What? Aisin Fluid + Filter Change Requires a New Pan?

Hey guys,

I just called my local Ram dealer to schedule a 60k fluid and filter change on the Aisin transmission in my 2014 Ram 3500. I normally do all my own maintenance, but I figured this particular job is worth paying someone else to do because of my age, those rear pan bolts, and the liquid mess involved.

The dealer's service writer had to do some research before he could give me quote or schedule the service. When he called me back, he said he talked to his mechanic and the parts department and is insisting that the Aisin’s transmission pan has to be replaced as part of the service. The cost pf the pan is $153.

What?

I've watched videos of others doing an Aisin fluid and filter change and all that was required was the fluid, the filter, a new pan gasket, and a shower to wash the fluid out of your hair.

Has anyone heard of this pan replacement craziness?

Do I RUN away from this dealer as my instinct tells me?

I told the service to hold off while I get a second opinion.

Thanks,

John L.

 

I would find a different dealer.

 

Yes, run away fast.
If you plan to pay for the service, find an independent shop, they will be cheaper and most likely more knowledgeable.

Is this your second fluid/filter change? You know the aisin service schedule is 30K miles, right?

 

@JLandry
Run immediately from that dealership.

I changed the sump filter six times on my previous 2014 RAM 3500 with AS69RC through about 362k times, using the same, original metal pan, and even reused the pan gasket a few times as well.

I’m currently at 326k miles on the 2018 RAM 4500.....and used the OE steel pan a few times, but later upgraded to a PML aluminum pan.

If they’re insisting a new pan every sump filter change.....it sounds like they’re slow in the parts department.

Too bad you’re in WA.....or I’d be glad to lend a hand.
#ad

 

Thanks everyone for confirming my suspicions about the dealer. Another red flag is they don't stock any of the parts to do the Aisin filter change and wanted me to pay for those parts up front so they would order them before the service visit. Obviously this means they don't do many Aisin filter changes.

I've decided to either do it myself... or possibly find a local transmission or diesel repair shop to do the labor for me. I'd supply the parts (filter, gasket and fluid) and pay them to get dirty.

@gsbrockman: I'm actually down in SE AZ for the winter and will begin the annual migration back to WA state for the summer around the beginning of May. Please tell me more about your PML pan. Does it make getting at those rear pan bolts any easier without needing to modify the cross member? Is it safe to assume it also holds more fluid? I'd love to hear any pros and cons you can provide.

Thanks!

John L.

 

About the best thing an aluminum pan does for you is make the fluid drain easy since it comes with a drain plug.
It also gives a solid pan rail for better gasket sealing.

 

John I was wondering if you were still around. I have to agree with the others. I used the gasket over a few times when I changed my own myself. Buy the filters from Genos and order Mobil 3309 from Amazon, its not a bad job.

I think the dealer is confusing the 8 speed in the Hemi which has the filter built in the pan and it all has to be replaced, although I believe the after market is catching up there as well with a reusable pan.

Larry

 

Hey Larry! Wonderful to hear from you. Yep... thankfully I'm still around.

If your signature is accurate, I see you still have that beautifu 2013 Silver Streak, but did you go back to a 5th wheel from the motorhome?

Thanks for the tip about the Hemi pan. That could be the problem, although the service writer swore they looked everything up by my truck's VIN and that told them a new pan was needed. Oh well.

But ya know what? I might need a new pan after all... one of those cast aluminum PML pans that is! The only thing that concerns me is some websites saying the transfer case may have to be jacked up to get the PML pan on and off. I'm not sure I want to add that chore to filter changes.

John L.

 

https://www.yourcovers.com/pml-aisin-as69rc-a466nd-deep-transmission-pan.html

The pan does not aid with accessing the pan bolts. Seems as if the 4500 and 5500 crossmembers are more user friendly in regards to pan drops versus the 3500 pickups.

This thread is kinda lengthy.....but you may enjoy perusing it

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/a-little-love-for-white-lightning.266120/

 

This is really s simple job to do. Get a spray can of gasket contact spray (thanks GS). Buy a six inch 1/4" drive socket extension with the ends machined so the small 6 point socket will rotate causing the socket to be flexible. That is all you need to RnR the bolts under the cross member. NO need to lift the trans. The spray holds the gasket in place to aid the ease of screwing in the bolts.

First thins to do at operating temp is check fluid level. If its full great, now drop the pans drain plug remove pan and change filter. I allow trans to drain for a few hours. Measure the amount of fluid drained and then after buttoning things up add back the exact same amount of new fluid. You will be full again!

Get a good size drain pan and get er dun!!!

 

Thanks for the helpful tips!

John L.

 

Worth the drive to get it serviced here. Son bought the place from his retired dad. Had several transmissions rebuilt here over the years and their prices are on the low side.

https://allstatetransmission.net/

I have had dealers "loose" the pan during transmission service before, but, they paid for it and the rental/loaner.

 

John, glad your still traveling around. As Larry said they are confusing the 8 speed with the Aisin. The OEM filter (68224232AA) for your truck is $103 MSRP, the pan (not required) is $159. So did they quote you for a filter AND a pan, or just the pan? If pan only, they did mix it up.
And I also looked it up by VIN, just to be sure. By the way, the 8 speed pan and filter assembly is MSRP $279.
If you are doing it yourself, go to Lowe's or HD and pick up a morter mixing pan in the concrete section. They are less than $10 and make a really nice BIG drain pan.
If you are headed north in May, why not spend a couple days with us at May Madness? It is at Arizona Charlie's in Las Vegas this year.

 

The Aisin OE pan has a drain plug from the factory.

 

Hi Stan! Thanks for the added info and the tip about using a mortar mixing pan to catch the fluid. That’s a great idea!

I’m planning to call the dealership on Monday to try and get to the bottom of this confusion (on their part). While I don’t intend to have them do the fluid and filter change anymore, maybe together we can help the next Aisin customer.

I really appreciate the invite. Unfortunately it’s not in the pan... err... the plan for this year.

Safe travels,

John L.

 

Our friend Harold Bowers passed in February. One of the last things he did was to send me his last remaining modified crossmember which gives direct access to the rear Aisin pan bolts. I will have it at the dyno day on Thursday of May Madness. If Diesel Specialists can change it for us, I will give it away in exchange for the stock crossmember, which I can later modify. That would also be a good opportunity for a fluid and filter change.

 

It is actually pretty straightforward to change the crossmember. The hassles are the 200 ft-lb on the four mounting through-bolts, and raising the member up into the frame saddles--I used a floor jack with a big plate on it.

 

Come on Ron you just gave away my little secret of the 1/4" extension with the wobble cut male end. Now you have to buy lunch and beer if I make it North this summer. I the process building a wheelchair ramp here in Arizona for DW.

John you have been MIA for awhile. You down at the Ocean retreat?

 

Issue 94, p. 89 and 97 p. 80 show the Harbor Freight wobbly end extension and the latter also shows the shortened socket.

 

Just flying below the radar... that's all.

I'm currently down in SE AZ and will be headed back to the Long Beach Peninsula for the summer in a couple of weeks.

John L.

 

I had full intentions of modifying my crossmember until I saw the light using the 1/4" wobble end extension.