2000 XJ auto trans- how often should I change the ATF fluid?

 

every 30k son

 

I bought me '99 XJ less than a year ago and the ATF was pretty dark. I've changed it 3 times now and it's pretty clean. It's so easy to do there's no reason not to do it now and then...no harder than changing engine oil.

 

U gotta drop the tranny pan to change the filter....but it's not that big a deal either.......just turnin' some bolts.

 

lining that pan back up with rtv on it is a pain in the ***, finding a funnel that fits the dipstick is a pain in the ***, getting that bolt to lower the dipstick & pan is a pain in the ***. Its certainly no harder, but sometimes just a pain in the ***.

 

You really shouldn't use RTV on an automatic trans pan. Hot ATF often dissolves it and then it floats around clogging up the filter. Just use the correct gasket and torque to spec.

 

Yep, a new filter comes with a new pan gasket. A small tubing cutter, a short piece of 1/2" rubber fuel hose and 2 small clamps takes care of the dip stick tube separation.