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98 XJ AW4 which transmission filter kit and oil?

Greenspan

NAXJA Forum User
NAXJA Member
Location
Los Angeles
Hi, I got a 98 XJ with a 4 speed automatic AW4 transmission. I bought it a year and a half ago and it has 160k on it, I don't know the last time the transmission fluid and filter has been changed so I figure I should get around to doing it myself.

Looking on Quadratec there are multiple kits available and even more on Amazon, which one should I get?

https://www.quadratec.com/products/99999_83504032K.htm
https://www.quadratec.com/products/919003_07.htm
http://a.co/aRPp3Ue
http://a.co/9tnuEm4
http://a.co/geDfrVY


Are there any other transmission filter kits I should be considering? This job is going to be a bit of a pain so I want to make sure I do it right the first time with good parts.

Also, any suggestions on Transmission Oil I should be using to fill it up afterwards?
 
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Hmm. $80 for the filter and 3 solenoids looks like a good deal if you have a bad solenoid. The solenoids in the included pictures kinda look used to me, but they do have a warranty.

The original filter is basically a screen, and I've always just inspected it and hosed it out with some solvent. At 160k, I'd just do a few fluid changes spaced a few weks apart and call it good.
 
Hmm. $80 for the filter and 3 solenoids looks like a good deal if you have a bad solenoid. The solenoids in the included pictures kinda look used to me, but they do have a warranty.

The original filter is basically a screen, and I've always just inspected it and hosed it out with some solvent. At 160k, I'd just do a few fluid changes spaced a few weks apart and call it good.

I think my solenoids are okay as far as I can tell, but that does seem like a good deal.

You make a good point about just changing the fluid, it would be a lot easier than pulling the pan. Hrmmm...

So like a fluid like this would work?:

https://mobiloil.com/en/automatic-transmission-fluid/synthetic-atf
 
Use dex/merc not the ATF+4 or anything else. After the first time I serviced my tranny I used the ATF +4 that was recommended. Long story short tranny hated it and slipped like crazy. Honestly pulling the pan and draining it isn't that hard. Takes maybe a 2 hours to do it all. Also I'd go through Rockauto for parts, Quadratrec thinks their parts are gold plated.

Just this for fluid. Simple Dex/Merc III

http://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/produ...6b2lsLzIwMTZuZXdzbGV0dGVyLz9sb2NhbGU9ZW5fdXM=
 
Use dex/merc not the ATF+4 or anything else. After the first time I serviced my tranny I used the ATF +4 that was recommended. Long story short tranny hated it and slipped like crazy. Honestly pulling the pan and draining it isn't that hard. Takes maybe a 2 hours to do it all. Also I'd go through Rockauto for parts, Quadratrec thinks their parts are gold plated.

Just this for fluid. Simple Dex/Merc III

http://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/produ...6b2lsLzIwMTZuZXdzbGV0dGVyLz9sb2NhbGU9ZW5fdXM=

Yeah, I have been reading the backstory on ATF+4, will def avoid that. After my last post I saw some posts saying Synthetic Transmission fluid is bad too. I'll go with your Pennzoil then. Do you think it's worth it to pull it and replace the filter?
 
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Just drain and fill with Dex'Merc.

That's not a filter, but a screen to protect the valve body in case of failure.

There is NO interval for changing it.

Unless your pan gasket leaks, or you need solenoids, don't remove the pan.
 
Just drain and fill with Dex'Merc.

That's not a filter, but a screen to protect the valve body in case of failure.

There is NO interval for changing it.

Unless your pan gasket leaks, or you need solenoids, don't remove the pan.

Yeah, good point. I think I've changed my mind and I'm just going to do a fluid change. Do you have any suggestions on Full Synthetic Dex/Merc vs Regular Dex/Merc?

Anyone have any experience with this stuff? Seems good, says Dex/Merc on it; but it is full synthetic

https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/automatic-transmission-products/maxlife-multi-vehicle-atf
 
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The AW-4 is 1980's technology, and works best with a non-synthetic Dexron-III/Mercon fluid which is available everywhere. Pennzoil is fine, as is the generic store brand fluid at the local Farm and Fleet store or WalMart.
 
Yeah any basics dex/merc is fine. Honestly I just use the store brand stuff. I just threw up up the penzoil for reference.
 
I like to exchange ALL the transmission fluid and have used this method for decades It gets out just about all the old ATF.

Drain the pan and refill with fresh ATF.
Pull the transmission's cooler return line and connect it to one end of a clear hose. Stick the end of the hose into a 1-gallon jug.
Start and idle the engine until 2 quart or so comes out and then turn the engine off.
A helper is useful but not necessary, as the oil is not pumped out very quickly when idling.
Add the same amount of ATF to the transmission filler as what was pumped out.
Make sure to keep an eye on the jug so you do not over fill it.
Repeat the above until the fluid, in the hose, changes from a dirty to a clear red color. You will see the difference when it happens..
Top off the trans fluid, reconnect the cooler line and you are done.
Seal the jugs of used ATF and properly recycle them.

You do use a couple quarts more than what the FSM says the trans holds as the extra ATF flushes the old oil out of the torque converter.
If done right, there is nothing about this that can cause the transmission harm.
 
Hope you never have to pull the oil pan, tranny pan is a breeze.
 
I like to exchange ALL the transmission fluid and have used this method for decades It gets out just about all the old ATF.

Drain the pan and refill with fresh ATF.
Pull the transmission's cooler return line and connect it to one end of a clear hose. Stick the end of the hose into a 1-gallon jug.
Start and idle the engine until 2 quart or so comes out and then turn the engine off.
A helper is useful but not necessary, as the oil is not pumped out very quickly when idling.
Add the same amount of ATF to the transmission filler as what was pumped out.
Make sure to keep an eye on the jug so you do not over fill it.
Repeat the above until the fluid, in the hose, changes from a dirty to a clear red color. You will see the difference when it happens..
Top off the trans fluid, reconnect the cooler line and you are done.
Seal the jugs of used ATF and properly recycle them.

You do use a couple quarts more than what the FSM says the trans holds as the extra ATF flushes the old oil out of the torque converter.
If done right, there is nothing about this that can cause the transmission harm.

How do you "Pull the transmission's cooler return line and connect it to one end of a clear hose." . I've replaced the radiator before so I know where that is on the radiator but it was a pain to get off, is there a different place you take it off from?
 
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those lines both connect to the trans on passenger side
 
The simple and mess free way to replace 100% of the trans fluid is to drain the pain using the drain plug, and replace the approximately 3-4 quarts that drained. Repeat about 4-5 times every few hundred miles, and the job is done.

I drain and refill the pan once a year .
 
How do you "Pull the transmission's cooler return line and connect it to one end of a clear hose." . I've replaced the radiator before so I know where that is on the radiator but it was a pain to get off, is there a different place you take it off from?


Easiest would be the lower line on the cooler in the radiator. The inlet to the cooler is on the bottom. It fills from the bottom so you don't get air trapped. The outlet goes back to the trans and drains into the pan.

I'd just do a couple of changes through the drain plug.
 
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