CHANGING TRANSMISSION FLUID
 

Would you recommend changing the transmission fluid on a '95 SSEi with 237,000 km? I don't know the history of the car since I bought it recently so this may be the first time it's ever been done. Would you still do it?

Frank

What color is and does have any smell? Are you having any problems with it?

If you don't know when it was changed (if ever), drop the pan, and replace the fluid and filter. There has been nothing documented that a change or flush creates transmission problems. A transmission mechanic at the shop that does the work for ZZP said that at most a flush may cause it to go maybe 2-3,000 miles earlier, but if that was the case, it was doomed for failure anyway. There is a lot of documentation that not changing the fluid will cause problems. Doing it earlier than needed won't hurt anything, either.

I agree with Archon entirely. Drop the pan and do the filter. You'll get about 1/3 of the fluid. That'll do for now assuming your fluid isn't burnt dark.

I have yet to see ONE SINGLE CASE where a flush caused a failure that wasn't going to happen soon anyway. I have done 3 flushes on my 93, and one on my 95, with no problems on either car (both are at 120k miles currently).

If you still feel you want or need a flush after the filter, have it done. Particularly if your fluid still isn't pink. Or add a trans pan with a drain in it, and do another 1/3 in about a month.

Re: CHANGING TRANSMISSION FLUID
 

That was just discussed again on a mechanic's radio program. Drop the pan, change the filter, replace the 6 - 7 quarts out of 12 quarts of fluid that drains that way.

The additives are what go bad in the fluid. They keep seals soft and all. By replacing part of the fluid you'll refresh the additives but won't shock the transmission with as great a change as the total flush methods do. Plus you'll be able to see what's accumulating on the bottom of the pan and you'll have a new filter.

Plus it's a DIY type job if you want to do it.

You can wait 10-15 K miles and do it again cheaply without the filter to extend the life of the trans.

'Shock to the trans'? WTF is that? I've heard nasty rumors about such things, but have never to this day seen a failure of a trans caused by a flush.

After reading all of your posts I've decided to drop the pan, and change the filter and fluid. Thanks again everyone.

Frank

I have yet to do mine but I did google it before.. and it seems like the best kinda flush is by using the tranny pump itself.

Drop pan, change filter.. fill... leave tranny line to rad disconnected.. start it up.. let some spew out.. kill engine.. top up.. repeat till fluid comes out clear pink. It will use its own internal pressure pump other pressure from other device ( that maybe set too high pending on shop usage )

I"m plannin on doin it mine in early fall since a shope changed it 2 years ago

I believe Canadain Tire has the Tranny kit on sale at 25 % off this week Drifter420.

Tranny kit?? :shock:
Tranny cooler ??? :shock:
IF so.. I"m going to pick it up
Thanx Frank ;)