Hey all,

Been searching the forums for info but still have some questions.. I am replacing my radiator in my 2000 TJ 3.5 Wagon (auto) as the top of the radiator has a massive crack in it. I purchased a non oem radiator on eBay today to replace it.

Questions I have are:

1) When I disconnect the ATF lines at the bottom will fluid start dumping out of the trannie? If so, whats the best way to deal with it?

2) Will I need to top up the ATF after the rad replacement (as I will loose the fluid thats in the radiator)?

3) Should I take the opportunity to replace the ATF? If so, how much will I need to buy, and any suggestions as to what brand/specifications of ATF to get?

Thanks for your help guys, I have some mechanical experience from working on motorbikes, but not on cars. Would appreciate any info!

Use only Mitsu dealer supplied trans fluid.

You will only loose a dribble from the lines and the radiator, just don't get dirt in them or on the unions. Clean the joints before removing, I wrap them in gladwrap as soon as I disconnect them. Shouldn't need to top up, but check the level afterwards anyway. Check for leaks when the engine is running.

Cool, thanks mate. Would you recommend going through the procedures to do a home job ATF change, or pay a mechanic to do a proper flush? If I look at the fluid on the dipstick can I tell the condition of the oil? What would be signs of oil that needs replacing?

I have found that the car kicks down quite violently, and was wondering if a fluid change/flush would be worth it?

the fluid should be redish in colour, if its black, then time for a change. dissconect battery too to reset learning habbits. let idol for 5mins

Any fluid from a name brand that is SP3 will be fine, Mits fluid surprise surprise is not made by Mitsubishi anyway lol

I use Lubrimax or Penrite in all cars

Good oppertunity to flush, download the manual and there is a step by step in there

Any fluid from a name brand that is SP3 will be fine, Mits fluid surprise surprise is not made by Mitsubishi anyway lol

I use Lubrimax or Penrite in all cars

Good oppertunity to flush, download the manual and there is a step by step in there

Awesome, will do. Thanks for all the help everyone!

Just another question guys, I'm a bit confused on the easiest way to flush the coolant out.. I found a kit from Prestone called a Flush'n'Fill kit that allows you to tap into the heater core hose and 'backflush' the system, while the engine is running, so it comes out of the radiator cap. Wouldn't it be bad to run cold water into the hot running engine?

Also I thought I read in a post on here that when the Gen 3 engine is cold, with no pressure, the thermostat is open.. is that correct? If so could I just hook a hose up to the cooling system and blast everything out in one go (radiator, blocks, heater core)?

Sorry to barge in, but which specific Penrite ATF oil does everyone use? I'm so confused as to which oil I need.

Needs to be Sp3 rating ATF-MHP I believe is the Penrite oil.I used Castrol TQM-SP3 and used about 12 litres of it.It now runs great and smooth responsive gear changes.