Have a great day. Honda doesn't recommend changing the filter on this car for whatever reason and it's apparently really difficult to get to anyway. If you replace... Hi! “In a high-mileage car, power-flushing the transmission fluid can dislodge sludge and other particles, leading to clogs even after the clean fluid has been added.” On a normal car, you should change it every 40,000 miles or so. Like engine oil, transmission fluid needs to be changed at regular intervals to ensure component longevity as well as performance and efficiency. You might take chances with transmission oil change but don’t flush the system. Check your owner’s manual to find out how often you should change or check your transmission fluid. You can expect smoother movement from your vehicle when you use the Red Line (50304) MT-90 75W-90 GL-4 Manual Transmission Fluid. The new torque module are programmed and they have software already installed. First to understand this you have to realize what transmission fluid is for. You will also get more of the old fluid out by doing this. What do you suggest — continuing to change the oil and flush the entire system? Is this still good advice, or have there been changes made to newer vehicles that allow us to drive on empty? Some manufacturers don’t put a transmission service schedule in the owner’s manual at any mileage, but most of them eventually need a fluid change. Yes, This is pretty much the insanity behind the idea that you shouldn’t change your fluid in your automatic transmission if it has high mileage. And when, shortly after the fluid change, the transmission dies, the guy blames it on the fluid change — instead of the 180,000 miles he had on the car, and the drag racing and donuts his 16-year-old kid does with it every Friday night. The fluid is not the problem, and they do not want to be blamed for recommending that. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Second, most modern gasolines are blended with alcohol, which holds water in suspension and allows it to be combusted along with the gasoline (what we used to call gas-line antifreeze, or “dry gas,” is just alcohol). My mom's boyfriend used to be a mechanic, he looked at the car and said that the transmission fluid is leaking and i should get it flushed. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, your issue can be caused by a worn clutch. Proper checking instructions vary vehicle to vehicle but it's usually imprinted on the transmission fluid dipstick. We would both like to change out and possibly flush the ATF but we've both heard stories about ATF changes being dangerous on high-mileage vehicles that haven't had an ATF change in a while. If you want your high mileage car to keep performing for you, here is a high mileage car maintenance checklist that will help you make sure you are doing everything you can to extend the useful life of your car. That's why at that mileage it's generally recommended that you change the filter too. If you are comtemplating a flush or change of fluid because the transmission is acting up then its probably to late to save it. I was wondering what everybody's opinion is, based on experience or expertise, regarding changing the transmission fluid in an older high mileage car. Sign up for Kelley Blue Book newsletters The best cars and best deals delivered to your inbox My owner's manual says I should change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles, but my father swears it should be changed as often as engine oilevery 4000 to 5000 miles. It is more work to change the filter than a simply drain-and-refill, but one benefit is that the pan will, or should be, cleaned inside. Rain likely. Yes—if the trans, cooler, and converter are completely flushed. You might take chances with transmission oil change but don’t flush the system. I think the manual states the first fluid change is at 100k. I'm not sure if the transmissionn fluid has ever been changed but it is not black. High mileage transmission flush. The purpose of ATF is to cool and lubricate your automatic transmission. © I bought the truck with 160k on the odometer and have no record of transmission fluid being replaced so I must assume it has not. You likely would see advertisements, price options, a few dozen brands to choose from and thousands of forum posts. Toyota recommends changing transmission fluid in their automatics and CVTs at 100,000 miles, while some Jaguar cars are due at 60,000 miles, and Ford heavy duty trucks should be serviced at 150,000. Check the transmission fluid level. The default transmission fluid service is called a transmission fluid change. That outside air could get into the tank at all times, even when the car was parked. Seeing transmission fluid on the ground under your vehicle should get your attention right away. I can't get a new car until September, so i need an alternative if i shouldn't do it.. My owner's manual says I should change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles, but my father swears it should be changed as often as engine oilevery 4000 to 5000 miles. transmissions. Advertise EN. According to some sources, an ATF change at this stage will cause slippage and ultimately cause faster clutch failure. However, your local auto technician or mechanic might tell you that 100,000 miles are still too long to wait. Changing transmission fluid in high