tmg19103
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- February 12, 2014
- Messages
- 675
- Reaction score
- 2
- City, State
- Philadelphia, PA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2011 XLT AWD
I learned my lesson on a transmission "flush" back in 1979 when I had a transmission flushed at around 35,000, which was recommended back then. Less than 6 months later I had a transmission failure that cost me $1400 back then to have the tranny rebuilt. I will never have another done.
As good as today's transmissions and fluid are, I seriously doubt that it's necessary to service a transmission before 100,000. And then I still wouldn't do the complete "flush."
Here's the thing, a tranny flush is generally safe unless a tranny already has hard part damage. Then the flush can speed up tranny failure.
Even at 35k your tranny could have had a problem. I had my tranny go on my old Jimmy at 16k - thankfully under warranty.
Flushes up to 90k should be fine. 60k is fine. However, once you get over 100k there is a greater chance there is hard part damage to the tranny and a flush could help speed up the inevitable.
What do I do? I avoid flushes just to play it real safe, even though they are fine with a solid tranny.
I drain and refill. Do this three times over a two week period and you will have 80% new tranny fluid. I do this at about 80k. Once in the life of the vehicle.