2001 montana general maintenance

[eaglehawk]

My 2001 montana has about 80,000 miles on it . I recently had it in the dealership for a check engine P1404 which turned out to be an old code. They said everything is o.k. He did say I had a little degredation of my transmission fluid and they recomend changing it between 50 and 100 thousand for about $200. I also have heard that changing it will probably cause more problems and to leave it alone. What should I do? I know I can take it elsewhere and get it done cheaper.
I am getting ready for a trip south for the winter, probably 4000 miles this winter in a warm climate. The only maintenance I have had done is front brakes and new tires. What should I do for preventative maintenance before I leave besides oil change and tire rotation? Please advise.

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by eaglehawk

... I also have heard that changing it will probably cause more problems and to leave it alone. What should I do? I know I can take it elsewhere and get it done cheaper...

I won't begin by telling you what you should do, but I will tell you what I would do. If the trans fluid has never been drained, I would recommend that you take it somewhere where they can at least drain the trans and replace the filter. I did this at 60,000 Kms (about 40,000 miles) prior to a 10,000 mile cross country trip through the Rockies.

I did not have the trans power-flushed, as I had heard that this can create problems where none existed previously.

Now, at 130,000 Kms the trans is probably due for another change of fluid and filter and I will either do this myself (it is messy and the fluid goes everywhere except in the catch container!), or I'll have someone else do it, minus the power flush of course.

Others may have a different point of view, however.

Auto trans fluid draining procedures existed long before power-flushes and some of those original transmissions are still in operation. I have a 1970's Chrysler with the original transmission in it that has over 218,000 Kms now. Had the same maintenance as above too.

One product idea that comes up often on this board is the use of an additive called Sea Foam as a supplement to the trans fluid once re-filled. I haven't used it yet, but I understand it does a great job of reducing seal leakage due to age and heat.

Yours to discover.

[Glen_T]

I agree - change the fluid, but avoid the power flush. If you are not having problems with the transmission, but just feel it is time to change the fluid, then I would do just that. They will drop the pan, replace the filter, then replace the fluid. I'd suggest doing this a few weeks before you leave so that you can check the fluid level a few times before your trip.

Personally, I like to replace the fluid with what was in it already, i.e. GM fluid I assume. Once the seals are used to the composition/aromatics of a particular fluid, then you're better staying with that same fluid. Others may disagree, but I'm in the "if it ain't broke" crowd.

As far as additives, many are seal swellers and/or conditioners that may or may not help the transmission. Some people swear by them, some feel they do nothing. However, if you are not having problems now, I wouldn't change what is working well.

On maintenance, I'd rotate the tires, and also have them inspect the tread for nails or other problems. I do that every time I rotate them, and occasionally I've found a nail/staple or something and avoided a flat somewhere away from home.

I'd check the underside of your oil fill cap for any sludge that might indicate a leaking intake manifold (along with a dropping coolant level).

I'd also check your serpentine belt for cracks/wear. If it has never been replaced in 80K miles, it is cheap insurance to replace it. I'm partial to Gates products - they've performed exceptionally for me over the years, and I think they may be the original equipment for GM.

If the rear brakes have never been replaced, you may want to have them inspected. They usually last 2 to 2.5x the fronts depending on driving.

If the plugs have never been replaced, it might be time to do that. They say they're good for 100K, but I'm a little more conservative than that.

Heat and vibration make batteries fail, so you might consider having it checked if it is older than 3 years.

Beyond that? Hard to say, but I hope this helps...Have a good trip...Glen