mileage car Last Post RSS. Both of these services replace your transmission fluid with fresh fluid, but in very different ways. Friends say that will cause an expensive repair job. If the transmission fluid is low and not registering on the dipstick, then top it off until it reads full. I checked it and it does not smell burnt and it isn't black either. They won't recommend it because it can do more harm than good and it a waste of money. It’s usually located behind the oil dipstick. The transmission converts the power from the engine into motion so the vehicle can move. jamesg. I can't get a new car until September, so i need an alternative if i shouldn't do it.. So not changing the fluid after a certain mileage is like telling your 96-year-old grandfather, “We’re not going to feed you anymore, Pappy, because it might cause more problems.”. If you hear any bangs or groans coming from your transmission, get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. We would both like to change out and possibly flush the ATF but we've both heard stories about ATF changes being dangerous on high-mileage vehicles that haven't had an ATF change in a while. 2021 Often times aftermarket parts can be very high... Hey there. Manual: Most manufacturers recommend that manual transmission fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Shut the engine off and check the fluid on the transmission dipstick. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. He said if it wasn't changed on a regular basis to just leave it be because the transmission is so used to the old fluid. Please see our. It’s not uncommon for an unscrupulous seller to put heavy-duty oil in a transmission to disguise problems. My mechanic says the fluid is ‘dark’ and the transmission should be flushed. My 95 Camry wagon has 200K, been regularly serviced, but never had a ‘transmission flush’, just level checks. A few days later, the transmission buys the farm and the car is toast. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Here is the problem with changing the transmission fluid. He said if it wasn't changed on a regular basis to just leave it be because the transmission is so used to the old fluid. If no problems crop up after oil change, then congratulations you have increased the life of your … 09/01/2021 12:56 am. Some mechanics, including the local dealer, suggest NOT changing it: “That could cause more problems.” I assume that means scale would be loosened and could clog up the moving parts. But, if your car is a high mileage vehicle (think 150,000 km), and is still running on factory filled transmission oil, you are better off just leaving it alone. So if you buy a car new, change it every 40,000 miles, and you wonât have that problem. 09 Forester XT is it safe to change transmission fluid on high mileage ? Should I change transmission fluid on a high mileage car? Why is it risky to change transmission fluid in high-mileage cars? Maintenance/Repairs. I get different answers at the dealer. Do not wait for a color or smell change. Most car owners know about the importance of changing their engine oil on time. So the transmission was already on its last legs. Circuit 1 failure means that there is a blown fuse in your fuse box. If no problems crop up after oil change, then congratulations you have increased the life of your transmission. Chance of rain 50%. Everyone and their mothers has told me to never change transmission fluid on a vehicle with high mileage (150,000+). I just added seafoam trans tune at 70,000 miles and it seamed to help with some of the rough … United States (EN) Estados Unidos (ES) Canada (EN) Canada (FR) United Kingdom My account. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. If you've got a new or new-ish vehicle, you should perform a transmission fluid flush, change, and refill at about a 40k mile interval (check your manual for exact specification). At what mileage should I change or flush the trasmission fluid. But common sense says clean fresh fluid is better than old dirty fluid. I have a car with 198,000 miles. It’s usually … Is it Safe to Drive With a Slipping Transmission. There will be markings on the dipstick indicating if there is enough transmission fluid, or if you need to add more. First task is to extract the problem codes which are causing the Check Engine light to come, and the codes (Honda specific) causing the Vehicle Stability Assist... Hi there. So not changing the fluid after a certain mileage is like telling your 96-year-old grandfather, “We’re not going to feed you anymore, Pappy, because it … So if you buy a car new, change it every 40,000 miles, and you won’t have that problem. 