Should I change my Trans Fluid???
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 309
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From: Jackson, WYoming
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
I have a 2000 xj sport withs 92000 miles. I bought it with 83000. The trans fluid is brown but doesnt smell burnt. I'm afraid if I get a trans flush it will mess something up. Dont know if it has ever been changed. Any help would be great. THanks.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 1
From: Santa Rosa, California
Year: 1987 Comanche,1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Renix
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,840
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Do it progressively.
Drain what is in the pan (3-4 quarts) and refill with Dex/Merc III compatible fluid. Drive it for a week.
Repeat the above procedure until fluid stays RED and does not smell burnt.
Drain what is in the pan (3-4 quarts) and refill with Dex/Merc III compatible fluid. Drive it for a week.
Repeat the above procedure until fluid stays RED and does not smell burnt.
+1 I took that advice and it went flawlessly for me. Last change I dropped the pan and changed the filter as well. Shifts so much better now.
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+1 to tjwalker's advice. That's what I've been doing with mine. After one drain/fill, it shifted noticeably better. I've done two now, and plan on a third before winter.
Senior Member




Joined: May 2012
Posts: 602
Likes: 13
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I first used ATF+4, but then did 2 drain/fills of MaxLife Dex/Merc.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 47
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From: Orlando
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 5.0
Wondering if it would be a good idea to do a filter change after purging the old fluid using the several fluid change over time method, as mentioned above. You would have the old fluid out without having to do a forcible flush (which has been reported to cause problems) and you'd have a fresh filter. This seems the best or safest way to have both a new filter and all new fluid, as you can't drain all the old fluid out by just dropping the pan.
This seems like a good idea to me. If anyone reading this can advise further it would be greatly appreciated.
This seems like a good idea to me. If anyone reading this can advise further it would be greatly appreciated.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
New filter/pan gasket is $20-25, iirc, so why not. Only reason to drop the pan is to change the filter. Nothing to changing the filter but the pan drop can be a hassle (ours was) due to the dip stick tube being stubborn to separate. A small tubing cutter, short piece of rubber fuel hose and 2 clamps will make future pan drops a piece of cake.
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, SC
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Arise, ye dead thread of old!!
If you look under your Jeep, there will be a drain plug at the rear of your transmission pan. Bingo.
There have been several Threads on this lately.
If you look under your Jeep, there will be a drain plug at the rear of your transmission pan. Bingo.
There have been several Threads on this lately.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 1
From: Nashville, TN
Year: 1997, 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I'd rather see a thread revival than someone starting a new thread on it. At least he searched for the information lol.
Drain the contents of the pan, then fill with Dex/Merc III only. No other types of ATF will work well (Chrysler's opinion be darned...)


