Freightliner/Allison Maint Intervals

[Chief]

While preparing for my M3 (24 Mo) Service I found that FL requires "transmision fluid and filter changing" while Allison tech bulletin #1099E requires filter changes @ 36 months (Gold Series Filter).

Since the tranny was filled with 100% TranSynd no fluid change is required at this time but I don't understand why the difference in the time interval between the two. Can anyone shed any light on this?? Which one is correct??

[Chief]

While preparing for my M3 (24 Mo) Service I found that FL requires "transmision fluid and filter changing" while Allison tech bulletin #1099E requires filter changes @ 36 months (Gold Series Filter).

Since the tranny was filled with 100% TranSynd no fluid change is required at this time but I don't understand why the difference in the time interval between the two. Can anyone shed any light on this?? Which one is correct??

[SteveG]

I am NO transmission expert. With that said, I called Allison one time (I recommend your calling them 800-524-2303) and the answer they gave me for what I considered a too frequent schedule was a concern for condensation because the MH's sit for long periods. My 2004 does not use TranSynd. I follow their recommended schedule. It will be interesting to hear their response to your inquiry. Thanks, SteveG

[Pusherman]

Chief, I have seen these discrepancies between FL and the OEM (in this case, Allison) in the FL manual more than once. In these cases I have called the OEM to get their advice.

I would always use the OEM's maintenance intervals over FL's. I am willing to bet there are misprints in more than one section of the FL manual regarding maintenance intervals.

[Chief]

Called FL and Allison.

FL rep said "book says 24 months". (I knew that) No other explanation.

Allison rep said "book says 36 months". (I knew that) No other explanation.

Neither Allison nor FL would discuss why their maint interval was different, just "book says etc etc". Decided to change both filters at this time. Better safe than sorry.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I went with the Allison recommended interval for Transynd-equipped trannys, not the Fl M3 interval. It's Allison that warranties the transmission, not FL.

By the way, the FL factory service center (Gafney) did not even comment on my decision. They merely handed me the M3 checklist and said cross off anything you don't want done.

[historyljc]

The scheduled maintenance in the "Knowing Your Freightliner Chassis" book given out at Camp Freightliner (3/08) gives the following instructions: "Change automatic transmission filters MD3060 3000/400MH the first 5000 See Allison Op. Man. for Change Recommendations." Publication is dated April 2007. For the M-3 Maintenance I have scheduled for Gaffney in June, they have the Transmission Service marked NO (09), my three year mark. Sounds like they're going with Allison's schedule.

[wagonmaster2]

Seems like since its Allison maintenance is the main concern, it would be best to use Allison's recommendations. They are the ones to satisfy in case of a warranty problem, not Freightliner.
Wagonmaster2

[Chief]

RV Roamer, historyljc, wagonmaster2 thanks for the additional info concerning using the Allison schedule instead of FL schedule.

After looking at it again, decided to wait until 36 month maint is due to change out tranny filters. Thanks again!!!

[historyljc]

When you do the change, get the best filter. That will give you, I believe, about 100,000 miles before the next change. I don't have my book with me, so please verify that with Allison.

[Chief]

Sorry guys, don't want to beat this thing to death but after looking @ Allison bulletin 1099 I see that the TranSynd fluid is due to be changed out @ 48 months with 19 quarts to refill. No filter change, just fluid. Can't figure out why they would want the fluid changed and not the filters? Any idea's?

If one changed filters @ 36 months (Allison schedule) with 8-10 quarts refill, then @ 48 months half of the fluid would have been used only 12 months and the other half would have 48 months usage with the filters only used for 12 months. I'm sure there is something I don't understand about this. Any idea's??

If one followed the FL schedule at least the interval would be more evenly distributed, ie-change the filters every 24 months-and follow the Allison schedule by changing fluid @ 48 months. Cost would be the same assuming Allison really means to change the fluid and filters @ 48 months. Am I making this thing more difficult than it really is??

Friend of mine works for Allison in Ocala. Will be visiting M-I-L (mother-in-law) this weekend and will get his thoughts on the subject. Of course, if it differs from the Allison schedule it would be another "opinion" and may even muddy the waters even a little more. At least his opinion would be based on experience with servicing rather than theory. If I come up with anything useful I'll post again, otherwise this horse has been kicked enough.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Allison has a filter & fluid change interval calculator on their website - takes all the guesswork out of it.

Allison Change Calaculator

For a 3000MH with Transynd and no retarder, it is basically 48 months on the fluid and 36 months on the filters.