I have a 2003 s10 ZR2 with the 4.3 and 4wd. I bought the truck with about 75000 miles on it and it now has about 102000 miles on it. Should I pull the trans pan off and drain the fluid and replace the filter or has it allready been too long? I highly doubt the previuos owner did a trans flush on it. The dealership said it has been too long to do a trans flush because it will stir up the metal shavings and cause damage. I would'nt think droping the pan and changing the filter would do this though. Last time I checked the fluid it seemed to still be red and did'nt smell burnt as far as I could tell. Any input?
Should I do a trans drain or not?
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I would change it, just a pan drop and filter/fluid change not a full flush. No good will come from leaving it. The fluid won't look so red when you drain it into a pan
I would probably drop the pan, change the filter and replace the fluid lost from the pan. I wouldnt recommend a flush. If you want to do one, use caution, as IMO that would be a risk in case there is any build-up in the transmission, it could plug up narrow passages or one-way valves if the flush is high-pressure.
I had the pan dropped, filter replaced, and trans flushed by a local trans shop. The previous owner did change the fluid though, I only had this done because the oil pan seal was leaking and it made since to get it all done while the pan was off and the truck was on the lift. I made sure that the flush was not high-pressure though. I noticed no difference in transmission performance after I got it done, but the good news is no damage was done and it is still going strong 10k later.
If your trans is shifting smooth and the fluid isnt bad, I would think twice before tampering with it.
I had the pan dropped, filter replaced, and trans flushed by a local trans shop. The previous owner did change the fluid though, I only had this done because the oil pan seal was leaking and it made since to get it all done while the pan was off and the truck was on the lift. I made sure that the flush was not high-pressure though. I noticed no difference in transmission performance after I got it done, but the good news is no damage was done and it is still going strong 10k later.
If your trans is shifting smooth and the fluid isnt bad, I would think twice before tampering with it.
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I might consider doing a pan drop and cooler line flush. All that does is replace more of the fluid with clean ATF since you are not using any cleaners its very safe.
Amsoil has a good step by step of how it is done.
https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/techservic...0Procedures.pdf
Amsoil has a good step by step of how it is done.
https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/techservic...0Procedures.pdf
change the oil and filter drive it then do a trans oil change again to get most of the old stuff out.. to be sure u could do it a third time like i did this weekend i know its a waste of oil but i rather waste the oil than the trans
I'd drop the pan. 10 bucks for a gasket and it will give you a good idea of where the tranny is. No sense guessing when you can know for sure.
Do not "FLUSH", its too risky now...just drain when HOT, change the filter and gasket, clean the pan and magnet, get the new fill in!
I noticed you wanted to know how difficult-a-job this is on another thread.
Simpe as an oil change...but can get a little messy. I believe there are about 16 bolts to be removed, after that remove and replace the filter (if the old seal doesnt come out w/filter I leave it.) Re-bolt it back up with the new gasket that will come with the filter (I prefer the rubber one, and I've re-used it for multiple drain and refills). I know mine didnt come with a drain plug in the pan, so you might consider installing one (about $5 at most parts stores). As far as the mess goes, just leave a couple of loosened bolts in the front or back of the pan and tilt-drain as much fluid as you can, then carefully lower the pan. I do mine without lifting of jacking up the truck, but you may not have enough clearance. Good luck.
Simpe as an oil change...but can get a little messy. I believe there are about 16 bolts to be removed, after that remove and replace the filter (if the old seal doesnt come out w/filter I leave it.) Re-bolt it back up with the new gasket that will come with the filter (I prefer the rubber one, and I've re-used it for multiple drain and refills). I know mine didnt come with a drain plug in the pan, so you might consider installing one (about $5 at most parts stores). As far as the mess goes, just leave a couple of loosened bolts in the front or back of the pan and tilt-drain as much fluid as you can, then carefully lower the pan. I do mine without lifting of jacking up the truck, but you may not have enough clearance. Good luck.
I'd clean out the pan, and gt a new filter in there.
Then strongly consider getting a drain plug in the pan, while it is off.
You can do subsequent drains/refills very quickly and easily.
A few drain/refills after driving [to mix the fluid] will approach a flush, but waste a bit more fluid.
But it is quick, safe, and you won't have to mess with fitting or lines.
Then strongly consider getting a drain plug in the pan, while it is off.
You can do subsequent drains/refills very quickly and easily.
A few drain/refills after driving [to mix the fluid] will approach a flush, but waste a bit more fluid.
But it is quick, safe, and you won't have to mess with fitting or lines.
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Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
I might consider doing a pan drop and cooler line flush. All that does is replace more of the fluid with clean ATF since you are not using any cleaners its very safe.
Amsoil has a good step by step of how it is done.
https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/techservic...0Procedures.pdf
I see the same flaw in every listed "full change" procedure ..every time.
If you're going to unhook and drain from the cooling lines at some point, it makes so much sense to do it BEFORE you pull down the pan.
An almost empty pan is so much easier and less prone to making a mess.
I might consider doing a pan drop and cooler line flush. All that does is replace more of the fluid with clean ATF since you are not using any cleaners its very safe.
Amsoil has a good step by step of how it is done.
https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/techservic...0Procedures.pdf
I see the same flaw in every listed "full change" procedure ..every time.
