Transmission Filter

[MAD King]

Hello all,

I tried to locate a thread where a filter for the tansmission is recommended, but I have either tomatoes on my eyes or there is none.
What filter do you recommend?

Thank you

[M-Pressive]

This is what was used in my car. At the recommendation of FIREM.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp ... ion+filter

[MAD King]

I looked at this before I posted my questions and thought that can't be a good one.
But if FIREM recommends it then it must be good.

Thank you

[M-Pressive]

Maybe others will chime in but his word was good enough for me. He even installed it!

[FIREM]

Same filter in both my M's, no issues, Proper fluid is the real key.

[MAD King]

If this recommendation comes from FIREM, there is nor arguing about.

[MAD King]

Another thing. What Fluid? Castrol, Walmart, Mobil, Mopar? And where to get it for a good price?

Thank you

[FIREM]

ATF + 4 Period, nothing else.
Walmart often has Mopar branded or "Super Tech" brand +4 for good $$
(FWIW ATF+4 has a unique smell and the label has all the proper ID info )
"Super Tech" +4 in both my M's, and a few others, without any issues (160K/140K)

[MAD King]

Great. I'll go with the Walmart Brand. Thank you

[grayslater]

I've used the Pro King filter from AAP many times over the years. It's a rubber gasket. Wix has always been a quality oil filter in my opinion but I did not like their cork style gasket.

[MAD King]

I see that the filter is AAP own brand. Do you mean the gasket is still cork?
If so, where do I get a rubber one?

[FIREM]

Rubber reusable Dealer Item only $$ I use the rubberized gasket in the kit, no sealer, clean and dry.

[LUNAT1C]

He said the Wix oil filter uses cork. Pro King trans filter from AAP uses rubber.

Had I done my own filter change (parking lot is not a good place to do it, so I had the dealer do it) I would have a Pro King filter with AAP-branded ATF+4. Since I had the dealer do it, I currently have whatever they used, assuming Mopar filter and Mopar ATF+4. I did specifically ask what fluid they use since it's rare for an LH to come through their service department anymore and the service writer smiled and said "+4" with zero hesitation, so I know they were on the ball. Expensive to have them do it, but it's worth the piece of mind that some random kid hired by a small shop thinking "Well this bulk stuff we use in the Hondas, Fords, GMs, Toyotas, etc. works fine, I can dump it in this Chrysler, +4 is an old wives tale blah blah blah" isn't monkeying my transaxle and making me dump a few grand that I don't have into the car when the trans implodes.

I'm told that any bottle with ATF+4 on the label will do, since it all comes from the same refinery/lab/mixing facility that is certified by Chrysler to make the fluid, with whatever label the brand puts on it. Personally I detest Walmart so I don't give a rats hindside how much cheaper it is. I'll be adding the AAP stock that I have when I pump out the fluid in it currently and refill (3x, half the fluid is still in the TC) as my fluid change. Check AAP, AZ, O'Reilly's, and whatever auto parts store is local to you.

[Bill Putney]

Rubber reusable Dealer Item only $$ I use the rubberized gasket in the kit, no sealer, clean and dry.

The dealer alternative (to the "special" tranny fluid RTV) is actually a metal and silicone sandwich gasket (vs. the aftermarket all-rubber gasket) - and yes - a little pricey. I put one in my '99 over a decade ago (still in it) - it was around $30 then. I believe it lists for over $60 now.

[jayman2]

I realize that this is an old thread, but I have a question. I'm getting ready to have my have my trans filter and fluid changed. My trans seems to be performing just fine, just a little PM. I'm going to get the automatic transmission kit that FIREM recommended. My question is... I had my last trans fluid change done 3 years or so ago. At the time I didn't know about the importance of using ATF +4, so I don't know what the shop used. If they didn't use ATF +4, can I just get a drain and refill with the ATF +4, or will mixing different fluids harm my trans? I keep reading on here that a trans flush is not recommended. The stuff I have in there now is a pinkish, redish color. That's all I know.

[FIREM]

ATF +4 is what you want installed. If there was something else in there most of it will be removed by dropping the pan and replacing the filter.
Some folks will then fill the system, disconnect the return cooling line to pump fresh fluid out and add more as you go. Kind of a flush (search for more details)
Todays "Fluid Flush Machines" are not recommended as you can not be sure the only thing you get is ATF+4, not what ever was in the machine and additives that most shops will say are ok to use (not)

[jayman2]

ATF +4 is what you want installed. If there was something else in there most of it will be removed by dropping the pan and replacing the filter.
Some folks will then fill the system, disconnect the return cooling line to pump fresh fluid out and add more as you go. Kind of a flush (search for more details)
Todays "Fluid Flush Machines" are not recommended as you can not be sure the only thing you get is ATF+4, not what ever was in the machine and additives that most shops will say are ok to use (not)

Thanks for the quick reply Bob. I'll probably be getting it done in the morning. Like I said, I didn't know about or request ATF +4 when I did the change last time. They may have used it, but I don't know for sure (probably not). So just to be sure, are you saying that it won't hurt if just a little of the 2 different types of fluid mix, it can't do any harm? My M is running great right now and I don't want to mess up my transmission.

[tafi300M]

No problem, you will never mess up the system, if you change the filter and refill with ATF+4.

[jayman2]

No problem, you will never mess up the system, if you change the filter and refill with ATF+4.

Thanks for the reply. Now I feel a lot better. Like I said, I didn't want to risk a flush.