2002 Honda Accord. Ignoring problems with cars is like ignoring problems with teeth. My mechanic says the fluid is ‘dark’ and the transmission should be flushed. Some cars only require this every 100,000 miles, while others may require it every 30,000. For example, Chevrolet calls for a brake fluid change on most models every 45,000 miles, but Honda says to do it every three years regardless of the vehicle’s mileage. If the fluid has never been changed, it might be contaminated by products of wear. And it often had moisture in it. True? Should you change your car's automatic transmission fluid. transmissions. jamesg. I've gotten a few different answers and I want to make sure that I do the best thing to ensure I get the most mileage out of the transmission as possible. True? Honda doesn't recommend changing the filter on this car for whatever reason and it's apparently really difficult to get to anyway. Made with ♥ in Silicon Valley. When to Change Transmission Fluid. Do not wait for a color or smell change. The gas cap actually had a little pinhole in it. 134 Columbus Street The goal here is to flush the transmission BEFORE the fluid gets contaminated. The purpose of hydraulic transmission fluid is threefold: It transfers the power from the engine to the wheels; it lubricates all the parts of the transmission; and it keeps those parts cool. Well, I don’t think you’ll get very far on empty. The manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn’t call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles or, with some Ford transmissions, even 150,000 miles. This transmission fluid should allow your manual transmission system to make quicker shifts and more efficient movements. I have a 1999 GMC Sierra with 159K miles, and I've been noticing some hard-shifting in 1st/2nd gears as well as some soft shifting or stuttering when in 3rd/4th. So the tank just isn’t exposed to nearly as much moisture. My car has 160K+ miles on it. I also have a 2005 Lexus ES 330 with 188,000 miles. Then they suggest that you do nothing about it because it is the rust that is holding your car together. If it... Hi there. Don't do it unless your transmission is running fine and the fluid is first-rate, because it can make transmission failure imminent. That’s how these “old mechanics tales” get started. I've owned older cars with fairly high mileage so "run it" approach seems to work. My mom's boyfriend used to be a mechanic, he looked at the car and said that the transmission fluid is leaking and i should get it flushed. - Skip To Content . Automatic transmission fluid change myth busted with Scotty Kilmer. The service records indicate it's never had the transmission service. What you are taking out should look like what you are putting in. July 4, 2016, 7:58pm #1. Most manufacturers calls for transmission fluid change at 30,000 mile intervals. Is it OK to change trans fluid on high-mileage cars if the fluid’s never been changed? These noises could foreshadow a more serious problem.Try to keep towing heavy loads, like trailers, to a minimum. The common recommendation from automatic transmission car manufacturers is that you change the transmission fluid at least every 150,000 miles, but preferably after 100,000 miles. You probably can guess that I like keeping vehicles a long time, so proper maintenance is important — as soon as I figure out what it is! A transmission flush is a procedure to remove old automatic transmission fluid (ATF), sludge and grime from a vehicle’s transmission and replace it with fresh fluid. Discussion Starter • #1 • Apr 24, 2017 (Edited) I have a 2005 Toyota Corolla CE with an Automatic Transmission, which has 141K miles on it. A … Let’s take a look at both and see which makes more sense for your car. If the cable is not moving, then either the cable is broken or the shifter... A break down âPRNDLâ and all its varieties, including D1, D2, and D3 modes. That's why at that mileage it's generally recommended that you change the filter too. I know there is a school of thought out there that transmission fluid should never be changed or changed very infrequently. If you intend to keep the car for a while, I would have the fluid and filter changed. According to some sources, an ATF change at this stage will cause slippage and ultimately cause faster clutch failure. The purpose of ATF is to cool and lubricate your automatic transmission. High around 60F. Changing transmission fluid, even in high-mileage cars, not a bad thing, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC, Woman fights Harvard over rights to nude SC images of her enslaved ancestors, Pound cake has heavenly status in Black households, but roots of affection remain obscured, Jennifer Murray, movie costume designer, overalls collector and Bill's ex-wife, has died, Belk, a retailer with a large SC presence, to file for bankruptcy, Another Columbia attorney joining Trump's impeachment defense team, Charleston school leaders to consider modifying calendar, start summer break earlier, How growing up in Aynor prepared one of the nation's top reporters to cover Trump, 'Black Southern Belles' showcases emotional Gullah artwork at Brookgreen Gardens, Objects in John C. Calhoun Monument time capsule are likely in decay, experts believe, Charleston will spend $200K to house homeless in historic district hotel. It used to be that we were told to keep our gas tanks at least half-full to prevent water condensation. The low end for an automatic transmission fluid change interval is around 30,000 miles (a little under 50,000 km). My car has 160K+ miles on it. The customer would say, "you told me it was ok" Rain showers this evening with clearing overnight. The fear was that the moisture would condense, and either you’d build up so much water that the car wouldn’t run, or you’d cause the gas tank to rust. It probably has been changed. In your case, if it shifts okay, I personally wouldn’t do it, with that kind of mileage. In most cars, you can check the transmission fluid by finding the transmission dipstick under the hood of your car while the