Changing ATF for first time in 150k mil2001 BMW
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I'd suck out a few quarts, replace with fresh fluid then wait a few months. Repeat until you have clean fluid.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
Originally Posted By: turtlevette
I'd suck out a few quarts, replace with fresh fluid then wait a few months. Repeat until you have clean fluid.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
+1
A lot of people say you can't shock a system. But I do see all the filth holding it together and quieting it. My sons friend did his dodge caravan several years back it seemed to work fine before. Less then a week later it was sitting in a junkyard.
Take your time, don't yank or pull (like me) and you should be fine. Don't torque the bolts tho, if you have a torque wrench use it otherwise wait till you feel pressure against the wrench and 1/4 turn to 1/2 turn.
I'd suck out a few quarts, replace with fresh fluid then wait a few months. Repeat until you have clean fluid.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
+1
A lot of people say you can't shock a system. But I do see all the filth holding it together and quieting it. My sons friend did his dodge caravan several years back it seemed to work fine before. Less then a week later it was sitting in a junkyard.
Take your time, don't yank or pull (like me) and you should be fine. Don't torque the bolts tho, if you have a torque wrench use it otherwise wait till you feel pressure against the wrench and 1/4 turn to 1/2 turn.
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I would definitely do it, even a few services will do. I changed the ATF in my Ford 4 speed last year for the first time in it's 180,000km life. I didn't change it all but serviced it - 5 liters/quarts drained out and replaced with fresh stuff and a new filter and gasket. The old stuff came out black and burnt so it shifted much smoother after the change.
I've just done the same again last month and it feels like a new car, probably because the old stuff was diluted further still, I am going to make this an annual thing now to clean it up a bit and keep things running smooth.
Edit: exactly what turtlevette said!
I've just done the same again last month and it feels like a new car, probably because the old stuff was diluted further still, I am going to make this an annual thing now to clean it up a bit and keep things running smooth.
Edit: exactly what turtlevette said!
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JHZR2
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Originally Posted By: turtlevette
I'd suck out a few quarts, replace with fresh fluid then wait a few months. Repeat until you have clean fluid.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
+1. Id do this and possibly after a little while add some trans-x to help clean, with the understanding that it is a very temporary move before a full fluid swap.
I'd suck out a few quarts, replace with fresh fluid then wait a few months. Repeat until you have clean fluid.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
+1. Id do this and possibly after a little while add some trans-x to help clean, with the understanding that it is a very temporary move before a full fluid swap.
IF a transmission is on death's door, it's going to fail very soon no matter what you do.
There is a greater chance of saving the transmission (by flushing out all the old contaminated fluid) than by doing nothing.
Personally I'd spend a little money and swap out as much fluid as you can - replacing the filter too.
There is a greater chance of saving the transmission (by flushing out all the old contaminated fluid) than by doing nothing.
Personally I'd spend a little money and swap out as much fluid as you can - replacing the filter too.
I'd also want to get as much of the old fluid out as possible and change the filter if it's possible.
Originally Posted By: turtlevette
I'd suck out a few quarts, replace with fresh fluid then wait a few months. Repeat until you have clean fluid.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
+1
If there's a drain bolt on the transmission, then do a single drain and fill. Wait a few months afterwards before doing another. Do 2-3 drain and fills a year until you've got mostly clean fluid in there (this depends on how much is in the system, and how much comes out with every drain and fill). After that do a single drain and fill every year if it's convenient.
If there isn't a drain bolt, then siphon out a few quarts from the fill hole and replace it with fresh fluid.
Is the transmission filter internal or external?
I'd suck out a few quarts, replace with fresh fluid then wait a few months. Repeat until you have clean fluid.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
+1
If there's a drain bolt on the transmission, then do a single drain and fill. Wait a few months afterwards before doing another. Do 2-3 drain and fills a year until you've got mostly clean fluid in there (this depends on how much is in the system, and how much comes out with every drain and fill). After that do a single drain and fill every year if it's convenient.
If there isn't a drain bolt, then siphon out a few quarts from the fill hole and replace it with fresh fluid.
Is the transmission filter internal or external?
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Drop the pan. Replace filter. Reinstall pan and refill with OE or equivalent ATF and keep driving.
Originally Posted By: turtlevette
I'd suck out a few quarts, replace with fresh fluid then wait a few months. Repeat until you have clean fluid.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
I'm so scared of shocking my transmissions that I'm changing my ATF out 1 pint at a time.
I'd suck out a few quarts, replace with fresh fluid then wait a few months. Repeat until you have clean fluid.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
I'm so scared of shocking my transmissions that I'm changing my ATF out 1 pint at a time.
Originally Posted By: Leo99
Originally Posted By: turtlevette
I'd suck out a few quarts, replace with fresh fluid then wait a few months. Repeat until you have clean fluid.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
I'm so scared of shocking my transmissions that I'm changing my ATF out 1 pint at a time.
I hope your joking.
Your transmission isn't that sensitive. It's not a good idea to power flush a high mileage A/T but D&Ring as much fluid as possible is a good idea. I wouldn't wait months before the second D&R...I'd do it a few weeks later.
I'll bet your A/T will last a long time afterwards....
Originally Posted By: turtlevette
I'd suck out a few quarts, replace with fresh fluid then wait a few months. Repeat until you have clean fluid.
The key with fluid that has never been changed is to not shock the system.
I'm so scared of shocking my transmissions that I'm changing my ATF out 1 pint at a time.
I hope your joking.
Your transmission isn't that sensitive. It's not a good idea to power flush a high mileage A/T but D&Ring as much fluid as possible is a good idea. I wouldn't wait months before the second D&R...I'd do it a few weeks later.
I'll bet your A/T will last a long time afterwards....
My own opinion, based on my limited hands on experience is to pump it out by the cooler line and refill the pan when it cavitates, do a pan drop, filter change. Inspect. Continue this method until fresh fluid is being lost. Then top up as necessary. Worked fine in my SUV with 160,000km.
I have had the fortune.... as some would call it, to tear into a few hard use auto trans over the years. Other than some usual dirty fluid I never found any sludge or mysteries inside.
If the transmission is near death, new fluid will not save it. Fluid will not replenish what was lost to physical wear.
my 2c
I have had the fortune.... as some would call it, to tear into a few hard use auto trans over the years. Other than some usual dirty fluid I never found any sludge or mysteries inside.
If the transmission is near death, new fluid will not save it. Fluid will not replenish what was lost to physical wear.
my 2c
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