Auto transmission service require special additive?

[dicept1]

Hi everybody have not been here for a while due to life situations. But I was wondering if anybody knows if when getting the auto tranny service if there is a special Chrysler additive that must be used? I am getting prices from $89-$200 to get the 50k service.
Thanks in advance ya'll.
joel

[Mean Green]

Originally Posted by dicept1

Hi everybody have not been here for a while due to life situations. But I was wondering if anybody knows if when getting the auto tranny service if there is a special Chrysler additive that must be used? I am getting prices from $89-$200 to get the 50k service.
Thanks in advance ya'll.
joel

I know of no other additive other than using ATF-4 and I've had two auto tranny PTs. Since the reliability of the 41TE auto tranny is questionable my dealer recommended tranny service every 30k, alternating between a drain and fill and then a full tranny flush service. I would get the full flush if you've never had the auto tranny serviced.

[CREWZIN]

Joel,

Agree with MG on the full service "Flush" if you've never had anything done. That's the difference your seeing in costs. The "drop the pan" service only changes about 4-5 quarts of fluid whereas the "flush" uses a machine that pushes out all the fluid (about 15 quarts) from the pan and the rest of the tranny, plus they run a can of cleaner through the system before adding the new fluid. They don't do that on the "drop the pan" service.

ATF+4 or the new Synthetic ATF+5 is the ONLY fluid Chrysler recommends and other fluid could cause damage.

[Richard in Idaho]

Yes there is. But do not go to a shop that uses it. I had mine done at Cottman.
They told me that they buy fluid from the local Chrysler dealer when servicing a Chrysler. Most shops use what they have on hand and add the additive. Said it was OK on a rebuild but not if any old fluid was left in the Tranny.

[SRG]

From the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Service manual:

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Mopart ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-
Type 9602) is required in the 41TE automatic. Substitute
fluids can induce torque converter clutch
shudder.
Mopart ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-
Type 9602) when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed
red so it can be identified from other fluids used in
the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red
color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid
condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin
to look darker in color and may eventually become
brown. This is normal. A dark brown/black fluid
accompanied with a burnt odor and/or deterioration
in shift quality may indicate fluid deterioration or
transmission component failure.
G288 and T350 Manual transaxles require the use
of Mopart ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)

FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various “special” additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been supported
to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additives must not be used. The use of transmission
“sealers” should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission.

I've even heard of Chrysler dealers themselves hawking "special additives" , ATF+4 is the only thing Chrysler wants in there.

srg

[bobs turbo pt]

full flush