Should I have transmission fluid changed?

[markymark30309]

I have an 03 GT with about 35,000 miles. All my driving is in the city. Hardly get on the interstate plus its always hot down here in Atlanta with all the traffice so I was wondering about getting the transmission serviced.

[GTP Dad]

It wouldn't hurt to have it changed. Even though the manufacturer states that it doesn't need service that early having the fluid and filter changed won't hurt and will probably last longer especially given the heat you drive in.

[Vipey1337]

use synthetic transmission fluid too when you get it changed. I recommend royal purple if you can cough up that money... it roxxxxxx

[Blue Bowtie]

Not to pile on, but I'd agree (in case you're taking a poll) with the prior replies. It is far better to change the trans oil and filter every 30-40,000 miles (just drop the pan and change the filter - No need for a complete flush) than to wait for 100,000 miles and wonder if you should risk it then. Add a drain plug now so that you can change the oil yourself more cleanly at the next 30,000 mile interval. There should be space in the right rear and right front corners of the pan to install a plug kit. It will look similar to this, although this is a 4T60E:




And DO NOT discard the original oil pan seal nor use the cheap gasket supplied with the filter kit. The original seal (not just a gasket) has a metal support structure and torque-limiting inserts for the bolt holes to prevent pan distortion and eventual leakage.

By changing the 4-6 quarts of oil in the pan, you will remove about half of the oil (total capacity of the 4T40/4T45 is 9½ quarts), most of the contaminants which have settled in the pan, and will be fortifying the original oil with new oil and its additives. That should be more than sufficient to maintain the health of the transmission. A complete "flush" service cannot possibly get all the old oil out of a transmission, regardless of what the sellers of that service might say. The only way to do that is to do this:

[Gir-_-]

I like that idea of adding a drain plug

I might look into that...

[xeroinfinity]

Yes that drain plug is a good idea, dont know why I havent done it to mine

It does need welded in, or it'll leak.

[Blue Bowtie]

Actually, I only tack/spot weld in the nut to keep it in place and prevent it turning. I use a factory drain plug with seal (it works just fine for the engine oil pans) to allow the plug to do the sealing, not the weld. If you drill the hole only large enough for the thread diameter of the plug, the 'O' ring encompasses any seam areas and seals them. I've never had one leak yet unless the seal on the drain plug was damaged.

['97ventureowner]

Adding to what Blue Bowtie and xeroinfinity have said about adding a drain plug, I have to concur. I've done so to most of my vehicles over the past 23 years, and I think it's one of the best aftermarket additions one can add to their vehicle to make the DIY experience more easier on the owner. Here is one that I've used on many vehicles over the years:http://performanceparts.com/part.php?partID=4692 That gives you an idea of what one looks like.

[scoobytuff]

If you have any question as to whether or not to service the transmission change it. It's easier just to keep it clean than to have to prematurely replace the transmission. Also while your down there you can look at other parts for wear. That's the way I do it, if it were regular maintenence I would not have found some of the problems That I did find. You can usually find them before they become leave you on the side of the road type problems.