I was getting a shudder when taking off from my 2nd or 3rd start in the morning. One it was warmed up everything was fine. About 2 weeks later it became more frequent. I checked the fluid and it was a little over a pint low.

The Passport (rodeo) has 213,000 miles and the fluid is not clear or pink. It has had no regular service (i'm not the origional owner)

I have had two opposite rcomendations from non-mechanics. 1 said it's too late, dont change the fluid or it will just slip. The other was to change it out regardless. If I go with a change, should I do a full replacement or just a drop the pan change?

Some posts here talked about connections and grounds. Ok, what should I do?

Sounds more like a failing tranny to me, rather then a voltage issue.

For one, do NOT flush the tranny, just incase you were recommended to do so.

Secondly, it couldn't hurt to drop the pan, change out the filter and replace 5qts of ATF that will come with it. Post back on what the internals look like as well as the condition of the ATF...we can help you further.

STAY FAR FAR AWAY FROM AAMCO!....just incase this was one of your visits.

Dont continue to drive with it slipping...it will worsen FAST.

If it had no regular service and it's at 213K, you're going to need a new tranny. The lower gears are usually the first to go. I would drop the main pan and see what's in there. After that many miles I'm willing to be it won't be pretty. Did you try to manually shift gears?

Wow! 213K without maintenance? I've been hoping for 200K with all of the fluid and filter changes.

And I third dropping the pan for a filter and partial fluid swap. See where that gets ya. I know I'd like to see pics of the pan and magnet!

It hasn't happened since I added the pint or so and it was just a shudder, only lased a second or less. It will be a week or so before I can change the filter out. I will be doing it myself and will take a picture or two.

When I add the replacment fluid, do I just pump it in before starting it and will it hold the 5 qts? I don't really want to start it knowing its low.

BTW, I won't be going to AMCO or any other national chain. I like to work with independent small businesses with good reputations where I can deal with the owner.

Yup. Pump in as much as you can first, then start it up.