ATF change

[wrparks]

I've recently realized that my wifes 2000 sl2 ATF has not been changed in at least 100,000 miles. Currently has ~130,000 miles and the car was bough with ~30,000. I looked at the fluid and it looked slightly darker than new, but not bad. We also carried it to a shop we use that also does transmission work and he said the same. A bit dark, but shouldn't be too late. He recommended a flush instead of just a drain and fill.

The manual doesn't really have a clear cut time frame for changing the fluid unless you tow, taxi, or drive >90% of the time in humidity or dust. Plus, ~75% of the last 50,000 miles was pretty much all highway, which should be easier on the tranny, right?

So, what do you guys think. Is it too late and we should just run it until we sell it (hopefully 2 more years) or do we try the flush?

[Cat Fuzz]

The only reason for the flush is that just draining doesn't get the fluid out of the torque convertor. Go ahead and do it.

[PlayStation3]

yea as long as it is not really dark / can see particles in there then it is fine espcaily since you did take it to a specialist. but i would have them do it becuase the fluid does have to be warm i belive thats what the manuel says and that if it does do damage they have to pay for it

[wrparks]

Thanks for the input. I've heard horror stories about what happens when you wait too long to change it out. It didn't look too bad to me, but again, I'm far from an expert. Like I said, the transmission specialists said it should be ok, but I just wanted a few more opinions. I looked into doing a drain and fill myself, but decided I would rather have the flush since it's been so long and it looks like a pain in the but anyway. The guy at the shop also said that before they do anything, they take off the pan and inspect for lots of metal. If there is too much, they put it back and recommend getting rid of the car soon or planning for a new transmission. I'll make an appointment next week.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by wrparks

Thanks for the input. I've heard horror stories about what happens when you wait too long to change it out. It didn't look too bad to me, but again, I'm far from an expert. Like I said, the transmission specialists said it should be ok, but I just wanted a few more opinions. I looked into doing a drain and fill myself, but decided I would rather have the flush since it's been so long and it looks like a pain in the but anyway. The guy at the shop also said that before they do anything, they take off the pan and inspect for lots of metal. If there is too much, they put it back and recommend getting rid of the car soon or planning for a new transmission. I'll make an appointment next week.

If you do not change it it is going to go out for sure.
On a high mileage dirty transmission a pan drop and filter change is the safest and best way to go.
A flush or power flush puts all new fluid in but all new fluid is high in detegerant and sometimes cuts lose all dirt and varnish and dropes it into the pan and back into the valve body.

Go a little at a time with the pan drop and filter change and if all goes well do it again in 5-10K miles.

Also manufacturer recommmends Saturn transaxel fluid

Good Luck MT

[sierrap615]

i also would recommend a drain/filter/fill over a flush