Is changing the trans fluid really important?

[Robsbrd99]

Just talked to my dealer and their price to to the "flush" method is $130. Not a bad price. My question is about the fliter. When you hook up to the trans lines and flush, wouldnt it send trash into the filter? Mine has 41k on it, so I would mind getting just that done.

 

[jasongt06]

My dealer wants $189.99 for just the flush. I laughed at them.

 

[EasyRhino]

Changing the Tranny fluid is one of several factors in how long the tranny lasts, which also includes heat, load, towing, abuse, sitting in city traffic in drive (see: heat), etc.

The 100K interval is unconservative, for sure. Most manufacturers went to these long intervals in the late 90's, early 2000s without changing any other item. They just changed the number, and on many, took off the dipstick tube.

I do recommend that one NOT go to 100K miles; however, if no other stress factors were introduced, it could be fine (but change it soon).