stinsonbr

Thinking about changing the tranny fluid in the 2000 XJ with 220K miles. I changed it about 60K ago, and decided it should probably have some new fluid and a filter in it, depending of course on what it looks like. Any general suggestions or advice? I am not going to flush it, and I know that if there are lots of particles in the old fluid that completely new fluid can make it run rough (I hear a 50/50 old/new mix is good in this case?), but I have heard good and bad on how changing the fluid can be at high mileage, or at least the process of doing so. Nothing feels wrong with the tranny, I have had it running pretty hot a few times when pulling things a bit larger than advised, but other than that its been road trips and general commutes.

belvedere

Definitely change it. If it were mine, I'd do about 3 drain/fills about 500 miles apart. If you want, on the last one, you could drop the pan and change the filter.

tjwalker

Well said. Completely agree with this strategy.

Be sure to use Dex/Merc III compatible fluid. Do not use ATF+4 in the AW4 transmission. Some (not all) experience slippage. Dex/Merc is the original spec fluid for this transmission and its performance has absolutely positively stood the test of time.

belvedere

Good point - something I completely forgot to mention. Any name-brand D/M fluid should work fine.

stinsonbr

I got a good deal for Dec VI, so I bought a case of it. Also, why wait 500 miles between each change? I get the letting it mix, but that seems like a long time

belvedere

Dex VI does supersede Dex III, but only for GM apps. It is much thinner than Dex III, so it's unknown how it would work in the AW4. Maybe someone here has tried it and can chime in.

The 500 miles is just a number I threw out, nothing magical about it. The new fluid may clean a little between changes, though ATF contains very little detergent (contrary to popular belief of those who advocate using it as an engine flush). I'm sure 100 miles would be just fine between changes.

EZEARL

Since I don't drive many miles at all (50 a week would be alot) when it came time to change mine I just watched the color of the fluid. First change was a little over one week. Next was around three weeks. Good to go now.

XjZack

I did it last year and i no problems ... here's the like to mine
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/wha...id-use-153432/