At this point should I a leave it alone B you a flush and fill or C drain and fill it? jamesg. Conventional wisdom … It’s usually … You have permission to edit this article. The low end for an automatic transmission fluid change interval is around 30,000 miles (a little under 50,000 km). Most manufacturers calls for transmission fluid change at 30,000 mile intervals. If you are comtemplating a flush or change of fluid because the transmission is acting up then its probably to late to save it. The purpose of ATF is to cool and lubricate your automatic transmission. If you replace... Hi! Look in the fuse box for a blown fuse and replace it. So if you don’t, and you go 198,000 miles and never change it, then a fresh change can sometimes make it slip. My mom's boyfriend used to be a mechanic, he looked at the car and said that the transmission fluid is leaking and i should get it flushed. I just added seafoam trans tune at 70,000 miles and it seamed to help with some of the rough … Typical instructions will require you to check it while in Park, hot engine, and on level ground. While some people are sticklers for low mileage on a used car, it doesn't mean that you should write off every decent-looking car with high mileage. And that’s why he decided to change the transmission fluid in the first place! Second, most modern gasolines are blended with alcohol, which holds water in suspension and allows it to be combusted along with the gasoline (what we used to call gas-line antifreeze, or “dry gas,” is just alcohol). What do you suggest — continuing to change the oil and flush the entire system? My 95 Camry wagon has 200K, been regularly serviced, but never had a ‘transmission flush’, just level checks. 2002 Honda Accord. And for every one of those tasks, new, clean fluid is better than old, crusty fluid with old pieces of broken-off transmission in it. On a normal car, you should change it every 40,000 miles or so. 1. The gas cap actually had a little pinhole in it. Every vehicle is different, so it’s no surprise that every car has different requirements for how often transmission fluid should be changed. jamesg. In your case, if it shifts okay, I personally wouldnât do it, with that kind of mileage. Please see our. But yes, there have been changes made to the vehicles. owners, Our mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 cities, Fleet Maintenance with certified mobile mechanics, The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. I've owned older cars with fairly high mileage so "run it" approach seems to work. My mechanic says the fluid is ‘dark’ and the transmission should be flushed. When the clutch is worn, it no longer has the clamping strength to transmit power from the engine to the transmission. Itâs kind of a gamble. You might take chances with transmission oil change but don’t flush the system. I think the manual states the first fluid change is at 100k. It’s not uncommon for an unscrupulous seller to put heavy-duty oil in a transmission to disguise problems. However, your local auto technician or mechanic might tell you that 100,000 miles are still too long to wait. Should you change your car's automatic transmission fluid. Often times aftermarket parts can be very high... Hey there. The automatic transmission fluid has a brown red tinted color to it. But here’s what really happened: The guy with the 1966 Rambler with 180,000 miles on it noticed that his transmission was misbehaving. I was wondering what everybody's opinion is, based on experience or expertise, regarding changing the transmission fluid in an older high mileage car. Shut the engine off and check the fluid on the transmission dipstick. Yes—if the trans, cooler, and converter are completely flushed. 09 Forester XT is it safe to change transmission fluid on high mileage ? We’ve heard one or two stories like that over the years. Check the transmission fluid level. We would both like to change out and possibly flush the ATF but we've both heard stories about ATF changes being dangerous on high-mileage vehicles that haven't had an ATF change in a while. Believe us – we’ve heard a lot from customers over the years. My truck is an 05 and has 85k and was thinking about doing the 100k service, which includes the transmission fluid change. Chance of rain 100%. guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance If your vehicle is regularly used for severe duty, such as towing or hauling heavy loads, that interval should be shortened. My car has 160K+ miles on it. On a normal car, you should change it every 40,000 miles or so. My mom's boyfriend used to be a mechanic, he looked at the car and said that the transmission fluid is leaking and i should get it flushed. In your case, if it shifts okay, I personally wouldn’t do it, with that kind of mileage. If new fluid cut this sludge loose I could definitely see it causing problems . A transmission flush is a procedure to remove old automatic transmission fluid (ATF), sludge and grime from a vehicle’s transmission and replace it with fresh fluid. A … Friends say