| 4/18/2010 11:49:09 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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iaminohio
Cleveland, OH
64, joined Sep. 2008
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A local shop advertises this as the way of preventing transmission failure. They claim that since most transmission fluid cannot be drained, it stays in the torque converter, valve body and transmission lines, making a complete fluid drain impossible. Adding new fluid to the remaining contaminated fluid can actually cause sludge and varnish deposits to clog filters and further restrict fluid flow, they say, and according to their site, this can result in a serious malfunction or even complete failure of the automatic transmission. What they offer, is a "Transmission Fluid Exchange" which supposedly remove most, if not all, contaminated fluid as well as varnish and sludge deposits, cleans a few other parts along the way, and protects & conditions. They recommend doing this once it's been more than 30,000 miles.
The question is, is this true what they're saying, or are they trying to create a new service and charge us for it? I was just curious, and thought I'd ask you auto geeks. 
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| 4/18/2010 5:51:42 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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bytar
Rapid City, SD
56, joined Mar. 2008
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I have no idea, I have had the tranny fluid flushed twice on my 69 Camaaro since I first had everything rebuilt in 1985. Have had no problems in 25 years, and 87,000 miles.
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| 4/19/2010 3:00:30 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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iaminohio
Cleveland, OH
64, joined Sep. 2008
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Do you have a manual or auto trans on your Camaro?
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| 4/20/2010 3:20:08 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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bytar
Rapid City, SD
56, joined Mar. 2008
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Do you have a manual or auto trans on your Camaro?
It is an automatic.
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| 4/20/2010 6:57:53 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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iaminohio
Cleveland, OH
64, joined Sep. 2008
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Manual transmissions have magnetic drain plugs on bottom to chanbge fluids. Reality is fluid does need to be changed at least at 50,000 miles maybe earlier if you shift hard and want to makes it last.
Automatics are around 40,000 but done at a transmission repair shop not a quick lube drive threw. Drive though oil places are not equiped to do propper work! A trans repair shop will also inspect and adjust. Then thedre are later models thsat need to be computer checked. Just make sure you find a well respected place for the proper job to be done right. You do have to understand Transmissions are a very specialized job!
Kpwrench, I think I might not have been clear in what I tried to ask; I'll re-phrase. I had my transmission fluid change done on time by the shop. You can trust my word that I did NOT do this by myself  The current mileage is 36K. My question though was about the transmission fluid flush as advertised by a local shop. They claim that besides fluid change, you have to do flush it every once in a while, which does your car good, as this flushes all the "contaminated" fluid that stays inside the various parts of the transmission and can cause sludge and deposits to clog filters and restrict fluid flow. I was wondering whether this was a legit job that was really necessary, or if the shop was trying to create a new service and charge us for it, that's all. 
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| 4/20/2010 11:54:36 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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th6231
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
67, joined Jul. 2007
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It might be an advertising campaign to drum up business--but its not a new thing--its been in the manual for all the vehicles I have ever owned. They drop the pan--then do the filter--a new gasket and seal it up again--then add new fluid. i don't know if that would make sludge or contaminate the new fluid. BUT--it recommends it, so I do it. Its a few dollars to spend and might prolong a more expensive repair. If what you said was TRUE---then we would have a class action suit against all the manufacturers. The big enemy to lubricants is heat. I think I do a pretty good job of a maintenance schedule--I change it and hope for the best.
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| 4/29/2010 1:52:40 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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tybto5
Stevens Point, WI
25, joined Nov. 2009
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It is VERY important to consult the manufacturer first! You can completely destroy the transmission if you have it "flushed" in some cases.
Good example - I have a Volvo, and the manufacturer specifically recommends you do NOT change or flush the fluid UNLESS you over-use the transmission (towing extreme loads, taxi type driving, etc). Even in those cases, it is recommended to not bother changing the fluid unless it smells burnt, or is harshly discolored.
The reason you don't want to flush the fluid (in most cars) is because it will remove sludge and debris that the AT collects over time. I realize that would normally sound like a reason to want to change the fluid, but the trans actually starts to depend on this extra sludge material to operate properly. In fact, most manufacturers design it to do so. If you have the fluid flushed, not only will it remove most of this material, it will disperse the material into crucial parts of the trans, that could be destroyed.
NOW, on the other hand - if the manufacturer recommends you RENEW or REPLACE (keep those words in mind - I did NOT say FLUSH) your transmission fluid, make sure that it is done at the specified service intervals. If you were supposed to have replaced the fluid 50k or 60k ago, replacing the fluid now could negatively effect it's performance - and in worse case scenarios, destroy it.
