1999 jeep cherokee sport auto trans. I desperately need to change the transmisson fluid & filter, .I understand there is a pan to be removed,

where is the filter, an what do i need to know to get the right part # so i ask for the right filter at Advance/auto zone..
Steps i need to follow, and what to look for. I have a lift I can use.....changed my oil and done brake jobs in the past somewhat limitted experience, is this something most first timers could do... I was explained the issue of doing it my self an not having the equipment to flush it .@ 165K miles would.

Perhaps more importantly would I be better off having it flushed as there is a possible issue of the trans over heating, which occurs after an hours hard driving on the interstate 65-70 mph with some radical rpm's an some drive train issues

 

Here is just some quick off the cuff quick change directions.

As for the filter..im pretty sure there is only one option for the auto trans..but i could be wrong...any how the easy way to follow for a basic change.

1. Large drain pan...gonna make a mess.
2.jack up jeep..place on stands.
3.loosen all the pan bolts...but dont remove!
4.slide pan under the trans..more so towards the transfer case(or tailshaft if 2 wd)
5.once pan in place..begin removing the pan bolts(tranfercase side)and working your way up both side evenly..while applying mild vertical pressure to keep pan in place.leave the front bolts in place only slightyly loose.
6.let pan down..leaving front bolts in place...oil will drain from back of pan into drain pan.....once that stops...remove front bolts..finish draining.
7.R+R filter
8.clean gasket surface
9.replace gasket and pan.
10.fill trans..start...check level and adjust as needed.

 

Is it really this easy? I thought there was an issue with the dipstick tube that prevents the pan from dropping when it's unbolted.

 

On my 95, I just had that problem. Had to un-bolt the top part of the tube, snake it down beside the trans/engine, and pull the pan that way. Once it was out, I pulled the tube off and cleaned it, put anti-sieze on it at the o-ring area, and put it back where it belonged (put the bolt in LIGHTLY until I could get the trans pan back up, then tightened it up).

AFARR

 

Huh... My 98 has a drain plug. Much easier and less messy to drain most of the fluid out first before you drop the pan.

And the dipstick tube can be a PITA is some cases. There are a few approaches to this, from unbolting the top from the firewall and twisting, to the extreme of cutting the tube and using a piece of hose to patch it.

Greg