Good evening everyone,
I have a 2000 Cherokee with about 180k miles on it and it is starting to make some weird noises. The transmission is feeling clunky and it's probably time to get it serviced. The transmission was replaced in 2007 or 2008 and nothing since then.
I am not sure what I should ask for when I take it in to have work done, but I am definitely not going to do the work myself (apartment). I've been reading suggestions around the internet and there are several different options. I don't know which way to go.
drain / fill
drain / replace filter / fill
flush
flush / replace filter

It seems like a no brainer that the filter should be replaced but the local shops don't seem to want to touch the filter. I'm in tulsa if any locals know of a good place.
Thanks for the advice.

 

The filter on the AW4 is basically a screen.

What color is the fluid now? How many miles on this fluid?

Depending on your answer, I think I'd go with either a drain/fill and repeat after driving a bit until fluid stays red.

Or go with a mild complete fluid exchange using specialized equipment to "gently" replace 100% of the fluid.

Use Dex/Merc III compatible fluid. I wouldn't use ATF+4. Some (not all to be fair) experience some slippage using this fluid. Dex/Merc III is the fluid that the transmission manufacturer recommended since day one and has provided a very long service life on the AW4.

 

Drain-Filter-Fill.

 

Welcome to the forum.

Simply drain and refill, (this you can do anywhere, even on the street in front of your apartment and repeat a few times driving in between, till happy with a red colored ATF as mentioned above.
Not that I think you will do this (the following), but what I did was 'forward' flush, using the AW4's own pump and that way replace ALL the fluid in a few minutes. Then you're done for the next 20-ish K. I wouldnt recommend a shop trans 'flush' , for more than one reason...
The filter, like TJ already stated, is really just a screen to keep the big chunks out. Some change it, some leave it alone. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

By doing filter also it lets you clean out any sediment in bottom of pan. Don't want to be pouring new fluid right on top of it and causing it to circulate back into tranny.