tranny question

[benjammin]

I have a 93 ATX with 200,000 on it. The tranny has an issue of hesitating from 1st to 2nd, other than that it works fine. A transmission shop told me NOT to do a flush or even to change the fluid as it woud most likely make the problem worse. Anyone have an educated opinion on this?

 

[bubba]

Flush it, just don't have somebody with a machine do it( will need a trans in under 6months) I wouldn't want it to be put on there machines. IMHO I had one done on one, and with in 1500 miles I needed a new trans, and they are alot of money to rebuild.

Just unhook the trans cooler line and run the car on and let it drain out, change the filter and pan gasket and pick up tube and that should buy you some time

 

[hawkeye18]

For once, they're probably right. An issue like that is usually indicative of something getting ready to let go inside the tranny. Flushing the fluid will generally turn impending failure into actual failure. I would recommend some Lucas Transmission additive; that stuff is awesome. Beyond that, start saving up for a tranny rebuild. They normally run about $2K+.

Edit: Bubba's method will work as this method doesn't put any pressure on the tranny that isn't normally put in there. Just take care not to let it run dry for more than a few seconds.

 

[mustangracer91]

it depends on how frequent the transfluid has been changed. if it hasn't been done in say 100k miles, then chances are you're gonna make your trans worse. Take a look at the transfluid on the dipstick and see what color it is, and if it's burnt. If it smells moldy but not burnt, and it is a decent non-brownish red color, then yeah, it should be fine to flush. The common causes of a failed trans post-flush was that A) it was an old machine that didn't regulate the pressure properly B) the clutches were failing and the debris in the fluid increased the friction making the trans still work, C) fluid level wasn't checked to make sure it was correct. (I've had some that a couple hours later the level was off the dipstick). D) machine was hooked up backwards and did bad things internally.
--Frankly do the pan drop and filter change first if there's any question of the durability, and then in 6months, if it's still driving ok, do the flush.

 

[benjammin]

thanks dudes, FWIW...The fluid is a good color and has been change within the last 30,000 miles...The previous owner kept up on all the maintenance.

 

[mustangracer91]

have it done at the ford dealer, as the BG guys usually take care of the dealers pretty well with new stuff and maint. Also, if it Fs up, the dealer will put in a new trans...especially with service record.