Was told transmission flush would cause damage???

[lamoglinsgal]

I called around this morning about pricing for a transmission flush and filter (see rear-end clunk post.) I called Firestone and Jiffy Lube and was given the price. I called Aamco and was told (over the phone without them ever seeing my vehicle) not to change the fluid, that it would make the problem worse, and that most likely my reverse was going out and I would need a rebuilt transmission.

A) Just found out with engine replacement that my tranny was rebuilt when I got the truck.

B) Funny how Aamco specializes in rebuilt transmissions and immediately try to get me to rebuild it.

Does this sound right, or am I right in assuming they're trying to take me for a $2400 ride?

 

[matt0248]

Aamco is not completely wrong. Sometimes, depending on what actually is wrong with the transmission, changing the fluid and filter can make a problem worse. Most of the time there is not a problem with doing this. Besides. If it really does need a trans rebuild, what is the harm in trying to see if chaning the fluid and filter helps.

 

[miker104]

There have been lots of anecdotal stories about transmissions failing shortly after transmission fluid flushes. I would stick with a drain and refill myself rather than flushing them. There are some threads over in the Transmission forum on different mods to improve the transmission operation on your truck (solenoid packs, etc). Many have had rebuilt transmissions done.

I had AAMCO rebuild a transmission on my '90 Caravan Minivan. Cost $1300 + $500 for a lifetime warranty. They rebuilt it three times before I sold the van. . Lifetime yearly transmission fluid/filter changes were included in the price. They lost money on me.

 

[daveleeander]

Failure to flush the tranny as outlined in the service for your Explorer is the biggest cause of tranny failures in these vehicles (after the solenoid pack is replaced that is).
I have an 02 with 225k miles on it, and still running strong. I just recently flushed, replaced filter, tightened bands. Plan on getting at least another 60k out of it. I just had tires put on this morning.
D

 

[va1kyri3]

i have heard this as well. if i were you, I'd just check my fluid. If it smells good(unburnt) and still holds its maroony, red color I would just leave it alone. If its burnt smelling or looking, I would go with a drain and refill as previously stated. Be sure to read your owners manual correct me if I'm wrongm but i believe explorers should only be using mercon V fluid in our trannys. Good Luck!