I have to do the 60k service on my Rodeo.

I've struck a problem with getting the transmission flushed. Locals tell me the transmission has no dipstick so they can't tell how much fluid is in there (therefore they won't do it).

The dealership is asking $145 for just the Trans. flush.

Whats the deal with the tranny in my Rodeo?

Ashby

I think they consider it one of those lifetime fluid trannys Somebody should do it my dad had his done and not by the dealer and as far as flushing goes most tranny places anymore dont do them because they can damage the transmission. I would just get it changed and leave it at that

I paid about 130 at a tranny shop, so 145 isnt too bad, plus the you have the dealer doing so if they mess up, its their fault.

Dan

I just had the fluids in my t-case, front and rear diffs, and tranny changed (pan dropped and new seal) for $160. I would have done it myself but I donÆt have a heated garage and figured it was not worth getting covered in oil. I know that not all the tranny fluid was changed as much is in the torque converter. I just plan to drain and refill the tranny fluid every 30K miles or so to keep it fresh.

I know some have posted here saying that you can do the coolant line flush without a machine by somehow pumping new fluid in while the truck is idling. I personally wouldnÆt do this for fear of running it low.

If you do the drain/drop and refill yourself, go out and buy a pump so you can fill that upside-down fill plug on the tranny.

Or just have the shop do it along with the t-case and diffs. It's money well spent in my opinion.

Here are some more posts that will give you some more depth on servicing these transmissions.

LINK

I am pretty sure one of them gives the exact procedure of how it is supposed to be done.

Hi Ashby

according to my experience, only isuzu and honda dealerships are willing to make a full tranny flush for our trucks. Others usually do not want to deal with it at all.

My local dealers want around $300 for the full flush - synthetic extra.

I do the tranny fluid change myself. You can replace only about 4 qts of tranny fluid, which is probably OK if you use high-quality fluid and change it every 15K miles.

My local dealers (isuzu & honda) want around $1500 for the 60K miles service - which includes the timing belt replacement, repacking of the front bearings, tranny flush, spark plugs replacement, etc. I am just 5K miles before the service, and I am having hard time deciding do I need this sort of expences or do I must to do it myself (excluding the timing belt replacement).

I still have the warranty and I have to be careful. But $1500 for the service... it s*cks.

Regards,
Oleg
Rodeo 4WD 2002

Many shops have fluid exchange machines that will swap 100% of the fluid via the cooling lines. I had mine done at the local Valvoline Rapid Oil Change (I know Jiffy Lube does it too). And they had no problem checking the level, their book told them there was no dipstick and directed them to send a guy in the pit under the vehicle to check level at the fill port.

I just finished the 60,000 on my 99 and I wouldn't pay the ridiculous amount the dealer charges. You can do the plugs by yourself in 30 minutes, get a spark plug socket with a swivel attatched and long extension (about 8") and get it done. The shops that do a fluid EXCHANGE, not flush as Steve stated work great. They machine has a large reservoir of new fluid and hooks to the cooler lines going into the bottom of your radiator. The vehicle is started and old fluid is circulated out and the new in. Also because the pressure is a constant there really is no chance of underfilling your trans. All you really need to maybe pay for based on your desire/skills is your diffs and transfer case, and maybe bearing repack. I don't have that kind of coin either, and they ding you so hard on LABOR, for jobs that really take little time, effort or knowlege. I would be curious to know why the manual says valve clearance adjusted, and yet the dealer looks at me like I just shot his dog, any ideas???

Later,

Tim B.

Thanks for all the responses. Having more knowledge really helps when dealing with shops and mechanics. Im going to shop around a little more. I would like to get it flushed (machine) since its been 30k since my last fluid change.

The past weeks have been too wet and cold to get under the truck and get a visual of these plugs.

Question:
I fill through the upper plug and when the fluid reaches the hole is that the full level? Do I check the fluid level through the top plug?

Thanks.

Just as a side note, timing belts are supposed to be done every 100k on the 3.5l I am also @58k miles and was given a $1400 est. until the dealership realized that the 3.5 is due every 100k miles, new est. $750