My answers to your questions are embedded below.

Bob

"John Gregory" > wrote in message
...
> There seems to be a difference of opinion concerning the transmission
fluid
> here. The service manual - based upon my driving habits - claims no change
> is necessary. The dealer claims - after checking the fluid - no change is
> necessary.

This is indeed terue, but the early Chrysler FWD electronic transmissions
experiencesd a lot of early failures and word of mouth in this group seemed
to confirm that frequent changes coupled with additional fluid coolers
helped improve the life. I still follow this even though the product has
obviously been improved.

>
> I can understand the position one might take if they have changed fluid
over
> the years with no incidence of trans failure. However, that fact alone -
> particularly in view of recommendation from the manufacture NOT to
change -
> doesn't serve as proof that changing fluid prevents failure. The same
> results may have occurred without the changes.

Again, absolutely true. My philosphy has always been to do PREVENTIVE
maintenance where ever possible. You and everyone else are free to do
whatever you like.

> On the other hand, it may be like chicken soup as a remedy for the common;
> it can't hurt. That being the case...

Again, I agree. It can't hurt if done right.

> Q3) How do I get ALL the fluid out of the system if I drain it myself,
> check the magnet, and replace the filter?

I do not get all the fluid out. I just get what I can and let it drain
overnight. I figure I get 5-6 quarts each time which is roughly speaking
about half.

> Q4) Do I need any "special" tools for any part of the job? (I don't
think
> I did for the '95 Concorde I had)

No special tools needed: A 3/8" ratchet and appropriate metric socket, some
extenders, possibly a swivel if there is a bracket in the way (I do not
think there was one, but each vehicle was different), a gasket scraper or
wire brush, some brake cleaner and a torque wrench to re-tighten the bolts.

> Q5) How much would be left in the system if I simply dropped the pan
and
> drained? (Assuming the pan is the only thing I could drop reasonably)

See comment above. I do this to get the gunk out of the pan as there is
always residue there which I am assuming comes from the clutch material. I
also do this to change the filter as well. This just seems like good
practice to me as I would never change engine oil and leave in a dirty
filter even though this is what the OM says to do every 7500 miles. (I
change engine oil and filter religiously at 3K miles and have never had an
engine failure of any kind in over 30 years of driving.)