If you're going to unhook and drain from the cooling lines at some point, it makes so much sense to do it BEFORE you pull down the pan.
Thats a good point Gary. I pump the pan dry 1st if the pan does not have a drain plug on it.
Make that as dry as possible, once you start sucking air its all over with.
Make that as dry as possible, once you start sucking air its all over with.
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It's a thing most of us figure out after the first time of getting the splash bath. ATF appears to have its own unique drip/smear/etc. properties that somehow make it worse than motor oil.
I guess not too many do multiple cars in some extended fleet.
I guess not too many do multiple cars in some extended fleet.
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
I might consider doing a pan drop and cooler line flush. All that does is replace more of the fluid with clean ATF since you are not using any cleaners its very safe.
Amsoil has a good step by step of how it is done.
https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/techservic...0Procedures.pdf
I see the same flaw in every listed "full change" procedure ..every time.
If you're going to unhook and drain from the cooling lines at some point, it makes so much sense to do it BEFORE you pull down the pan.
An almost empty pan is so much easier and less prone to making a mess.
Why...I like that hot oil shower you get when you pull the full pan and try to do the "jello on a plate" balancing act only to tilt one side too much then the entire thing gets away from you and showers you with hot dirty smelly DexronIII.
Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
I might consider doing a pan drop and cooler line flush. All that does is replace more of the fluid with clean ATF since you are not using any cleaners its very safe.
Amsoil has a good step by step of how it is done.
https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/techservic...0Procedures.pdf
I see the same flaw in every listed "full change" procedure ..every time.
If you're going to unhook and drain from the cooling lines at some point, it makes so much sense to do it BEFORE you pull down the pan.
Why...I like that hot oil shower you get when you pull the full pan and try to do the "jello on a plate" balancing act only to tilt one side too much then the entire thing gets away from you and showers you with hot dirty smelly DexronIII.
^^^^^ Its all part of being a good shade tree mechanic.
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There is some sorta "trial of passage" thing to it.
"You're not a true DIY'r until you've bathed in hot petroleum at least once".
If you think about it, all these tips and tricks could be interfering with reasoning skill development. Sort Darwin trump cards.
"You're not a true DIY'r until you've bathed in hot petroleum at least once".
If you think about it, all these tips and tricks could be interfering with reasoning skill development. Sort Darwin trump cards.
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
There is some sorta "trial of passage" thing to it.
"You're not a true DIY'r until you've bathed in hot petroleum at least once".
If you think about it, all these tips and tricks could be interfering with reasoning skill development. Sort Darwin trump cards.
Darwin trump cards...
OMG that's hilarious. I wonder what the Darwin Awards will do?
There is some sorta "trial of passage" thing to it.
"You're not a true DIY'r until you've bathed in hot petroleum at least once".
If you think about it, all these tips and tricks could be interfering with reasoning skill development. Sort Darwin trump cards.
Darwin trump cards...
OMG that's hilarious. I wonder what the Darwin Awards will do?
Originally Posted By: Gregz28
I have a 2003 s10 ZR2 with the 4.3 and 4wd. I bought the truck with about 75000 miles on it and it now has about 102000 miles on it. Should I pull the trans pan off and drain the fluid and replace the filter or has it allready been too long? I highly doubt the previuos owner did a trans flush on it. The dealership said it has been too long to do a trans flush because it will stir up the metal shavings and cause damage. I would'nt think droping the pan and changing the filter would do this though. Last time I checked the fluid it seemed to still be red and did'nt smell burnt as far as I could tell. Any input?
I purchased my 95 Dakota used and needed it to plow snow so of course I wanted the transmission to perform well, it had 172,000 miles on it and I could tell it had little or no maintenance on it, I called a couple transmission shops and was told not to touch it I took the chance and installed a new filter and 5 quarts of ATF+4 [no flush] and did so again a year later, transmission runs great and when I drained it the first time it was thick brown milk shake goo that came out nothing red about it I was very concerned but it all worked out.
I have a 2003 s10 ZR2 with the 4.3 and 4wd. I bought the truck with about 75000 miles on it and it now has about 102000 miles on it. Should I pull the trans pan off and drain the fluid and replace the filter or has it allready been too long? I highly doubt the previuos owner did a trans flush on it. The dealership said it has been too long to do a trans flush because it will stir up the metal shavings and cause damage. I would'nt think droping the pan and changing the filter would do this though. Last time I checked the fluid it seemed to still be red and did'nt smell burnt as far as I could tell. Any input?
I purchased my 95 Dakota used and needed it to plow snow so of course I wanted the transmission to perform well, it had 172,000 miles on it and I could tell it had little or no maintenance on it, I called a couple transmission shops and was told not to touch it I took the chance and installed a new filter and 5 quarts of ATF+4 [no flush] and did so again a year later, transmission runs great and when I drained it the first time it was thick brown milk shake goo that came out nothing red about it I was very concerned but it all worked out.
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
"You're not a true DIY'r until you've bathed in hot petroleum at least once".
Exactly! Definitely a "rite of passage"
"You're not a true DIY'r until you've bathed in hot petroleum at least once".
Exactly! Definitely a "rite of passage"
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