i'm considering flushing the 4T60-E transmission in my 96 bonneville. it'* been shifting a bit rough lately, especially between the 1st and 2nd gears. i've only owned the car for 7 months and there'* no record of when the last flush was. I checked the fluid, its not quite pink, but its not dark red...it'* a light crimson, sorta lighter than blood. it doesn't have a strong burnt smell, just a tiny bit...it'* also sat outside since mid-december without being driven until about a week ago. i take the consensus that flushing doesn't hurt a transmission, except for ones that are already failing, then it just expedites the failure. i know a flush would be good, but i'd like to know if i really need one before i invest some money (it'* kinda tight right now) and time (tight, also) into this. thanks for any help

I personally would just drop the pan and change the fluid and filter.

But that'* just my 2 cents

I agree with Rob, the filter is $20 and the fluid will be about $20. Your labor is free
The shops around here want $80 for a tranny flush.

X3 on the fluid/filter. The filter isn't replaced with a flush, so I'd just drop the pan myself. It'* a very easy procedure and you can have it all back together within an hour.

it also depends on how many miles you have on the car as well.
i would do a filter kit and see if that inproves your problem,
if not then ya have to take a look inside and see the valvebody and gears to see whats up............

Sounds like it'* time for a fuild and filter change

thanks for the info guys...the car has 129 k....but i'll be making a run near the parts store tonight and i'll pick up some fluid and a filter...it'* dexron III fluid that i need, right? and about 6 quarts? should i use regular or synthetic oil? i know synthetic is more expensive, and some say it has such good lubricative properties that it can cause slippage.

edit: i read techinfo. (should have before i posted) and it says dexron IIE OR dexron III (not synthetic)...but still thanks for the help

Synthetic can be bad for our (old) transmissions. Just grab 2 gallons of some good brand ATF. You'll use most of it.

if the bottle says dexron III/mercon, will that still work as dexron III? just want to make sure i'm putting in the right stuff...i know recently bottles started saying just "automatic transmission fluid" to replace one or two different grades of oil.

Yes, that should work okay.