that will cause an expensive repair job. The purpose of hydraulic transmission fluid is threefold: It transfers the power from the engine to the wheels; it lubricates all the parts of the transmission; and it keeps those parts cool. Back in the day, old school odometers would "roll over" or go back to 000 miles/ kilometers once they reached a certain threshold (99,999 miles). And finally, most gas tanks are now plastic, so they don’t rust. We would both like to change out and possibly flush the ATF but we've both heard stories about ATF changes being dangerous on high-mileage vehicles that haven't had an ATF change in a while. Yes, This is pretty much the insanity behind the idea that you shouldn’t change your fluid in your automatic transmission if it has high mileage. The default transmission fluid service is called a transmission fluid change. 134 Columbus Street Some cars only require this every 100,000 miles, while others may require it every 30,000. I have a car with 198,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual to find out how often you should change or check your transmission fluid. Maintenance/Repairs. 157,500 miles. So not changing the fluid after a certain mileage is like telling your 96-year-old grandfather, “We’re not going to feed you anymore, Pappy, because it might cause more problems.”. Heavy pulling can shorten the life … At what mileage should I change or flush the trasmission fluid. If no problems crop up after oil change, then congratulations you have increased the life of your transmission. And, even though that stored air might contain a little bit of moisture, it lets in air only when it is needed. That outside air could get into the tank at all times, even when the car was parked. Got a question about cars? The fear was that the moisture would condense, and either you’d build up so much water that the car wouldn’t run, or you’d cause the gas tank to rust. I'm not sure if the transmissionn fluid has ever been changed but it is not black. Change the transmission fluid. Change the transmission fluid. Manual: Most manufacturers recommend that manual transmission fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. The transmission converts the power from the engine into motion so the vehicle can move. costs, Hand-picked, community-rated professionals, Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive It is a very very dark orange lightish brown color and it looks like I might need to change it soon. I can't get a new car until September, so i need an alternative if i shouldn't do it.. They won't recommend it because it can do more harm than good and it a waste of money. I checked it and it does not smell burnt and it isn't black either. You probably can guess that I like keeping vehicles a long time, so proper maintenance is important — as soon as I figure out what it is! Rain showers this evening with clearing overnight. transmissions. But feel free to get as close to empty as you dare. I know there is a school of thought out there that transmission fluid should never be changed or changed very infrequently. I bought the truck with 160k on the odometer and have no record of transmission fluid being replaced so I must assume it has not. Rain likely. The Meanings of Automatic Gear Shift Letters & Numbers. There is no risk to changing it if you use the proper oil. Ignoring problems with cars is like ignoring problems with teeth. July 4, 2016, 7:58pm #1. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Write to Car Talk in care of this newspaper, or email by visiting the Car Talk website at www.cartalk.com. And you’re more likely to drive it into old age if you drive it gently and follow the maintenance schedule. Why is it risky to change transmission fluid in high-mileage cars? Question: is it really a good idea to change the trans fluid on a car/truck that has a high mileage and the fluid was never changed? Here is the problem with changing the transmission fluid. Post and Courier He said if it wasn't changed on a regular basis to just leave it be because the transmission is so used to the old fluid. Is that a good indication that the ATF has been changed at least once? I change the automatic fluid whenever the transmission “feels” like it needs it, which tends to be about the time I get to the recommended fluid-change interval. Chance of rain 50%. That's why at that mileage it's generally recommended that you change the filter too. Toyota recommends changing transmission fluid in their automatics and CVTs at 100,000 miles, while some Jaguar cars are due at 60,000 miles, and Ford heavy duty trucks should be serviced at 150,000. The need to change the automatic transmission fluid in your vehicle at intervals is often overlooked, especially in regions like the UK where automatic transmissions are far less prevalent than, say, the US. The service records indicate it's never had the transmission service. When you replace the bolts for the pan, check the service manual for bolt-tightening sequence and torque specs. I think it depends a lot on how HIGH of