Tranny fluid change....

[rubberman]

my Montana has 103K miles and we are leaving for a vacation trip next week. I was curious if i should go ahead and do a tranny fluid change since its been a long long time since the last time. i thought i read that doing one before a trip could be hazardous. should i wait or go ahead and do it?

[cmhj2000]

It's never too soon to change fluids.

['97ventureowner]

I've worked with transmission mechanics and there seems to be a wide assortment of opinions on this matter. About 50% of the ones I've spoken with say go ahead and change the filter and fluid, while the other 50% say not to. I think it is a good idea to do it now. You normally change the oil and filter in your engine, so why should your transmission be any different? Although I disagree with GM's recommendations to have the fluid changed at 100K miles,( I think it should be done sooner.) GM uses 100K to make it look like their vehicles require less maintenance overall. And they are mainly interested in getting you past their warranty period.

[rubberman]

yeah i will probably go ahead and do it. its not hard, just messy

['97ventureowner]

On my RWD vehicles I own and owned in the past, I always used to install a drain plug in the tranny pan. Sure made the fluid/filter changes a lot easier, and cleaner .

[rubberman]

i have also used the drain plug in previous vehicles but i wont on this montana since i hope to get rid of it soon. for now i will just have to get messy.