.

BTW I have a 95 Jeep GC with 203k and I didnt have to have the tranny rebuilt until 197k Straight 6 (non AWD) Jeeps are a different breed then most Chyslers.

Answer 7

Change your fluid especially since you have no idea when it was last done and in the future go to Valvoline

Answer 8

change the fluid. it's never too late. the 2nd most common problem with automatics is the cooler in radiator getting plugged. bypass it with an auxilary cooler for smooth shifting/long life.

Answer 9

change it, check the color of it but take it elsewhere to get it done, jiffy lube has no real mechanics.

Answer 10

you should change all your fluids no matter what on a regular basis.