The automatic transmission is a very very tricky and expensive thing, so unless you are having problems, I would avoid messing with the fluid.
but they can take ALL the fluid out and i think they do with most newer cars but i could be worng
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| 6/14/2010 9:55:43 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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jim173
Raleigh, NC
49, joined May. 2009
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Look at the owners service manual and see what it says about it. 
It will tell you exactly what to have done and at what mileage.
[Edited 6/14/2010 9:55:54 AM ]
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| 6/14/2010 11:08:42 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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rockerron
Beaverton, OR
54, joined Mar. 2009
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A local shop advertises this as the way of preventing transmission failure. They claim that since most transmission fluid cannot be drained, it stays in the torque converter, valve body and transmission lines, making a complete fluid drain impossible. Adding new fluid to the remaining contaminated fluid can actually cause sludge and varnish deposits to clog filters and further restrict fluid flow, they say, and according to their site, this can result in a serious malfunction or even complete failure of the automatic transmission. What they offer, is a "Transmission Fluid Exchange" which supposedly remove most, if not all, contaminated fluid as well as varnish and sludge deposits, cleans a few other parts along the way, and protects & conditions. They recommend doing this once it's been more than 30,000 miles.
The question is, is this true what they're saying, or are they trying to create a new service and charge us for it? I was just curious, and thought I'd ask you auto geeks.
True!
When doing a simple Automatic transmission fluid drain and change, much of the fluid in the Torque Converter and Valve Body/Filter stays in those bodies and any contaminated fluids will remain. Gravity cant pull all the fluids from every nook and crany in the tranny.
However most modern auto trannies are built to go 100K miles before anything like a FLUSH is required. Keeping it clean will extend the life of the transmission. If you own an older model vehicle and your fluid is getting really dark and someone suggests that you need an expensive fluid flush, then something else is wrong with your transmission and the flush is just a short term fix.
The best advice is to ask your car dealer to check your transmission fluid next time you take it in for maintenance. If the fluid is clean then you probably dont need a flush.
Hope this helps,
RockerRon.
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| 6/14/2010 11:17:30 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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rockerron
Beaverton, OR
54, joined Mar. 2009
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The reason you don't want to flush the fluid (in most cars) is because it will remove sludge and debris that the AT collects over time.
IF there is SLUDGE in your automatic transmission it will get into the valve body and cause the transmission to either not go into gear or not shift propperly! MUST keep sludge out of the transmission.
FYI ATF (Atuomatic Transmission Fluid) also works as a hand cleaner to remove heavy built up grease and dirt from your hands, then simply wash your hands with soap and water to remove the ATF.
Just think how well it must work in keeping your transmission clean. I bet that is by design!
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| 6/17/2010 9:51:55 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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edselguy
Amery, WI
29, joined Jun. 2010
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If there is sludge in your automatic transmission it is more than likely clutch material. A fluid exchange is much better than just dropping the pan. Most times in an exchange they will put a conditioner in the old fluid that will free all the old clutch material and swap it out for the new fluid. It will pump all the fluid out of the torque converter and valve body too.
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| 6/20/2010 6:00:19 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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iaminohio
Cleveland, OH
64, joined Sep. 2008
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Thank you, guys. You're the best. My car is '03 model, with 37K miles on it.
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| 6/26/2010 12:23:09 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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outsidethe9
Phoenix, AZ
26, joined May. 2010
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you should consult your aut manufacturer most now use 100,000 mile fluids which you dont change until 100,000 miles it is a service that needs to be done but you should only doit according to the specifications of the manufacturer so ya i think that advertisement might have been pulling your leg. you should consult your vehicles owner manual before you have any service done to your vehicle.
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| 6/26/2010 5:15:00 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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tybto5
Stevens Point, WI
25, joined Nov. 2009
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If there is sludge in your automatic transmission it is more than likely clutch material. A fluid exchange is much better than just dropping the pan. Most times in an exchange they will put a conditioner in the old fluid that will free all the old clutch material and swap it out for the new fluid. It will pump all the fluid out of the torque converter and valve body too.
I realize that would normally sound like a reason to want to change the fluid, but the trans actually starts to depend on this extra sludge material to operate properly. In fact, most manufacturers design it to do so. If you have the fluid flushed, not only will it remove most of this material, it will disperse the material into crucial parts of the trans, that could be destroyed.
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| 6/26/2010 1:38:09 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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caratencio02
Cleburne, TX
50, joined Jan. 2010
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I have a 2002 Trans Am with 137,000 on it and is just started with slight slipping issues with the overdrive?..And Im contemplating doing a flush to see if that will cure the problem that doesnt happen all the time...I had a 96 T/A in 2007 before this one and that Car had 135,000 when I flushed it and it never affected the operation of the tranny at all, and that fluid was nasty when they exchanged it....4 months later I saw it out on the street being driven by another happy owner!
