I have a 98 4x4 Rodeo with 99K. I took the Rodeo to Cottoman's Transmission today and asked them to check flush my ATF. I have not had any problems with the transmission, everything seems to run just fine. But after reading some of the post on AF about transmission problems I figured I better get mine checked.
30 min. after leaving the Rodeo they called back. The mechanic took a sample of the fluid before draining it. It is "black, obviously burned" as the mechanic put it. They recommend not doing a flush, as the new ATF could do more damage due to the "cleaning detergents in the fresh ATF." Instead, they want to drop the transmission and service the entire unit. They also said that the only reason it is running well now is "due to the electronics, once those electronics have a problem your more likely to have serious issues with the rest of the trany." Or at least that is what cottmans says.
I couldn't decide on the spot, so I went in and picked the rodeo up and brought it home. I love this rodeo. Even after I get a new daily driver (someday in the faraway future) I will want to keep this Rodeo so I can put a lift kit on it and use it for what is made for...off road!
So, those of you out there that know this transmission, should I bite the bullet and get the trans. serviced now? Should I wait till I notice a problem and then fix it? Maybe just give the flush a shot? Thanks in advance for your thoughts. -Derek