rtreptow7
Central, WI
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Joined: 03/08/2004
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I have a 2004 2500HD 6.0 It has 54K on it now. I really only tow with it about 3-4 months out of the year for a total of maybe 1500 miles. Last summer my tranny temp always seemed to be between 150 and 175 when towing. Occasionally getting up to maybe 185 if it was really hot out. This summer, I've noticed that when towing our camper it seems to run more like 170 to 195, and that's even in pretty cool weather. Do I need to worry about this? Should I get my tranny fluid changed (it's never been done)? Could I change the fluid myself and if so, what type of fluid is recommended. Thanks.
2004 Chevy 2500HD Exteneded Cab 6.0L 4.10 gears
2004 KZ Frontier 2453P-F fifth wheel 26'10" UVW 6100lbs
Prodigy brake controller Reese Pro Series 15K hitch
Honda EU2000i
Wife, 2 kids and overweight Golden Retriever (weight reduced to 98lbs)
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" Phillipians 4:13
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m16fullauto
Louisburg NC USA
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Joined: 08/17/2004
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Almost sounds like your transmission filter is blocking fluid flow. I'd consider taking it to a good mechanic / good dealer and have a transmission flush performed.
2004.5 Dodge 2500 Diesel 4x4
2006 Jayco Jayflight 31BHDS
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trop-a-cal
Palm Coast Fl
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Joined: 09/24/2007
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Get it done at Chevy. It's a real messy and dangerous job as the fluid is something you don't want on your skin. They will replace the filter same time and put a new gasket on. They also check for wear. Well worth the cost. Check for service specials with discounts. The rear end fluid shoud be checked then too. And if you haven't lubed the chassis, including the driveshaft universals it should be done.
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rtreptow7
Central, WI
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Joined: 03/08/2004
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I've read a flush is not recommended and GM does not recommend it on this transmission? How about just changing the fluid and filter? I think I can do this.
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m16fullauto
Louisburg NC USA
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Joined: 08/17/2004
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I'd check with the dealer. Flushing removes particles / material that can still be left in the lines, cooler, etc. Towing a 31 ft TT, I have my Dodge CTD transmission flushed every 2 years
Also, have you checked to ensure you do not have blockage on the radiator where the transmission cooler is located ? Bugs etc
Is your engine running higher than normal temperature ? If your engine is running hotter, the radiator may be getting hotter which may inadvertly allow poorer cooling for the transmission cooler
Are you towing in overdrive ? Overdrive I do believe allows less coolant to flow from the transmission to the cooler and might make it run hotter.
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rtreptow7
Central, WI
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Joined: 03/08/2004
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I have checked the radiators. They are not blocked. Engine temp is normal too. I tow in Drive using the Tow/Haul mode.
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m16fullauto
Louisburg NC USA
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Joined: 08/17/2004
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I'd still recommend taking it in to the dealer for a transmission flush. Heat will destroy a transmission, the higher the faster it is destroyed. Have you checked the fluid color & smell ? If burnt smelling or darker color, it is running too hot.
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rtreptow7
Central, WI
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Joined: 03/08/2004
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I have checked the fluid. It doesn't smell burnt, I don't think. It certainly doesn't have a "sweet" smell like I read somewhere that it should. It's red, but not dark red. I'm going to buy a quart of transmission fluid so I can see what good fluid looks and smells like. Also, my temps have never been up to 200 so I don't think it would be burned? Either way, It's probably time to have it changed anyway.
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rtreptow7
Central, WI
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Joined: 03/08/2004
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I took my truck to an auto parts store. The guy came out and checked my fluid and said it was definately not burnt and looked in good condition. He sold me the supplies to change the filter and fluid in the pan. Unfortunately, I rounded off the drain plug, which I hear is common, and couldn't get at two of the bolts on the pan that required a wrench instead of a socket. So the project is on hold. I'm thinking I might just take the supplies back and have a mechanic flush it. Do you think it would be OK for me to ask if he would change the filter and fluid in the pan in addition to the flush with the supplies I already bought? Of course I wouldn't expect it to be done for free!
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reno82
Cardiff by the Sea, CA
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Joined: 04/01/2008
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Depends on your mechanic, but mine has no problem with me bringing in my supplies. I use synthetic oil and buy it in bulk. I think he prefers this since he has to make no calls or wait for delivery, he just charges for his time. No harm in asking.
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