Transmission flush

1999 DODGE RAM

246,000 MILES • 5.9L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

DAN2099

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I just purchased a 1999 ram 1500 4x4 with almost 250,000 miles and the fluid to the transmission is not really red anymore and I'm wanting to do a full flush and filter change. I've been told that if never before changed it will put the transmission into shock and mess up Is this true.

Sep 28, 2018 at 11:39 AM

DANNY L

✓Experienced Mechanic
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I am Danny,

Yes, that is true. If the transmission fluid has never been changed or is darkish brown "burnt" in color it would cause problems when changed with new fluid.The reason is that when the fluid gets burnt it has amounts of friction material in the fluid from the clutches. When the fluid is then changed or flushed the friction material is lost. When the new clean fluid is then installed the transmission usually starts to slip due to lack of friction material. It is usually best at that point to keep the dirty fluid in, maintain the level, and just run the transmission as long as it will go or until you want to rebuild/replace. I can attach a tutorial showing you how to change the fluid if you want to run the risk of damage. Let me know. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2Carpros.
Danny-

May 1, 2021 at 11:13 AM