Hi, my name is Angel and I am new to the forum. I have been searching around the forum for answers on how to change my tranny flid. I have a 2008 Jeep Patriot with an Automatic CVT. I have gone past the recommended millage in which my manual recommends a transmission oil change. I would like to avoid taking it to a shop if this is a job I can do myself.
barrioluis13
Transmission Fluid Change????
This isn't meant to be snark but if you have to ask if you can do it yourself...you can't.
The CVT is a sealed unit and takes special fluid that has to be precisely metered in under exact temperature/volume parameters. This requires a special tool, its a dip stick that measures both volume and temperature of the fluid and translates that into fill levels.
Some things are best left to the dealer...for me and I would suggest for you, this is one of them.
The CVT is a sealed unit and takes special fluid that has to be precisely metered in under exact temperature/volume parameters. This requires a special tool, its a dip stick that measures both volume and temperature of the fluid and translates that into fill levels.
Some things are best left to the dealer...for me and I would suggest for you, this is one of them.
It's changed just like any other automatic. Drop the pan to drain the fluid, replace the filter under the pan, new gasket and refill. As Metaxa states though, refilling it is generally the problem. But all problems have a solution.
NOTE: If you still fall under the lifetime powertrain warranty, I would strongly urge you to have the dealer do it and document they did it to protect your warranty. If not...then read on!
While it's true the dealer reads the trans fluid temp then uses a millimeter calibrated dipstick tool to set the correct level, this doesn't mean you can't get it close enough to work, then get to a dealer for a final top off.
Few things you can do:
While the CVT uses expensive fluid and requires a special dipstick for reading the level, all mechanical devices that need fluid have an acceptable range. If you put back what came out, it'll still work. This isn't a magical device that requires voodoo shamans blessings to change fluid on.
NOTE: If you still fall under the lifetime powertrain warranty, I would strongly urge you to have the dealer do it and document they did it to protect your warranty. If not...then read on!
While it's true the dealer reads the trans fluid temp then uses a millimeter calibrated dipstick tool to set the correct level, this doesn't mean you can't get it close enough to work, then get to a dealer for a final top off.
Few things you can do:
- Measure how much fluid came out, put the same amount back in (accounting for loss due to spillage and film thickness left over in the drain pan).
- With the transmission stone cold, use a universal dipstick (available at just about any auto parts place) to take a reading before draining. Take it several times to make sure you do it the same way and get the same reading.
- Or check level at full hot in the same manner (or both to get a cold vs. hot mark then aim for the middle at full hot).
While the CVT uses expensive fluid and requires a special dipstick for reading the level, all mechanical devices that need fluid have an acceptable range. If you put back what came out, it'll still work. This isn't a magical device that requires voodoo shamans blessings to change fluid on.
Dealer claims Don't change it!
My dealer has repeatedly told me Chrysler is telling them not to change the fluid. I have questioned them on this several times and had the mechanic come out of the shop to reassure me this was the case. Then they told me it might help a shifting hiccup they noticed. Only trouble is they didn't know it had just been changed by another dealer while repairing a clogged oil cooler line. :doh:
My dealer has repeatedly told me Chrysler is telling them not to change the fluid. I have questioned them on this several times and had the mechanic come out of the shop to reassure me this was the case. Then they told me it might help a shifting hiccup they noticed. Only trouble is they didn't know it had just been changed by another dealer while repairing a clogged oil cooler line. :doh:
Hey thanks all of you for the info and advice. I was trying to avoid going to dealer or mechanic since I don't have any warranty on it.
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