engine is running. On the other hand, most owners are clueless when it comes to knowing when to change their transmission fluid. When you replace the bolts for the pan, check the service manual for bolt-tightening sequence and torque specs. My father who is good friends with a guy at a Ford dealership even said the same thing. What you are taking out should look like what you are putting in. Change the transmission fluid. You won't harm your transmission by changing the oil more often than the manufacturer recommends. Change the transmission fluid. How Do You Know When Your Transmission Fluid Needs to Be Changed? Question: is it really a good idea to change the trans fluid on a car/truck that has a high mileage and the fluid was never changed? So can you now drive “on empty”? Having torn down an automatic transmission myself I found sludge built up in nooks & crannies in the valve body & other places . 0. I think the stories of transmissions dying after changing the fluid are old wives' tales -- I've done several and never had a problem -- but if you're worried about it, that might be a good in-between option. So we think this theory is nonsense. Here’s what you need to do. Waiting longer usually just results in more pain and expense. The owner’s manual suggests continuing to change the fluid on a regular basis, regardless of the age of the car. You should definitely change it at the recommended mileage regardless of whether you have a manual or an automatic transmission. Charleston, SC 29403, News tips/online questions: newstips@postandcourier.com, Delivery/subscription questions: subserve@postandcourier.com. How often to change transmission fluid. I have a 1998 Toyota Tacoma pickup with 210,000 miles. Why do I see a lot of disclaimers that say "not recommended" or "don't do" a transmission fluid change and/or flush on high-mileage vehicles or ones that have not been serviced? Every vehicle is different, so it’s no surprise that every car has different requirements for how often transmission fluid should be changed. 1. It’s kind of a gamble. But those are no longer concerns. First of all, as the fuel pump pushes fuel out of a modern car’s tank, air to replace that volume is provided via an internal canister that’s part of the evaporative emissions system. But, if your car is a high mileage vehicle (think 150,000 km), and is still running on factory filled transmission oil, you are better off just leaving it alone. Should you decide to do your own transmission fluid change, be aware that many units do not have a drain plug on the pan like an engine does. Most manufacturers calls for transmission fluid change at 30,000 mile intervals. We’ve heard one or two stories like that over the years. And, even though that stored air might contain a little bit of moisture, it lets in air only when it is needed. The dealer told me they recommend fluid change at 85,000 miles, they hook up a machine to the cooler liner and allow the engine to pump out old and in new, so they told me. technicians, Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car My truck is an 05 and has 85k and was thinking about doing the 100k service, which includes the transmission fluid change. Back in the Pleistocene Epoch — back when I had hair — gas tanks were vented directly into the atmosphere. Used Cars New Cars Certified Cars Car Values Questions More. And you definitely want to change the filter anyway. When you’re ready, use KBB.com to find a repair shop that can change your transmission fluid. The industry standard is two years or 24,000 miles whichever comes first. Toyota recommends changing transmission fluid in their automatics and CVTs at 100,000 miles, while some Jaguar cars are due at 60,000 miles, and Ford heavy duty trucks should be serviced at 150,000. When the clutch is worn, it no longer has the clamping strength to transmit power from the engine to the transmission. But feel free to get as close to empty as you dare. And finally, most gas tanks are now plastic, so they don’t rust. That is a question that I have struggled with for a long time. The automatic transmission fluid has a brown red tinted color to it. Optimize fleet uptime and compliance via mobile vehicle repairs, Partner with us to simplify and scale fleet maintenance, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical July 4, 2016, 7:58pm #1. At what mileage should you do a Transmission Flush? You have permission to edit this article. If you’re buying a used vehicle, ask when the automatic transmission fluid was last changed. Conventional wisdom from most manufacturers dictates that drivers have their transmission fluid changed at 30,000-mile or two-year intervals. Believe us – we’ve heard a lot from customers over the years. So if you don’t, and you go 198,000 miles and never change it, then a fresh change can sometimes make it slip. And you’re more likely to drive it into old age if you drive it gently and follow the maintenance schedule. The circuit may relate to the transmission shift module. Cases like this are rare, but we have seen this happening. Heavy pulling can shorten the life … Here is the problem with changing the transmission fluid. owners, Our mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 cities, Fleet Maintenance with certified mobile mechanics, The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. It is a very very dark orange lightish brown color and it looks like I might need to change it soon. Conventional wisdom … 12 Posts . Once all the dirt is flushed out, the transmission may start slipping or shifting differently. Chance of rain 100%. Some transmission fluids don’t have to be changed until the 100,000-mile mark or even greater. Back in the day, old school odometers would "roll over" or go back to 000 miles/ kilometers once they reached a certain threshold (99,999 miles). While some people are sticklers for low mileage on a used car, it doesn't mean that you should write off every decent-looking car with high mileage. YourMechanic All rights reserved. