I am wondering if I should flush or drop pan and change filter? Fluid is dirty at 72000 miles. The car shifts and runs fine, I don't wanna hurt the transmission. The chevrolet dealership says his flush machine will change all the fluid and clean the filter. Sounds like the thing to do but I want more opinions. Please help!
02 Chevy Prizm tranny fluid
- Thread starter Camu Mahubah
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What kind of filter does it have? If it's a felt type filter like my '94 Grand Am, it can't be cleaned. I would drop the clean, clean the magnet & pan, and replace the filter. I would consider DIY if able.
Does this use the Toyota T-IV transmission fluid? Check your owners manual. I'm not sure I would want my Chevy dealer doing this unless there was some sort of assurance they were going to use the right fluid.
So however you go, make sure you know the fluid spec and the person doing the work knows and will follow the spec.
So however you go, make sure you know the fluid spec and the person doing the work knows and will follow the spec.
I am not sure what fluid it calls for, I thought it was Dexron III, I must be sure...
Its more then likely DexronIII. Corolla was slow to adapt to T-IV.
If its anything like a Corolla, it'll have a drainplug. Just drain/refill it 3-4 times over a couple of weeks. You'll probably need ~2.5-3 quarts of ATF each time.
You won't hurt the transmission with maintenance. But, I would avoid any dealer that claims that the filter will be cleaned with a flush. To clean the filter, you buy a new one and replace it. An ATF filter kit will also come with an AT pan gasket.
If its anything like a Corolla, it'll have a drainplug. Just drain/refill it 3-4 times over a couple of weeks. You'll probably need ~2.5-3 quarts of ATF each time.
You won't hurt the transmission with maintenance. But, I would avoid any dealer that claims that the filter will be cleaned with a flush. To clean the filter, you buy a new one and replace it. An ATF filter kit will also come with an AT pan gasket.
I did have the transmission flushed and now it is bright red and with that familiar sicky smell that my brain knows is good for an ATF to smell like. I have purchased an ATP transmission filter and gasket to do next. The transmission is a three speed.
I just bought an 'ATP kit' for my '99 Camry. The ATP kit looks high quality even though its just a strainer and not a real filter. Will be yanking the AT pan in a couple of weeks for the replacement.
The benefit of some vehicles is that they have ATF drainplugs. Emptying the AT pan prior to dropping makes the job mess free and easy. You'll need a torque wrench to correctly tighten the filter and pan bolts.
The real reason why I recommend AT filter changes is that most pans have magnets that need cleaning or replacement. Clean those pan magnets. I've also seen a bunch of filters with failing gaskets or o-rings at the connection. A tiny leak at the filter gasket or oring can cause issues. I also seen loose VB bolts from the factory.
So, even if the filter screen/strainer is perfect, consider its replacement as an excuse to clean the AT pan of any varnish or settling, to cleaning the fuzz/paste of the magnet, to correctly torque the cold VB-filter-pan bolts, and to replace the filter's old gasket/seal/oring!
The benefit of some vehicles is that they have ATF drainplugs. Emptying the AT pan prior to dropping makes the job mess free and easy. You'll need a torque wrench to correctly tighten the filter and pan bolts.
The real reason why I recommend AT filter changes is that most pans have magnets that need cleaning or replacement. Clean those pan magnets. I've also seen a bunch of filters with failing gaskets or o-rings at the connection. A tiny leak at the filter gasket or oring can cause issues. I also seen loose VB bolts from the factory.
So, even if the filter screen/strainer is perfect, consider its replacement as an excuse to clean the AT pan of any varnish or settling, to cleaning the fuzz/paste of the magnet, to correctly torque the cold VB-filter-pan bolts, and to replace the filter's old gasket/seal/oring!
This car has had a transmission flush with Dexron III(mobil) at the chevrolet dealership. And then a week later I have installed ATP transmission filter kit. There were some particles in the pan. I think they are clutch material. No magnet in the pan.
By the way, when the filter was changed Cenex Dexron III was used.
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