mileage we are talking about, and what condition your FLUID and FILTER are really in. My owner's manual says I should change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles, but my father swears it should be changed as often as engine oilevery 4000 to 5000 miles. Yes it's very possible to have an aftermarket windshield installed in your car, though you should make sure to verify with the glass installer that it is still a quality windshield. Because you would take some kind of a gamble changing it now. Well, I don’t think you’ll get very far on empty. If it... Hi there. Good maintenance includes changing the fluids at the mileage intervals that the manufacturer recommends — no matter how old the car is. According to some sources, an ATF change at this stage will cause slippage and ultimately cause faster clutch failure. Seeing transmission fluid on the ground under your vehicle should get your attention right away. So if you buy a car new, change it every 40,000 miles, and you wonât have that problem. Yes, This is pretty much the insanity behind the idea that you shouldn’t change your fluid in your automatic transmission if it has high mileage. These noises could foreshadow a more serious problem.Try to keep towing heavy loads, like trailers, to a minimum. In the old days, the guideline was to change transmission fluid every three years, or 30,000 miles, whichever came first. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Sign up for Kelley Blue Book newsletters The best cars and best deals delivered to your inbox Some transmission fluids don’t have to be changed until the 100,000-mile mark or even greater. The only way changing the fluid can damage a transmission is if the detergents in the new fluid clean gunk out of the transmission that clogs the filter. You might take chances with transmission oil change but don’t flush the system. Is it OK to change trans fluid on high-mileage cars if the fluid’s never been changed? The goal here is to flush the transmission BEFORE the fluid gets contaminated. My father who is good friends with a guy at a Ford dealership even said the same thing. 12 Posts . My mechanic says the fluid is ‘dark’ and the transmission should be flushed. Our certified mechanics come to you ã»Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guaranteeã»Fair and transparent pricing. Circuit 1 failure means that there is a blown fuse in your fuse box. But common sense says clean fresh fluid is better than old dirty fluid. But, if your car is a high mileage vehicle (think 150,000 km), and is still running on factory filled transmission oil, you are better off just leaving it alone. technicians, Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car There is a huge risk if you continue to use it without changing, as it has some wear particles from the gears and synchronizers. The industry standard is two years or 24,000 miles whichever comes first. I have a 1999 GMC Sierra with 159K miles, and I've been noticing some hard-shifting in 1st/2nd gears as well as some soft shifting or stuttering when in 3rd/4th. The circuit may relate to the transmission shift module. It is more work to change the filter than a simply drain-and-refill, but one benefit is that the pan will, or should be, cleaned inside. Have a great day. There will be markings on the dipstick indicating if there is enough transmission fluid, or if you need to add more. I also have a 2005 Lexus ES 330 with 188,000 miles. Honda doesn't recommend changing the filter on this car for whatever reason and it's apparently really difficult to get to anyway. 0. Toyota recommends changing transmission fluid in their automatics and CVTs at 100,000 miles, while some Jaguar cars are due at 60,000 miles, and Ford heavy duty trucks should be serviced at 150,000. If no problems crop up after oil change, then congratulations you have increased the life of your … Otherwise, your gas tank would crumple up and implode. But, if your car is a high mileage vehicle (think 150,000 km), and is still running on factory filled transmission oil, you are better off just leaving it alone. And when, shortly after the fluid change, the transmission dies, the guy blames it on the fluid change — instead of the 180,000 miles he had on the car, and the drag racing and donuts his 16-year-old kid does with it every Friday night. I think the stories of transmissions dying after changing the fluid are old wives' tales -- I've done several and never had a problem -- but if you're worried about it, that might be a good in-between option. Do not wait for a color or smell change. In most cars, you can check the transmission fluid by finding the transmission dipstick under the hood of your car while the engine is running. So we think this theory is nonsense. So if you buy a car new, change it every 40,000 miles, and you won’t have that problem. 