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| 7/27/2010 8:46:16 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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footguy93
Blairsville, PA
26, joined Jun. 2010
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the transmission flush is a good thing as long as its done from the get go, if its not its still ok to do as long as you dont use that stupid cleaner the provide with it. the cleaner sometimes doesnt like all the seals and orings in the transmission. if you dont use the cleaner all your doing is sucking out old fluid and putting in new.
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| 7/27/2010 9:52:11 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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stargazzer
Creighton, NE
66, joined Feb. 2007
online now!
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Depends but basicly it is true, espesaly true if driveing a Chrysler product as many of their fillters are so tight and plug easyly as comepared to others, once pluged up it burns out the transmission, on a Chrysler product I would recomend a flush & fillter change every 20,000 miles or less. Ford & chevys can go 80,000 or more miles.
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| 7/28/2010 11:19:23 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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clbrian
Tallahassee, FL
62, joined Jul. 2010
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IMHO flushing an automatic trans is a good idea. Care must be taken to add as fast as it comes out. I was a auto tech for 25+ years and I do it on my vehicles.
This reminds me, I need to flush my truck tranny. 
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| 8/23/2010 6:20:27 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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pepgirl
Brockton, MA
49, joined Jul. 2010
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I never would do a power flush on any trans! Unless you do a conventional fluid change first (drop the pan and clean the magnet). Reason being when you do a power flush it picks up all the metal shavings from the pan and forces them back into the tranny. I used to get a ton of work from the good ole powerflush! Meineke valvoline jiffy lube kept me in business!
If your trans has never been serviced and its slippling Leave it alone it will cause more damage. Any fair and honest trans tech won't do a flush if your slipping.
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| 8/24/2010 10:21:26 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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carlos520
Phoenix, AZ
29, joined Aug. 2010
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if u care how ure trans shifts!!? do it!!! cause ure clutches get f**k!! and if u decide to do it, pick Royal purple or B&M brands! ok!!
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| 8/25/2010 10:16:47 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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footguy93
Blairsville, PA
26, joined Jun. 2010
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there is something in the cleaner that doesnt like some seals, just like if you had put gasoline in a diesel engine, a lot of your seals and orings will be destroyed! the transmission works on hydraulic pressure, the tranny does have 'controlled" leaks but its to make it work. so if a " cleaner" eats the lip seals of a transmission it cannot build pressure= no shifts or slippage.
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| 8/25/2010 4:01:25 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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21stcent
South Prairie, WA
63, joined Nov. 2007
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Gas in a diesel? I wouldn't worry about seals! Think it might blow the heads off first?
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| 8/25/2010 5:50:55 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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rockerron
Beaverton, OR
54, joined Mar. 2009
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Gas in a diesel? I wouldn't worry about seals! Think it might blow the heads off first?
The GLOW plugs would not ignite the fuel.
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| 8/25/2010 6:20:34 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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21stcent
South Prairie, WA
63, joined Nov. 2007
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Went and looked and the diesel probably doesn't get too damaged. Certainly won't blow the heads off. Seems to just mess up the injectors, or the pump. I just thought that gas being explosive in nature compared to diesel would do harm. I was wrong.
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| 8/26/2010 9:34:11 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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footguy93
Blairsville, PA
26, joined Jun. 2010
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seals, i worked on concrete pouring machine and we tore it all a part and the seals i think it was for the injectors where all destroyed, i guess the guy didnt kno he put gasoline in the engine,
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| 11/17/2010 7:45:04 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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tomtolong
Genoa, IL
39, joined Jun. 2010
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yes it is very true as you drive the clutches in the trans wear down just like a clutch on a manual and it dirties up the trans fluid and theres 2 quarts that stay in the torqe converter one quart stays in the valve body and upper trans and about a quart stays in the cooler they pressurize the system to push all the old fluid into a tank then push new fluid back into the system removing that clutch material and any other dirt witch is the biggest killer of a trans then next is heat
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| 11/19/2010 5:15:04 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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dhpc
Polk City, FL
49, joined Nov. 2010
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I bought a 95 t bird in late 98 & every yr I went to a place & did the filter exchange and about 1 gal of fluid deal. I never had a tranny problem...for the cost/12 mo its a small price to pay for maintenance
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| 12/3/2010 10:58:22 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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mierze6140
Middletown, CT
31, joined Mar. 2008
online now!
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the flush isnt a gimmick. as long as they change the filter while theyre at it. some cars used to have a converter drain plug. i dont know of any newer ones that do. and dropping the pan to drain the fluid will not remove all the old fluid. and theres no way to get it out of the lines and valve body. im fanatical about ATF cleanliness, so i do it every 35-40k, but go by the manual at least.
