Should i change ATF ?

[fastrider1300]

I just purchased a 2001 s10 4wd with 81000 miles .
I dont know any history on this truck so should I
change the transmission fluid or not . Also its a 4l60
Any opinions would help

 

[actionstan]

How's the fluid look? It's good practice to replace all fluids in a newly purchased used vehicle that has a some mileage on it. If it were mine I'd change it, not sure what the normal service interval for the differentials is, but you may look Ito those as well.

 

[AP9]

I'd drop the pan & change the filter.

 

[demarpaint]

I change the fluid and filter and do a fluid exchange, either by dropping the transmission return line or by using a Miti-Vac.

 

[wtd]

I would because then you will know the condition of the oil. I always change out all of the fluids on any used vehicle unless I know it was recently done.

Wayne

 

[tig1]

Change it.

 

[tommygunn]

Congrats on the new truck! It certainly can't hurt to change the ATF.

Also, if your S10's trans doesn't have a drain plug, they make aftermarket pans that do. That way, future ATF changes won't be as messy.

Maxlife is great stuff, and very popular on here.

 

[eljefino]

Absolutely change it.

They have some issues grenading 3rd and 4th, a sun gear???

Keep up on it.

It's a 4L60E, btw, the E is Electronic.

 

[FutureDoc]

Change every fluid that can be changed. You do not know what is in it or how good/bad it might be. Best change everything so you do not have to wonder about it... and it allows some good inspection time.

Definitely install a pan with a drain plug. And if you have a fluid changing problem and are not having to worry about something banging into it off-road, go ahead and add a fumoto valve. I know, I have a serious fluid-change problem.

 

[zzyzzx]

Change it.

 

[Barkleymut]

Originally Posted By: FutureDoc
Change every fluid that can be changed. You do not know what is in it or how good/bad it might be. Best change everything so you do not have to wonder about it... and it allows some good inspection time.

Definitely install a pan with a drain plug. And if you have a fluid changing problem and are not having to worry about something banging into it off-road, go ahead and add a fumoto valve. I know, I have a serious fluid-change problem.


you seem quite normal to me

I agree, change everything but the washer fluid.

 

[KenO]

Yes, change it. No question. Decide your own service history from here out, but get fresh fluid in it first.

 

[FutureDoc]

Originally Posted By: Barkleymut
you seem quite normal to me

I agree, change everything but the washer fluid.


I thought I was normal...

then again, you might be picking up on the fact that I grew up in the RVA (61B to be specific).

 

[martinq]

Originally Posted By: fastrider1300
I dont know any history on this truck so should I change the transmission fluid or not.

That's all the information I'd need to make a decision.

Yes, absolutely change the fluid (not just drain & fill). Same goes for power-steering, brake and coolant fluids.

 

[Donald]

Do the filter and a complete fluid exchange.

 

[artificialist]

Replace the filter and pan gasket. I recommend OEM gaskets, as they can be re-used once or twice.

Afterwards, replace the transfer case fluid, front differential gear oil, and rear differential gear oil. Those items can get as expensive to replace, and they are even less likely to be changed on time.