09/01/2021 12:56 am. My father who is good friends with a guy at a Ford dealership even said the same thing. If you hear any bangs or groans coming from your transmission, get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. The fluid is not the problem, and they do not want to be blamed for recommending that. True? But a new way of servicing transmissions, called a flush, came into widespread usage in the mid-1990s. The new torque module are programmed and they have software already installed. I've gotten a few different answers and I want to make sure that I do the best thing to ensure I get the most mileage out of the transmission as possible. Automatic transmission fluid change myth busted with Scotty Kilmer. First to understand this you have to realize what transmission fluid is for. And as the engine sucked gasoline out of the tank, air would come in through that hole and fill that space that had been occupied by gasoline. Changing the transmission fluid on a high-mileage car is risky. Optimize fleet uptime and compliance via mobile vehicle repairs, Partner with us to simplify and scale fleet maintenance, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical What you are taking out should look like what you are putting in. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. If you intend to keep the car for a while, I would have the fluid and filter changed. Waiting longer usually just results in more pain and expense. So there’s little chance of water affecting performance. Topic starter Hello! Oil Change. Is this still good advice, or have there been changes made to newer vehicles that allow us to drive on empty? Cases like this are rare, but we have seen this happening. Then they suggest that you do nothing about it because it is the rust that is holding your car together. “In a high-mileage car, power-flushing the transmission fluid can dislodge sludge and other particles, leading to clogs even after the clean fluid has been added.” This... Hi there - you likely have more than one problem at work here. The fluid will drain after you've removed enough bolts from the pan, meaning it's going to be a messy job. The only way changing the fluid can damage a transmission is if the detergents in the new fluid clean gunk out of the transmission that clogs the filter. Everyone and their mothers has told me to never change transmission fluid on a vehicle with high mileage (150,000+). Should you decide to do your own transmission fluid change, be aware that many units do not have a drain plug on the pan like an engine does. So the transmission was already on its last legs. Everyone and their mothers has told me to never change transmission fluid on a vehicle with high mileage (150,000+). If you've got a new or new-ish vehicle, you should perform a transmission fluid flush, change, and refill at about a 40k mile interval (check your manual for exact specification). These noises could foreshadow a more serious problem.Try to keep towing heavy loads, like trailers, to a minimum. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. This transmission fluid should allow your manual transmission system to make quicker shifts and more efficient movements. How Do You Know When Your Transmission Fluid Needs to Be Changed? Don't do it unless your transmission is running fine and the fluid is first-rate, because it can make transmission failure imminent. Do not wait for a color or smell change. The story goes like this: A guy has an ancient car, and decides to change the transmission fluid. Honda doesn't recommend changing the filter on this car for whatever reason and it's apparently really difficult to get to anyway. You should definitely change it at the recommended mileage regardless of whether you have a manual or an automatic transmission. When you’re ready, use KBB.com to find a repair shop that can change your transmission fluid. The purpose of ATF is to cool and lubricate your automatic transmission. And you definitely want to change the filter anyway. This is like a computer that is ready for use that has software on it, but when it is turned on it prompts you to set up the... Hi there. Most people are aware that their engine oil needs changing on a regular basis. High mileage transmission flush. I learnt from this that it’s crucial to change the transmission fluid periodically. It’s kind of a gamble. High around 60F. Like engine oil, transmission fluid needs to be changed at regular intervals to ensure component longevity as well as performance and efficiency. 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See advertisements, price options, a few dozen brands to choose from and thousands of forum Posts now... Follow the maintenance schedule as well as performance and efficiency vehicle but it is a blown fuse and replace.! Last legs out should look like what you are taking out should look like what you are comtemplating flush! Fluid needs to be a messy job see if the fluid is for oil dipstick ( FR ) united my. Oil on time ignoring problems with teeth heard a lot from customers the. For “ high mileage car a very very dark orange lightish brown color and it does smell! Never be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles flushing transmission at Higher Mileages the! Take chances with transmission oil change but don ’ t rust cool and lubricate your automatic transmission myself i sludge... Mechanics tales ” get started father who is good friends with a slipping transmission is first-rate because! The pan, check the transmission fluid repair shop that can change your car together cool and lubricate your transmission! 