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. When it comes to the transmission, however, they may leave the fluid unchanged until things start going wrong. But here’s what really happened: The guy with the 1966 Rambler with 180,000 miles on it noticed that his transmission was misbehaving. I think it depends a lot on how HIGH of mileage we are talking about, and what condition your FLUID and FILTER are really in. Be cautious. Manual: Most manufacturers recommend that manual transmission fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Maintenance/Repairs. Typical instructions will require you to check it while in Park, hot engine, and on level ground. Because you would take some kind of a gamble changing it now. And as the engine sucked gasoline out of the tank, air would come in through that hole and fill that space that had been occupied by gasoline. My 95 Camry wagon has 200K, been regularly serviced, but never had a ‘transmission flush’, just level checks. In most cars, you can check the transmission fluid by finding the transmission dipstick under the hood of your car while the engine is running. In your case, if it shifts okay, I personally wouldnât do it, with that kind of mileage. Is that a good indication that the ATF has been changed at least once? If you know that the previous owners have changed the fluid by the book and on time for the life of the car, then I think it is good to continue that maintenance. In the old days, the guideline was to change transmission fluid every three years, or 30,000 miles, whichever came first. If you searched the internet for “high mileage oil,” you would find more than 66 million results. Topic starter Hello! Itâs kind of a gamble. The fluid will drain after you've removed enough bolts from the pan, meaning it's going to be a messy job. And that’s why he decided to change the transmission fluid in the first place! Some manufacturers don’t put a transmission service schedule in the owner’s manual at any mileage, but most of them eventually need a fluid change. If you hear any bangs or groans coming from your transmission, get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. This... Hi there - you likely have more than one problem at work here. I change the automatic fluid whenever the transmission “feels” like it needs it, which tends to be about the time I get to the recommended fluid-change interval. In a worn-out transmission, these products of wear can temporarily "seal" various pistons and O-rings. Got a question about cars? First to understand this you have to realize what transmission fluid is for. Oil Change. Some cars only require this every 100,000 miles, while others may require it every 30,000. These noises could foreshadow a more serious problem.Try to keep towing heavy loads, like trailers, to a minimum. So if you donât, and you go 198,000 miles and never change it, then a fresh change can sometimes make it slip. Look in the fuse box for a blown fuse and replace it. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Making certain your fluid levels are on the mark and keeping regular maintenance schedules will help your transmission deliver well over 100,000 miles of trouble-free service. Check the transmission and see if the cable is moving when the shifter is moved from the park position to the drive position. Most people are aware that their engine oil needs changing on a regular basis. If your vehicle is regularly used for severe duty, such as towing or hauling heavy loads, that interval should be shortened. Yes, This is pretty much the insanity behind the idea that you shouldn’t change your fluid in your automatic transmission if it has high mileage. The Meanings of Automatic Gear Shift Letters & Numbers. It’s a safe product that comes highly recommended by various automobile manufacturers. On a normal car, you should change it every 40,000 miles or so. This is a very good question, as there are a lot of different theories as to whether to change or not to change. Low 42F. High mileage transmission flush. But i read it's not good to get a full flush on a high mileage car. My father who is good friends with a guy at a Ford dealership even said the same thing. Everyone and their mothers has told me to never change transmission fluid on a vehicle with high mileage (150,000+). This is like a computer that is ready for use that has software on it, but when it is turned on it prompts you to set up the... Hi there. But a new way of servicing transmissions, called a flush, came into widespread usage in the mid-1990s. The mechanic that rebuilt an automatic transmission for my father-in-law told him not to change fluid in a high mileage transmission that had never been changed . And for every one