Transmission service intervals 2003 Journey DL 34HD

[TDServices]

So just throwing this out there as this is my first diesel motorhome , how often should you really change the tranny fluid on tha Allison mh3000 I know it says 48 months or 60,000 miles with the sun fluid , the guy I bought it from had it changed in 2020 at 86480 and it only has 88320 on it now , any suggestions ?

 

[RayIN]

I've changed my Allison 1X since 2013, then it had 23,xxx miles, when I changed fluid and filters mileage was 48,xxxx. I suspect that was the first tranny service.
I wonder how many owners change tranny fluid in their cars_ever?
Point is, I don't see any problem with ignoring the time suggestion.

 

[HiBanky]

A google search came back with this: "Many modern MH3000 transmissions have electronic prognostics that will alert you when service is due, often extending fluid life beyond 100,000 miles".
A mechanic at a Rush Truck Center also told me it should be done around 100,000 miles.

100K would be a good rule of thumb and I too pay little attention to the time limit.

I'm sure we will soon see plenty of reaction from the pros on this one.

 

[TDServices]

I hope for a lot of feedback it has been 6 years but only 3000 miles and it was the syn fluid so Im skeptical

 

[dickb46]

We took our Journey into Freightliner at 104,000 mile service and asked them to service the transmission also and they asked me "why?"
They did change the fluid and filters.
They also said we never have to have that done again!

 

[JR314]

So just throwing this out there as this is my first diesel motorhome , how often should you really change the tranny fluid on tha Allison mh3000 I know it says 48 months or 60,000 miles with the sun fluid , the guy I bought it from had it changed in 2020 at 86480 and it only has 88320 on it now , any suggestions ?

If it were me, I would change it, but I admit it may be overkill. I changed it on my 2004 Journey shortly after I bought it because I wanted to know what I started with and not rely on a previous owner.

I bought a new 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 in 2001. They were known for tranny problems at that time. I changed the fluid every 36000 miles. I never had a transmission problem. I still have that truck with close to 200,000 miles on it. I always felt it was cheaper to change it than get a new transmission. I do the same with oil.

With the low mileage, you could probably wait. At a minimum, I would look at the fluid to make sure it’s not too dark and burned, or milky and foamy. Make sure it still feels smooth and oily. You could also send it in for evaluation at a lab, but that may be wasted money if you’re leaning toward changing it anyway.

 

[TDServices]

Wel like I said it was changed at 86400 by the owner new filters etc and the sun fluid whatever that was it’s just been a few years but no miles maybe 2200 was put on it I have checked it smells fine feels slick and it’s still the right color it just says in the service manual every 48 months or 60000 miles

 

[jeb-WO]

Wel like I said it was changed at 86400 by the owner new filters etc and the sun fluid whatever that was

I'd guess he meant "syn" fluid, like in synthetic.

 

[raoaks]

So just throwing this out there as this is my first diesel motorhome , how often should you really change the tranny fluid on tha Allison mh3000 I know it says 48 months or 60,000 miles with the sun fluid , the guy I bought it from had it changed in 2020 at 86480 and it only has 88320 on it now , any suggestions ?

We had a 2009 class B on a Sprinter chassis. At around 45,000 miles it developed the infamous “rumble strip noise”. When taking off from a stop, when transmission shifted from 1st gear to 2nd, or sometimes 3rd, the van would shudder briefly as if going over highway rumble strips. It was the only time it did it. On the road, it ran perfectly. A very brilliant Sprinter guy told me to have tranny fluid changed and make sure they drained torque converter too. That absolutely took care of it until around 85,000 miles and it started again. Changed fluid and fixed it. Made a believer out of me.

 

[TDServices]

I'd guess he meant "syn" fluid, like in synthetic.

Yes sorry for the misspell I meant syn but there’s a certain brand and I forgot what it is

 

[TDServices]

We had a 2009 class B on a Sprinter chassis. At around 45,000 miles it developed the infamous “rumble strip noise”. When taking off from a stop, when transmission shifted from 1st gear to 2nd, or sometimes 3rd, the van would shudder briefly as if going over highway rumble strips. It was the only time it did it. On the road, it ran perfectly. A very brilliant Sprinter guy told me to have tranny fluid changed and make sure they drained torque converter too. That absolutely took care of it until around 85,000 miles and it started again. Changed fluid and fixed it. Made a believer out of me.

Mine has no problems at all we just took it home 380 miles no problems even in the mountains I’m just worried about the service intervals I’ll probably change fingers and fluid just to be safe

 

[jeb-WO]

Yes sorry for the misspell I meant syn but there’s a certain brand and I forgot what it is

Probably Castrol Transynd 668. Seems to be the recommended fluid for the 3000 these days.

 

[TDServices]

Probably Castrol Transynd 668. Seems to be the recommended fluid for the 3000 these days.

Yea I think that was it ,nice thing about this coach I have maintenance records from the day it was bought brand new from the first owner to the second owner to me