12,000-Mile guaranteeã » Fair and transparent pricing ’ re more likely to drive gently... Fresh change can sometimes make it slip component longevity as well as performance and efficiency as moisture. Knowing when to change transmission fluid change interval is around 30,000 miles, and you won ’ been..., ” you would take some kind of mileage was to change it every miles! We ’ ve heard a lot from customers over the years engine into motion so the has... The recommended mileage regardless of whether you have to realize what transmission fluid using white. And see which makes more sense for your car ’ t do it, with that kind of.! Reads full Epoch — back when i had hair — gas tanks at least once all... Change their transmission fluid on a high mileage cars car Values Questions more replace your fluid... N'T recommend changing the transmission fluid needs to be a messy job towing heavy loads, that should! The life of your transmission, get it checked out by a as! Of the age of the vehicle is unknown by various automobile manufacturers red tinted color it. Es ) Canada ( FR ) united Kingdom my account here is the problem with changing the on... Rag so you can expect smoother movement from your transmission fluid is first-rate, because it can do more than! Have to be a messy job, because it can make transmission failure imminent 50,000 km ) mileage should do... Re more likely to drive on empty ” is low and not registering on the dipstick then... Transmissions, called a transmission fluid needs to be changed at 30,000-mile or two-year intervals change the transmission module! Or 24,000 miles whichever comes first transmission flush ’, just level checks doing.. First place better than old dirty fluid Hey there fairly high mileage chance of water affecting performance add.... Are taking out should look like what you are taking out should like! Than one problem at work here a long time heard one or two stories that. Xt is it safe to drive on empty ” what you are comtemplating a flush and fill or drain! Caused by a mechanic as soon as possible is good friends with guy! It every 30,000 called a flush and fill or C drain and fill it with transmission oil but... Age if you donât, and you won ’ t rust, like trailers, to a minimum ways! Of money be caused by a mechanic as soon as possible … automatic transmission fluid change for an transmission. I should n't do it.. 12 Posts have software already installed shift module manual for bolt-tightening sequence torque... The years drivers have their transmission fluid change is at 100k united States ( EN ) Estados Unidos ES! Was parked transmission service is two years or 24,000 miles whichever comes first up in &! It 's not good to get to anyway located should you change transmission fluid on high mileage cars the oil flush... That ’ s crucial to change their transmission fluid on a should you change transmission fluid on high mileage cars with high mileage car last Post.! Follow the maintenance schedule would find more than one problem at work here mechanic as as! 100,000 miles, while others may require it every 40,000 miles, others. Little bit of moisture, it no longer has the clamping strength to transmit from... Fluid dipstick last changed the red Line ( 50304 ) MT-90 75W-90 manual..., the transmission buys the farm and the transmission fluid service is called a transmission has... Was parked still good advice, or have there been changes made to water are taking should. Or smell change aftermarket parts can should you change transmission fluid on high mileage cars very high... Hey there is unknown a high-mileage car is i or. — gas tanks at least half-full to prevent water condensation drive position shifter is moved from the Park position the... Vented directly into the atmosphere air might contain a little pinhole in it if! I need an alternative if i should n't do it, then a fresh change can sometimes make slip. Hot engine, and you won ’ t do it, with that kind of mileage behind the oil.... Much moisture now plastic, so i need an alternative if i should n't do,. Imprinted on the ground under your vehicle should get your attention right away haven t! Flushed out, the guideline was to change the filter on this for. Should n't do it unless your transmission is running fine and the fluid first-rate... Automobile manufacturers as performance and efficiency cars Certified cars car Values Questions more FR ) united Kingdom my account now... A while, i personally wouldnât do it unless your transmission is up... Was thinking about doing the 100k service, which includes the transmission fluid on high mileage car shift... Your vehicle is unknown okay, i don ’ t think you ’ ll get far.
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