Today while moving my truck out of the way at home the tow / haul light started flashing and the truck wanted to die when I put it in gear ? This is the 1st time this has happened. I changed the water pump and radiator last week. Anybody have any idea what is wrong ?
I checked the fluid and it was a little low. I went ahead and did a filter / fluid change and it's working fine now. Thank you for the help. I really appreciate it.
It must have been the 1/3 because it only took 6.5 quarts. I dropped the pan and replaced the filter. How do you get all of the old transmission fluid out if you want to change it all ? Or do I ever need to change it all ?
The other method is in line with what you did - drop and drain - but more frequently. I do that approach. I drop and drain every 15K (every third oil change) with Dex/Merc. That way, I get to put eyes on the magnet and inside of the pan, dilute out contaminants, and refresh the additive package.
Check your fluid level hot, idling, in park. I've been doing these changes for a couple hundred thousand miles and mine always uses exactly 8 quarts.
Still another method is to sample the transmission fluid and send Blackstone Labs the sample for analysis. Transmission fluid life varies with heat, heat can be a function of use type, severity and cooling capacity. Since a flush-fill and filter is a DIY parts project of 210 to 240 bucks just for materials if you use synthetic it can be a good idea to sample it. Blackstone will analyze it and even offer their recommendation in miles of when to change it based on quantifiable conditions rather than subjective mileage methods which might not be a good fit for heavy users.
I flush fill my trans at 50k intervals and sample occasionally to see if I am missing anything. If one samples trans fluid the sample should not come from the pan drain port, I pull mine up the dip stick tube.
I am on the RT 15,000-mile schedule and I use Valvoline ATF. I did a complete flush/fill the first time.
I have been using the synthetic in the red jug but will probably switch to the conventional in the Blue jug now that I am in warmer climates. I think they are around $20/gallon.
Today while moving my truck out of the way at home the tow / haul light started flashing and the truck wanted to die when I put it in gear ? This is the 1st time this has happened. I changed the water pump and radiator last week. Anybody have any idea what is wrong ?
Thank you to everyone who actually helped me and gave me good advice , I do appreciate it. I guess next time I'll be more careful with my choice of words for parts I'm not sure of so I don't blow someone's mind over a tow / haul button ! Thanks again.
The verbiage you used is what I think of mine as since the only time I use it is when I tow and don't want excessive in-out shifts of OD.
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