Addicted to ATF Additives

[dancer]

If you've heard of the Chrysler A604 transmission you know that they don't usually last more that 100,000 miles (and often a lot less than that). The guys on the Chrylser Minivan website are adamant that you shouldn't put ANYTHING but ATF 3 in these transmissions. About 5 years ago my trans started shuddering on the 1 - 2 shift going up hill and it wouldn't hold 2nd or 3rd gear going up a long grade. I had over 100K on it so I figured I didn't have much to lose by trying an additive. My mechanic told me I have a pressure problem in the trans (because it shifts better when ATF is cold) and he told me to use "Power Punch" (thick motor oil additive like STP). It definitely helped so I've been using thick additives (also Hy-Per-Lube and Lucas) with each ATF change. I've had 6 oz of ARX in the trans for almost 1500 miles and there has been no improvement in the "shudder" shift symptons. (I have 187K on this trans; close to a record for an A604 so the ARX might have been better utilized elsewhere) When I drain and flush I'm going back to some kind of additive to try to ameliorate the shudder. Any advice on what is the best anti-shudder additive? Should I stay with the thick stuff or try the lower viscosity stuff like Lubegard?

 

[Frank]

Let me try and be of help.First drain your transmission and use a T-Tec Machine to do it (application calls for draining at 1000 miles your at 1500 according to your post) your transmission fluid is contaminated
Auto-Rx benefits begin AFTER YOU HAVE DRAINED UNIT, not while it is cleaning unit and all these
thirdparty abrasives are floating around.

You have got to drain torque converter when you drain transmission again another reason to use T-Tec. This application also fills your transmission with brand new transmission fluid, DO NOT ADD ANY MORE ADDITIVES,JUST DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE FOR 100 MILES AFTER DRAINING FLUID AND POST.

Please go to www.auto-rx.net and reread application instructions.

 

[dancer]

Thanks Frank. I'll try the T-Tec and then go without additives for 100 miles. I'll probably have some painful withdrawal symptoms but I'll try it.