Trans Fluid Change

[MilTownSHO]

Some people say its a good idea, some says its bad. I really don't know. The 98 is hitting almost 32k now and I've been meaning to drop the pan and change the filter since 30k. I'm kinda afraid it might leak afterward though. The trans fluid is still clear and doesn't smell burnt a bit. Yet, I know if you wait to long you could screw up your tranny worse once its gets used to the old fluid. Should I start doing flushes every 30k or leaving it till it looks bad?

 

[mholhut]

I've seen people who've changed their atx fluid religously... and still end up with problems. I've also seen the other end of the spectrum... I didn't change the atx fluid in my '96 until after 109,000 miles. Never had a problem. Some say change it, others say leave it be. I know, now real help, just do what you feel comfrortable with... an extra 2K miles over a scheduled atx fluid change IMHO is no big deal.

 

[GordoSHO]

I changed my fluid and i was wondering. Do you have to add Friction Modifier at the time of the change. I was told that the atx on the new cars call for it sometimes. I called SHOSHOP and they said that i did not have to add it. Just a question? jj

 

[MilTownSHO]

mholhut:
I didn't change the atx fluid in my '96 until after 109,000 miles. Never had a problem. Some say change it, others say leave it be. I know, now real help, just do what you feel comfrortable with... an extra 2K miles over a scheduled atx fluid change IMHO is no big deal.

Did you flush it with a machine or drop the pan at 109,000? I heard that can make a big difference when you wait that long. I know 2,000 over isn't anything but I figure if I'm gonna do them regularly I should start now. I hear trannies last longer that way, but then theres my dad's aerostar with 186,*** on all original tranny fluid. So I just don't know?! shrug

<small>[ February 18, 2003, 09:48 PM: Message edited by: MilTownSHO ]</small>

 

[DavidT]

I have heard you have 2 choices:
Change it religiously (every 30K)
or
never change it at all

 

[stephen newberg]

"I have heard you have 2 choices:
Change it religiously (every 30K)
or
never change it at all "

Ah, I vote for the change it regularly at each 30K option, of those two.

pax, smn

 

[Slo-Sho]

On my Gen II, there was a junction block that bypassed the ATX coolers. I have since removed it so that fluid flow is constant. Is there a bypass valve on the gen III?

 

[SHOZ123]

No bypass that I am aware of.

 

[DeaconDoug]

I changed my transmission fluid and filter on my 99 at 57K and the fluid smelled burnt and was brown as motor oil - not good at all. I wouldn't wait much past 35K if I were you. Drop the pan, change the filter and drain as much as you can from the trans cooler line.

One of my pan bolts got stripped so I had to replace it, but have had no problems with leaks. Keep changing it yourself every 30K for about $50 a shot for fluid and filter and you should be good to go for a long while.