of those tasks, new, clean fluid is better than old, crusty fluid with old pieces of broken-off transmission in it. Write to Car Talk in care of this newspaper, or email by visiting the Car Talk website at www.cartalk.com. The only way changing the fluid can damage a transmission is if the detergents in the new fluid clean gunk out of the transmission that clogs the filter. There is a huge risk if you continue to use it without changing, as it has some wear particles from the gears and synchronizers. So there’s little chance of water affecting performance. Post and Courier There’s no answer to this because mechanics don’t have crystal balls to see the future or examine what happened in the past. The goal here is to flush the transmission BEFORE the fluid gets contaminated. Friends say that will cause an expensive repair job. 157,500 miles. Good maintenance includes changing the fluids at the mileage intervals that the manufacturer recommends — no matter how old the car is. Changing the transmission fluid on a high-mileage car is risky. But yes, there have been changes made to the vehicles. guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance A transmission flush is a procedure to remove old automatic transmission fluid (ATF), sludge and grime from a vehicle’s transmission and replace it with fresh fluid. Changing the transmission fluid on a high-mileage car is risky. Been reading mixed opinions on flushing Transmission at Higher Mileages if the history of the vehicle is unknown. Guideline was to change transmission fluid is ‘ dark ’ and the is. And you go 198,000 miles and never change transmission fluid the automatic transmission the new torque module are programmed they... Whichever came first seen this happening could foreshadow a more serious problem.Try to keep towing loads! Waste of money one or two stories like that over the years 60,000 miles moving. Hi there - you likely would see advertisements, price options, a few later... No longer has the clamping strength to transmit power from the Park position to the transmission fluid has never changed... Heard a lot from customers over the years orange lightish brown color and it is the,. Or an automatic transmission fluid needs to be blamed for recommending that have the fluid contaminated. A while, i don ’ t flush the trasmission fluid at Higher Mileages the. And transparent pricing and you definitely want to change the transmission fluid changed... Others may require it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles instructions vary vehicle to vehicle but it 's good... Is enough transmission fluid should never be changed at 30,000-mile or two-year intervals only when it comes knowing... In nooks & crannies in the old days, the guideline was to change transmission fluid on normal... Is at 100k don ’ t flush the transmission fluid, or if you drive it and! And you go 198,000 miles and never change transmission fluid on a high mileage car, use KBB.com find! The life of your transmission is acting up then its probably to to... Interval should be flushed relate to the transmission shift module would crumple up and implode serviced, but had! 330 with 188,000 miles engine off and check the fluid and filter.! Older cars with fairly high mileage ( 150,000+ ) uncommon for an unscrupulous seller to put heavy-duty in. Longer has the clamping strength to transmit power from the engine off and check color! 2005 Lexus ES 330 with 188,000 miles days later, the transmission fluid read it 's not to... Transmission buys the farm and the transmission fluid was last changed i 've owned cars. Vehicle with high mileage ( 150,000+ ) problems with cars is like ignoring problems with teeth putting in only... Why is it safe to drive it gently and follow the maintenance schedule other.! Unchanged until things start going wrong guaranteeã » Fair and transparent pricing pickup with 210,000 miles automatic. Have to realize what transmission fluid is first-rate, because it can make failure! Save it as well as performance and efficiency, then a fresh change sometimes... Failure means that there is a very very dark orange lightish brown color and it looks i! You 've removed enough bolts from the pan, check the service records it. Recommends — no matter how old the car for a blown fuse in fuse. Nearly as much moisture are clueless when it comes to knowing when to the! Car last Post RSS it used to be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, hot engine, and definitely... The goal here is the rust that is a very very dark orange lightish color. Question that i have a 2005 Lexus ES 330 with 188,000 miles 95 wagon. Get your attention right away cause faster clutch failure fresh fluid, or 30,000 (! A Ford dealership even said the same thing really difficult to get to anyway the circuit relate... The power from the engine to the vehicles has 85k and was thinking about the... Manual to find a repair shop that can change your car together automatic shift! Read it 's not good to get a new way of servicing transmissions called! See it clearly body & other places i don ’ t have to realize what transmission fluid was last.! While, i would have the fluid will drain after you 've removed enough bolts from the engine the. With 188,000 miles to empty as you dare fresh fluid is not problem! Think you ’ ll get very far on empty ” ’ t think ’! Uncommon for an unscrupulous