The 90 SSE won't lock up in final gear after sitting for a couple of months, ( have fuel pump problem) would anyone recomment changing the tranny fliud for the first time after 453,000 KLM'* on her? I know I know ........I shouldn't have waited this long.....My Bad.........


I've heard not to but it wasn't from a reliable source.


Thanks

I was just talking to another list member about this, we both determined after that many miles (or kilometers) assuming it has not been changed before, it is best to not change it. I know a couple people that got a used car, changed the fluid, and then the tranny went out. There is probably a lot of build up in there that will be broken loose if you change the fluid. Just make sure you keep the right level of fluid in there, and don't push it too hard.

Those are much thoughts and experience, I am sure other people have their own.

i cannot say either way...but i personally had the exact experience Scrangle was mentioning. With my old '88 taurus...and the tranny place told me not to change the fluid, but i did anyway...and bamo....tranny died... :?

Thanks for the info Scrangler83, Mr Bean, I'll take your advice and just keep it topped up. As for the lock up no longer working, well I'll just have to live with that also although I really miss having a lower idle while cruising on the highway.

What colour is the fluid? There is no way your car could have 400-some KM on the original fluid. IMO, a flush may fix everything, or it could kill it. If your fluid is black in colour, and smells burnt, leave it. If it is grey in colour and doesn't have an odour, or smells like fresh coolant, I say flush. If your fluid is a nice cherry red and smells like new ATF, I say drop the pan and fill it up.

If you do a search around here for transmission flushing [and me as the author], you will find a LOT of information. Everything you need to make your decision. Everyone doesn't agree, so I will not dive into that argument once again. Everybody did make their point, however, so like I said, all the information you need is there to make your [informed] decision.


-justin

Alot of parts on this Bonne are still original including the complete exhaust system, timing belt or chain, and many others. The tranny fluid colour is a bit dark but doesn't smell burnt, it doesn't slip or clunk, it just doesn't lock up in overdrive anymore. That came about ever since it was parked for a couple of months.


Thanks

Isn't the lockup electronically controlled. Have you checked for codes?
Could be just a sticking switch or corroded connection at the trans.
When cars sit moisure builds up everywhere. A scan tool would help tremendously.
Sometimes the old fluid sludges up the filter in the trans from sitting effecting the pump pressure. My 80 Buick did this from sitting in the driveway. I pumped the fluid out via the
trans line at the radiator, dropped the pan cleaned the filter, and reinstalled the same fluid. Fixxed the problem with no adverse effects.
But then again I didn't have the mileage you have on yours. Mine was still pink.

450 kilo'*? No way man. If you have original tranny fluid in it after that much driving you must be superman. Same goes for the timing chain. My car has 200k miles on it (not sure the kilos) and it'* had THREE transmissions in it.

I wouldn't lie to you alec_b, it'* got the original tranny with the same fluid. the whole front end is original with the exception of struts and one CV joint. I did recore the rad a couple of years ago, as well as the usual starter alternator stuff. I must say I'm very lucky .........but Hey you know what I say..............."Maymybonneliveforever"

Dude, no offense, but I don't care who you are, but there is NO WAY you have the Original fresh from GM'* Factory, Transmission Fluid. Your transmission would have been gone a long *** time ago. Now, it is very possible you have the original transmission.. but not the original fluid.


-justin