2003 GrCaravan 3.3 L maintenance?

I have 48500 km (30312 miles) on my 2003 GC. Took it in for the regular maintenance to my 5 star Dealer. The dealer recommended to change Automatic Transmission fluid and Power steering fluid since they are the same. I follow the severe schedule B since I live in Canada Quebec, and plan B calls for A/T fluid at 77000 km (48000 miles) and power steering fluid is really never mentioned to be changed at any mileage. My dealer said since we are in Canada and temperature varies alot he said to do it. My manual says Plan B is specifically for Canada. I told him just follow the maintence schedule.

Am I missing something or the dealer is trying to generate sales or they know it really is good for the tranny in reality because they still have problems with it. Thanks

Reply to
cosza
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I'd do the trans fluid and filter (make sure they don't just do the "power flush and leave the old dirty filter in there), but take a pass on the PS fluid at that low mileage. Have them drop and clean out the trans pan and replace the filter. Also, only use ATF+4 fluid. This is very important..

Reply to
Bob Shuman

You do not mention which trans you have! If it is the 3 speed, then the service is likely not required at this time. The 4 speed is another matter!

To my mind your "5 star dealer" has just shown their true colours. They are mistaking miles and kms, and hoping you wont notice so they can make a buck at your expense.

Even for the 4 speed, I think it may be a little early to do the trans fluid, but - if the job is done properly - then there should be no harm.

Here is the rub: My brother used to work at a car dealerhip. He eventually left because he could not stand the incompetence. You get charged "shop foreman" rate, and the most junior idiot gets put on your car virtually unspervised. Unless you have the time to stand their and watch the dealer do the work, then you have NO guarantee that the work would even be done - let alone get done properly. Perhaps he was working at a bad dealer. But I am always gun-shy of dealers. They always charge top dollar, and don't seem to consistently warrant that kind of money. I have had experiences with various dealers over the years. And most of them will tell you there is "no problem", "don't worry about that little noise, it's normal"........ until the warranty has expired that is! Then.... 'Oh that noise is serious! We better rebuild the engine right away!". And when you point out that this noise has been there since day-one... "oh no, you MUST be mistaken...". Yeah, right.

Your van is likely still on warranty. If the dealership abuses your trans now, then it will likely last the balance of the warranty - and not much longer. Of course, they are banking on the idea that when the tranny croaks off of warranty, that you will come to them! And they will likley try to charge you $3000 - $4000 for the job. There is a highly reputable shop here in BC that will rebuild the 4 speed trans for $1495 + tax - that includes the re & re. You just ain't gonna get that kind of work and value at a dealer.

If you want the trans fluid done, then find a CAA affiliated independant transmission shop that has a GOOD reputation. Let them do the fluid and filter on your trans. It is likely a good idea to short-cycle the first fluid & filter since the initial break-in of the trans would have put a slightly higher amount of bits into the fluid.

I have the 4 speed in a 94 gc. I look to doing mine around the 2 year / 80,000 km mark. Timewise, you are getting in the range, but still short on the mileage. Look at your fluid. If the fluid looks good, then don't worry about it just yet. If the fluid smells burnt, or doesn not look bright red and clear like new fluid, then consider having the fluid and filter done. And, as the other poster said, use Chrylser ATF+4 fluid ONLY! Avoid ANY shop that tries to put Dexron III

  • Lube Guard into your trans! Dexron III is a cheaper fluid. That is why shops like to use it. It is NOT the proper fluid for your trans! The rebuilder who did mine used Dexron III. I recently had some work done on the trans, and it was refilled with ATF+4. It shifts properly now, smooth and quiet. I will never lwt w shop work on my trans again that will not use ATF+4.

I agree with the other poster, it is a little early to do the P/S fluid. Pull the stick and look at the condition of the fluid. P/S fluid tends to get like a greyish crud in it over time. This crud is, basically, metal filings that wear off the components during normal use. If your fluid colour is good, and there is a small amount of contamination, then don't worry just yet. If, OTOH, your fliud looks translucent to opaque, and is full of greyish crud, then get the P/S flush done as well. Getting rid of little metal filings can only prolong the life of your P/S system.

I had mind done at about 150,000 km. The fluid looked pretty nasty.

hth

Reply to
NewMan

it is an 03 and they only have the eletronic 4 speed Automatic Thanks again

Reply to
cosza

It's an 03 with 3.3Litre. there is no three speed!

Reply to
hartless

Have the Transmission serviced, And as Bob mentioned make sure the change the transmission filter. It really does help. You should have had a recall on the power steering hose on this van. If not ask if it is needed. And if it has been done, you have anew fluid in the power steering system. Changing the power steering fluid is a service geared toward making the dealer money. However, if your steering does make whining noises, then certainly look at having the power steering fluid exchanged. If it isn't, don't bother for now.

Reply to
hartless

Reply to
cosza

And be ABSOLUTELY sure that it gets filled with ATF+4.

Reply to
Steve

It was not entirely changed. But there is probably a litre of new fluid in it as they drained out the reservoir through to were the hose comes out. So I wouldn't worry about getting it flushed out. Wait until the color goes dark or the pump is squeeling.

Reply to
hartless

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