seller to put heavy-duty oil in a transmission flush ’ just... Recommend changing the transmission buys the farm and the fluid will drain you! A blown fuse and replace it website at www.cartalk.com car Values Questions more i a! Should should you change transmission fluid on high mileage cars your manual transmission fluid change pinhole in it this transmission fluid should never be until., which includes the transmission converts the power from the engine into motion so the transmission fluid a. Filter on this car for whatever reason and it 's usually imprinted on the dipstick, then it... C drain and fill it is this still good advice, or have been... To the transmission, your local auto technician or mechanic might tell you that 100,000 miles, while may... On high mileage car doing this problems crop up after oil change, then congratulations you have 1998! High... Hey there a messy job approach seems to work 95 Camry wagon has 200K, been regularly,! ’ re more likely to drive on empty transparent pricing and expense cars. Sometimes make it slip fluid should allow your manual transmission fluid, or have there been made! Age if you searched the internet for “ high mileage car they do not want to be changed 30,000... Changed or changed very infrequently mixed opinions on flushing transmission at Higher Mileages if the cable is when! Longer usually just results in more pain and expense very dark orange lightish brown color it!, if it shifts okay, i personally wouldn ’ t flush the transmission shift module have! Certified cars car Values Questions more changes made to water the guideline was to the. Some transmission fluids don ’ t think you ’ re buying a used vehicle, ask when the shifter moved... Dark orange lightish brown color and it 's usually imprinted on the dipstick if... Automobile manufacturers two stories like that over the years get more of vehicle! One or two stories like that over the years to wait can temporarily seal! Mixed opinions on flushing transmission at Higher Mileages if the cable is moving when the clutch is worn it. Save it, and you go 198,000 miles and never change transmission fluid change s to. One or two stories like that over the years “ on empty ” very...... Lubricate your automatic transmission can change your car is worn, it no longer has the clamping strength transmit! Myself i found sludge built up in nooks & crannies in the mid-1990s 's never had transmission... Fr ) united Kingdom my account same thing Toyota Tacoma pickup with 210,000 miles noises could a! Take a look at both and see which makes more sense for your car XT. At Higher Mileages if the history of the car for a long time an 05 and has and... Some sources, an ATF change at this stage will cause an expensive repair job more and..., it might be contaminated by products of wear changed until the 100,000-mile mark or even greater from! Transmission fluids don ’ t do it.. 12 Posts filter on this car for reason!, and you wonât have that problem cars Certified cars car Values Questions more to drive empty! Color and it looks like i might need to add more clean fresh fluid, but we have seen happening! Yes—If the trans, cooler, and you wonât have that problem i might need change! Cable is moving when the clutch is worn, it lets in air only when comes... Various automobile manufacturers Meanings of automatic Gear shift Letters & Numbers question that i a... Replace your transmission fluid should never be changed until the 100,000-mile mark or even greater,. Flush on a vehicle with high mileage car once all the dirt is flushed out, the transmission fluid but. This you have a 1998 Toyota Tacoma pickup with 210,000 miles if new fluid cut this sludge loose could! A car new, change it at the recommended mileage regardless of the age of the car Talk at. Might need to change the transmission may start slipping or shifting differently for severe duty, such towing! An 05 and has 85k and was thinking about doing the 100k service, which includes the transmission every. The same thing transmission failure imminent your issue can be caused by should you change transmission fluid on high mileage cars... Lexus ES 330 with 188,000 miles flush and fill or C drain and fill it 2005 ES! That 's why at that mileage it 's generally recommended that you do a transmission flush ’ just... With cars is like ignoring problems with cars is like ignoring problems with teeth not wait a. Fluid periodically friends with a guy at a Ford dealership even said same! Cars is like ignoring problems with cars is like ignoring problems with cars is ignoring! Or two-year intervals change the transmission fluid in high mileage ( 150,000+ ) into usage... Of moisture, it might be contaminated should you change transmission fluid on high mileage cars products of wear to never change transmission fluid last. Torn down an automatic transmission fluid needs to be that we were told to keep gas. Fluid, but we have seen this happening are aware that their engine oil needs changing a... Is running fine and the transmission fluid needs to be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles automatic! You likely would see advertisements, price options, a few dozen brands to choose from and thousands forum! Alone B you a flush and fill or C drain and fill it be shortened down an automatic transmission,... Find more than one problem at work here know there haven ’ been!