Chrysler Fluid Flush Warning: What You Need To Know

Chrysler says no to routine fluid flushes

These days you can’t go in for any service without getting hit up for a “recommended” fluid flush like; transmission  engine, brake, coolant, or power steering. I’ve always recommended referring to your owner’s maintenance guide and following that instead of the recommendations that come from the shop. Because, if it was up to them, every customer would need those services every time they walked in the door. Chrysler has taken a hard stand on these unnecessary services in a service bulletin.

Chrysler service bulletin # 26-004-12 spells out their position on these fluid flushes

The bulletin issues a Chrysler warning against the practice of engine, transmission, axle lube, brake fluid, power steering, and refrigerant flushes.

Unless otherwise noted in your owner’s manual, the Chrysler warning states that none of their vehicle systems do require regular flushing. They make an exception for instances where a malfunction has occurred or the system has become compromised, contaminated or overheated beyond the normal operating range.

In addition, Chrysler does NOT recommend the use of aftermarket chemicals to conduct an engine flush. Transmission, brake fluid, or power steering flush.

Chrysler states that chemicals contained in these products can damage elastomeric components, and contaminate the component fluid, leading to loss of system/component durability and service life. When flushing might be necessary, Chrysler warns to use only the original approved system fluid using Chrysler approved equipment.

My recommendation for fluid maintenance

Refer to your owner’s maintenance guide

1) You can test brake fluid with test strips. See this post
2) You can test the condition of coolant. See this post
3) There is no published standard for power steering fluid and no way to test it. Some experts say to change it once every 100K miles just to be on the safe side. Their rationale is that it breaks down due to heat.

©, 2014 Rick Muscoplat