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

 

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..

Bob
..

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

I did have last year the PS hose recall done, so as you said the PS fluid
was changed, which is great, even tough we don't like recalls something
comes out of it like a free PS fluid change.
Thanks

 

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

 

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.