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| 12/4/2010 8:46:47 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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mrjcheek62
Muncie, IN
52, joined Oct. 2010
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I am a transmission specialist I get question very often,
Transmission fluid is an abrasive hydraulic fluid as the fluid get contaminated from age it will lose the abrasive additive, if you neglect changing the fluid it will hurt the clutches in the transmission in most cases, but if you follow the service intervals from your owners manual, you can flush it and not hurt anything, now in your case you don't have a lot of miles on your car so you will be ok flush or just a service of the filter and fluid, I hope that help you
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| 12/5/2010 9:26:25 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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corman_82
Albert Lea, MN
25, joined Dec. 2010
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Untrue, unless you have debris in the fluid, in that case something else is wrong with the transmission.
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| 12/6/2010 10:31:59 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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deelite101
Oakville, CA
53, joined Nov. 2010
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True!
When doing a simple Automatic transmission fluid drain and change, much of the fluid in the Torque Converter and Valve Body/Filter stays in those bodies and any contaminated fluids will remain. Gravity cant pull all the fluids from every nook and crany in the tranny.
However most modern auto trannies are built to go 100K miles before anything like a FLUSH is required. Keeping it clean will extend the life of the transmission. If you own an older model vehicle and your fluid is getting really dark and someone suggests that you need an expensive fluid flush, then something else is wrong with your transmission and the flush is just a short term fix.
The best advice is to ask your car dealer to check your transmission fluid next time you take it in for maintenance. If the fluid is clean then you probably dont need a flush.
Hope this helps,
RockerRon.
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| 12/19/2010 8:27:30 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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socal03
Pasadena, CA
24, joined Dec. 2010
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Its true, most of the fluid is kept in the torque converter, if you simply drain and fill the transmission, your only getting a portion of it out. A trans flush machine will do the job of taking all the old fluid out and replacing it with new. You fill the machine up to usually ten or twelve quarts, disconnect one of the trans cooler lines and connect the two lines from the machine in between. Then start the car put it in whatever gear selector the dipstick says for checking fluid (P or N) then turn the machine on. The machine has a hose that disposes the old fluid while it pumps the new fluid into the system. And yes every 30,000 miles is accurate for fluid exchange.
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| 12/20/2010 4:04:26 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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gentlmn60
Wilson, NC
64, joined Sep. 2010
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I am not 100% sure however, most of today's transmissions need to have the fluid pumped in and out in order to completely flush it. A few friends are GM mechanics and this was a conversation we had over a few beers..
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| 12/21/2010 11:16:21 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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rotaryguy86
Nashua, NH
28, joined Dec. 2010
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To answer your question. Yes they are creating a service to charge you more money and to keep you coming back. Its just like how shops claim to get your engine oil changed every 1,500-3,000 miles when actually oil can last 8-10,000 miles.  Its just to make a quick buck.
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| 12/26/2010 4:48:32 AM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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jake29436
Cross, SC
57, joined Dec. 2010
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"flushing" the tranny is a waste of money....changing the filter or having the filter changed and new fluid is a good thing whenever the mfgr. says it should be done....most will tell you after they flush it ....it may not move, so you go figure...it's your money 
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| 12/26/2010 2:17:34 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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musclecarmania
Franklin, OH
55, joined Aug. 2009
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I took a 2001 Jeep Cherokee to a mechanic to check out before I decided if I wanted to buy it. I was told the transmission fluid was a brown color and needed to be flushed which costs about $150. He said the brown color was an indication that the fluid was burnt.
The truck had 130,00 miles and to my knowledge never off road but was used as a company fleet vehicle. Any comments?
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| 12/26/2010 4:18:14 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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deelite101
Oakville, CA
53, joined Nov. 2010
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Hi and yes I'm a car guy too! Burn't fluid indicates overheating of that fluid...right? Look for a trailer hitch on this thing ! I have yet to see fleet vehicles driven nicely! Also the maintenance is usually done with CHEAP fluids and this jeep has NOT had it fair share of service !  Another telltale sign of neglect is crud in the radiator, make sure the rad. is cool or at least there is no PRESSURE check by squeezing the upper rad. hose. If it is under pressure you will have a hard time pinching this hose by hand. Look inside the rad. cap for crud, sometimes you will be unable to see into the radiator due to, long filler neck, or some have a separate coolant expansion holding tank! ie mercedes volvo bmw ect. also look and smell the pwr. steering fluid! All this burnt fluids tell you that you may have MAJOR issues down the road!  Jeeps have a limited cooling cap. so a reduction in efficiency of only 25% can and will cause overheating and blown head gaskets...  Hope this is helpful and feel free anyone to add to my thread Maintenance! D 
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| 12/27/2010 4:37:58 PM |
Is is true about Flushing out Transmission Fluid? |
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musclecarmania
Franklin, OH
55, joined Aug. 2009
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Thanks, I will remember the info as I am still looking for a Jeep Cherokee
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