How often to change ATF?

All -

This is my first post, so go easy on me...

My father owns a '01 JGC with the 4.7 V8. He just passed 30,000 miles and the dealer is hounding him about some maintenance that needs to be done. Now Im all for regular maintenance and so is my dad, but this seems like a scam. Here is what they suggest:

ATF flush $185
Driveline service $285
Fuel system service $185

This doesnt even get into plugs and air filter and other normal 30k service work. The manual for the vehicle has two vastly different maintenance schedules. One has the ATF change at 15k intervals, and the other one has it at something like 90-120k. The driveline service near as I can tell is transfer case and axle fluid changes. And the fuel system flush? I have a lot of trouble believeing that a 2.5 year old vehicle requires this service already.

What kind of experience have you all had? My dad doesnt beat on his cars at all. Like so many SUV owners he just drives it to work and back. No off roading (unless I borrow it...) and no towing.

Thanks,

Matt

Not a scam, but you the consumer and your dad should seek to find a more fruggle means to have the maintenece done. I get my servicing done at a terrible"s lube here in las vegas.

You should investgate a place that speicalizes in servicing. I can't think of anything to do the fuel system though, execpt check the pressure and change the filter, and if you are not experiencing any problems they are likly fine. Some areas have worse fuel conditions, like florida and louisiana, where the humidity is high, the moisture plays havock with fuel systems.

They most likely are removing the drvie members to check the U-Joints on the drive line service (lucky if they even put there hand on them and wiggle em) . then charge extra to replace them. Yeah.. i dont have money to throw away either.

I guess it comes down to how rich you are, how long your going to own the vehicle and if you want the piece of mind knowing that they may have actually changed the fuel filter, checked the drive line and gear boxes n flushed the trany.

ask them what they include for the money. get a print out, then get it done where you can afford it.

Funny, my dealer just called while i was typing this, wanted to know if i wanted the 111,000 mile check up. I asked him what was included, he said just the oil changes. lol i told him no i get those done somewhere else. so he askes "do you use ford country for anything? i said yeah.. that's where i buy my cars....

Leo (not in any way affiliated with terribles lube)

Sounds real early for a fuel system cleaning, I just had mine done at 110,000 miles and hadn't had any problems. The electronic transmissions on these jeeps stay pretty clean, I would pull the trans. dipstick and look at the fluid to see if it looks clean and smell it also. I would think you could last until 60K for a tranny filter and fluid change. The rear ends are probably worth changing fluids(they tend to have problems) and it should be fairly cheap to do. You shouldn't pay more than $45-50 per axle. You can do it your self (it' pretty easy for around $20 an axle) just make sure you use the right fluid (especially if you take it somewhere other than Jeep to get the service done). Spark plugs shouldn't need to be changed until 60-75K. Get a K&N air filter, this way you can clean and reuse it. Good Luck-let me know if you have any questions

make sure you always use Mopar brand ATF+3 transmission fluid if you get the transmission done anywhere besides the dealer. it's more expensive, but it's the only fluid that works properly in the jeep transmission. I do a fluid and filter change on my transmission every 30k. it's just like changing your engine oil and filter every 3-5k. do it every 30k and your transmission will last longer. my local jeep dealership charges $140 for transmission fluid and filter. i've never done more than a fuel filter in terms of fuel system service.

Check this site out! Has great info on WJ maintance. I think msrjeep is wrong about the tranny fluid. I would ONLY USE MOPAR ATF +4----you should not use ATF +3 where +4 is required. You can do it the other way around and use +4 where 3 is required but I am pretty sure that your jeep takes +4. Check your manual. The fuel filter on the jeep is in the tank and does not require regular service. I would not service the fuel system, possibly the tranny and rear ends. Here is the site----

http://www.wjjeeps.com/service/maintenance_wj.htm#TRANS

Most dealer performed services are WAY overpriced... here in Kentucky I go to a place called Grease Monkey, the specialize in oil changes, transmission servicing, etc. I can get my 95 Grand Cherokee Limited transmission serviced, ie. fluid change, filter replaced and new gasket for about $59.00. Check out these type places in your part of the world... it is well worth it. KY4LC

Just my two cents,

Beaware that nearly all Jeep dealerships and most local shops will only change about 55-65% of the fluid in the tranny. Few will take the time to change the oil in the torque converter.