Transmission fluid is not red...

[ahazuarus]

Im told its supposed to be red. Its not, I have about 90,000 miles on it. Some say I should have the transmission flushed out completely, others say that dropping the pan and replacing the filters is good enough.

Personally I think that I should have it flushed. What do you guys think?

[Rhedalert]

drop the pan and change the filter. Sometimes doing a full flush on a trans that has not been maintained (regular fluid changes before it turns dark) can create problems.

[ahazuarus]

I know, I have seen it happen. So I am getting as many opinions as I can.

Allow me to describe symptoms. Often times in hot driving conditions, I get minor slippage both under power and just idle driving. It often feels like the transmission is slipping out of gear for a brief moment, or is unable to decide what gear it wants to be in.

I sense that I get extra load on the engine because it heats up easier and quicker under power than I feel it should.

If you guys were in this situation, what would you do?

[95Grand-Am]

I would just change the fluid and filter. But start checking around for a new transmission. Sound like its going bad and the damage is done.

[sharkey]

if the tranny feels like its slipping, it likley is, and if its slipping nothing will fix it except an overhaul. you can try servicing it, however if it fixes it, it would be the first tranny i have heard of that a service fixed.

[Rhedalert]

I've had tranny's with SLOW shifting improve with a fresh fluid and filter change. One just on Sunday in fact (4T65e) That's about it.

[Superdave]

all the auto trannies that i've done filters/fluid on ended up slipping worse after..


If you really want to do this then atleast use Type F tranny fluid, it may help out a little... you'll probably need a tranny replacement soon though. Once the bands start slipping there isn't much you can do.

[geoffinbc]

Yea I agree with everyone the fluid is baked and the clutches and bands are probably glazed over. You may also have glazing in the valve body and on the solenoids. If you can do the service now and you may be able to save what you have and just replace the clutches and bands. And you might get away with just cleaning everything else. If there is metal wear on the components then you might want to find a good used one to freshen up instead.

[ahazuarus]

Well guys, this is what happened.

We ended up using a shopvac to remove as much oil out of the transmission as possible through the fill tube.

We unbolted the pan and looked at the metal shaving buildup on the magnet at the bottom of the pan.

Everyone that looked at it insisted it represented normal wear and tear.

I installed a new filter and cleaned the pan and refilled the transmission to specified level and immediately noticed improved performance.

The improved performance amounts to a trip that would normally require 3/4 tank of fuel now only requires hardly more than 1/4 tank.

I no longer notice slippage under load and acceleration is much improved.

[Rhedalert]

good to hear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[geldartb]

hell mine looked like motor oil when i dropped the pan in the beretta. put like 6 quarts new stuff in.
im still gettin a new tranny cause the current one wont hold with the new forseen power from the new engine its getting.

[Baldeagle242]

The improved performance amounts to a trip that would normally require 3/4 tank of fuel now only requires hardly more than 1/4 tank.

I no longer notice slippage under load and acceleration is much improved.

WOW! This makes me want to run out and replace my trans fluid and change my muffler bearings.

[geldartb]

dont forget to grease the muffler bearings before you put them in.

[gpse3400]

I remember what I got the lavender Dodge Intrepid and that had old fluid and the trans slipped occasionally, till I replaced the filter and fluid. Never needed and overhaul. 100,000 rental