88whitemanche Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 What's up guys So I've been working in the 98 cherokee 4.0 aw4 It has 161k miles I'm going to doing all the fluids on it in the next coming weeks.... I wanted to know should I change the oil and filter in the transmission? Or should I just leave as it is? I really don't know any info of the service history on the jeep but just for peice of mind I wanted to know should I? Or should I not? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 My dad had the fluid in the transmission of his Exploder sucked out through the filler tube shortly after buying it and afterwards it seemed to shift smoother. It of course doesn't have anywhere near 161k but that's probably the first time the fluid was ever changed. I say go for it since you don't know the maintenance at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yxmj Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 Sure why not easy to do and will give you piece of mind. Just count the number of bolts that hold the pan on before you go to the parts store. (the fellow behind the counter will ask if it is 17 or 19 i don't remember what the aw4 is) pick up a new filter and gasket kit and new fluid. Saftly drop the panand dispose of the old fluid .....replace the filter and clean and reinstall the pan :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onlyinajeep726 Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 Good luck getting the pan separated from the dipstick tube... I had a b!tch of a time on my (former) '96 XJ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88whitemanche Posted September 30, 2013 Author Share Posted September 30, 2013 Just a question...I've asked this forum and I've asked a few guys that are reputable mechanics Cc- says to do the oil and filter change But these guys say not to because there may be gunk and materials that are stuck in the transmission that draining the oil and putting new fluid may cause the transmission to slip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbyrambler Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 If your aw4 is not leaking & has a drain plug I would not drop the pan - Just drain & refill, drive a few & repeat - Then drive a few more & repeat - - - You can also Google & find instructions with pics for undoing the lines going to the radiator, attaching extensions & then pumping/drawing from containers - - Works & sounds good but is kind of a pain, timewise mostly & also good to have a helper - - I have done this to 3 AW4 Toyotas & one Chrysler Town&Country - - My 87 MJ was taken to the local Chrysler/Jeep dealership shortly after purchase for a few things 2B done including AW4 servicing - - The bill was lower than quoted when I went to pay because (& this is when I learned) the AW4 has no band adjustment & the filter is basically just a screen that they said requires no service/cleaning - - When service time 4 my newly bought 89 MJ with a 1991 AW4 came around I compared amount of fluid required to pump/suck like I'd done B4 & amount required for the way easier drain & drive others were doing with nearly same fluid purity achieved - Decided on D&D & then considered the bright, clean looking & smelling appearance of the TF on my MJ's dipstick & the screen/filter thing - - Closed the hood & drove, paying close attention to anything unusual AW4wise, to the nearest service center displaying a Budweiser sign - - 2 yrs later no regrets/problems - fluid still looks good but only approx 5k driven since. Anyway, some thoughts from others: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/opinions-replacing-aw4-transmission-fluid-685974/ :wrench: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88whitemanche Posted September 30, 2013 Author Share Posted September 30, 2013 Ok so when you say to drain and refill...do you mean new fluid? Or just drain and refill with the old fluid so the old stuff can move around circulating the debris that was stuck....then change to new fluid eventually after a few oil changes? Sorry if I ask plenty questions...I used to have an Mazda millennia that the auto trans went out in me biggest p.o.s and ever since then I've been driving stick but since I had the opportunity to trade for an aw4 cherokee I said why not? But that issue for the auto trans. has always been a scare for me.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitroxsteve Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 It has been said that sometimes when servicing a high miles auto trans that has been neglected that after the service the trans fails. This is because the new fluid will clean out the garbage that is stuck in the seals and it will slip. I have experience this with an older car but I don't know if it applies to the aw4. If the oil is red I don't think you will have a problem if the oil is already brown or burnt I would not change it and run it till it stops. But thats just my opinion. I am always nervous the first time I service the auto trans in a used car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88whitemanche Posted September 30, 2013 Author Share Posted September 30, 2013 Well the fluid is brown but a clear brown not a gunky brown but I don't know if it's burnt or not...I will know more later on today when I check it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitroxsteve Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 If its burnt you will be able to tell by the smell. In my opinion if the oil is burnt the damage is already done and fresh oil probably won't help much. I am sure there are lots of opinions, change it / don't change it I always struggle with this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 Two of the best ways in the world to start an argument is to ask which is a better sex partner, A Blonde or a Red Head. The other one is to ask about flushing a transmission or engine. Both guaranteed to start a heated discussion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitroxsteve Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 Two of the best ways in the world to start an argument is to ask which is a better sex partner, A Blonde or a Red Head. The other one is to ask about flushing a transmission or engine. Both guaranteed to start a heated discussion. X2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Remove the drain plug. Drain fluid. Reinstall plug with new sealing ring. Put in 3.5 quarts of Dex/Merc trans fluid. Follow instructions on dipstick for getting the level correct. Add fluid as necessary. Done. Check level, using dipstick instructions in a week. Note fluid condition and color. Repeat this procedure if fluid appears dirty or smells bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yxmj Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Two of the best ways in the world to start an argument is to ask which is a better sex partner, A Blonde or a Red Head. The other one is to ask about flushing a transmission or engine. Both guaranteed to start a heated discussion. For what it is worth.....I have 7 jeeps in my drive way .....have revived and rebuilt more than most of you ever will....I vote red head,,,,and change the fluid.....if the fluid got better with use and age.....like the red head......... it would be worth more and keep you happy longer.....not.....change the fluid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Unfortunately I have never found out which is better. Blonde or Redhead. By the time they're through fighting over me neither one is any good for any physical activity. And as for the number of Jeeps owned, restored, rebuilt, parted out and just plain gone through, I will match my record against any body here. I have flushed trannys and engines. I have also left them alone, just changing fluids. Sort of play it by ear. Each one is different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitroxsteve Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 . Sort of play it by ear. Each one is different. X2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 If its burnt you will be able to tell by the smell. In my opinion if the oil is burnt the damage is already done and fresh oil probably won't help much. I am sure there are lots of opinions, change it / don't change it I always struggle with this. Unfortunately I have never found out which is better. Blonde or Redhead. By the time they're through fighting over me neither one is any good for any physical activity. And as for the number of Jeeps owned, restored, rebuilt, parted out and just plain gone through, I will match my record against any body here. I have flushed trannys and engines. I have also left them alone, just changing fluids. Sort of play it by ear. Each one is different. Going purely by smell, blonds are better than redheads. Ever been to Ireland? Don't know if this applies to the AW4 fluid though............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 If its burnt you will be able to tell by the smell. In my opinion if the oil is burnt the damage is already done and fresh oil probably won't help much. I am sure there are lots of opinions, change it / don't change it I always struggle with this.going purely by smell, blonds are better than redheads. Ever been to Ireland? Don't know if this applies to the AW4 fluid though............. I have been to Ireland, and I did meet a Blonde. She smelled like burnt Dexron II with a little kerosene mixed in. Maybe I just should have sniffed around in a different area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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