I have done a search but I havent seen any posts regarding the CVT fluid and filter change. Is it just a straightforward remove pan, fluid and filter and put the new filter and gasket in and fill her up?
Changing the differential fluid is easy (it takes standard gear oil) and most independent garages can do it quickly and cheaply. I can't remember what my mechanic charged but it was pretty nominal.So has anyone hit the 60k mark yet, i wanna know how much the fluid change is gonna cost. And has anybody changed the fluid in your diffs yet. How involved is that if so. I have looked a t them and afraid it may be a dealer service as well
All well and good...however for those of us with lifetime warranties, it makes sense to take it to dealer--it's about $400, then you know there will be no problem with warranty coverage. I too, am a former A & P, so I know high-tech mechanical devices--ever rebuild a prop governor?--but somethings are just too iffy to try and save a few buck on, in my humble opinion...Update, as a aircraft mechanic and former ASE certified mechanic I will tell you everything above is typical internet garbage from those who post nonsense about things they do not understand. Napa has the dipstick 605-1677 @ under $25. It comes with a chart as the fluid level is temp dependent. They also have the filter and gasket NAPA Part #1-5510. It is straight forward transmission filter change, be sure to wipe out pan and clean the 2 magnets thoroughly. Valvoline makes a Full synthetic CVT fluid that is CVTF4 chrysler compatible. Part #804751. I recommend changing before 100K miles as it already dirty (very black) by then and then every 50K miles as much fluid remains in trans during drain. The owners manual recommends 60K for severe duty and 120K miles normal service. This applies to 2007-2011 Patriot with CVT transmission. The fluid required will depend on how hot trans was when drained and how long it drained. Most require under 7qts but I would have a 8th around just in case. Add 5qts and then check, add, check until in middle of zone. Any dipstick that touches the bottom will also do as it is measured in millimeters and one could scribe the back of the oil dipstick so you always have it with you. Measured from bottom of stick 32mm works from 50F to 170 F. It would be the high mark @ 50F and the low @ 170F. 28mm to 36mm works from 70F to 125F trans fluid temp with low for 70F and high for 125F. I posted a more details on another post here. Use search.
Several on KC-130's and I actually pulled my back out installing one as they are quite heavy and slippery with hyd fluid. They are quite a marvel of engineering with all the valves and electronics in them and are much more complicated than the early prop controls used before that. Ever repaired an AWG-10B Radar? How about ran a GE 404 in the hush house or an T-56 on an engine stand? Have you ever removed a rotor from a CH-47D helicopter? Have you ever flown under Saddam's Sabers in a Blackhawk in Iraq? Have you ever been to Advanced Avionics and Radar school? How about T-56 school or KC-130 line school? Maybe a CH-47 line mech transition course? I can play this all day.All well and good...however for those of us with lifetime warranties, it makes sense to take it to dealer--it's about $400, then you know there will be no problem with warranty coverage. I too, am a former A & P, so I know high-tech mechanical devices--ever rebuild a prop governor?--but somethings are just too iffy to try and save a few buck on, in my humble opinion...
At what temperature did you perform this test. I have 2009 and my oil dipstick seems to be too short to reach the bottom of the transmission pan. I am assuming you did this when the engine completely cold.You can use the oil dipstick. When I first brought my Pat home, I noticed no trans dipstick. So I pulled the oil dip stick, wiped it clean then inserted it fully into the CVT fill/check tube. The oil level read at the one quart low mark on the oil dip stick. Doesn't tell me if it's full or low or anything, but at least I know it's at the same level as it was delivered to me.
It is too short. I tried the oil dipstick on my 08 Compass and it seemed as though it didn't hit bottom (the yellow collar on top of the oil dipstick hit the tube). I just bought a universal dipstick from ebay (around $15) and did a measurement then compared side by side with the oil dipstick and the oil dipstick was lower.At what temperature did you perform this test. I have 2009 and my oil dipstick seems to be too short to reach the bottom of the transmission pan. I am assuming you did this when the engine completely cold.