Transmission: Flush or What?
 

I have a '97 850 Wagon with 241,000 miles on it. The transmission has never been flushed. The fluid is very brown and it leaks. I have to add every couple of weeks. It shifts forward fine except when accelerating hard to pass, then it jerks. Also when it is warm and you are shifting into reverse it jerks real hard. I'm wondering if it is worth doing something with or run it 'til it dies. Thank you.

RE: Transmission: Flush or What?
 

At 241k, it might be too late to flush. If you're adding new fluid every couple weeks, you're essentially flushing the transmission, just using a different technique.

Your transmission sounds like it's on the way out now, so I would honestly just try to keep the car running with as little effort as possible and save for a new car/transmission. That's just me though.

RE: Transmission: Flush or What?
 

Thanks for the reply, that is kinda what I was expecting to hear. The car has many other minor to major problems anyway. It is just my car I drive to work and back to get better gas mileage. It is a shame cuz the body is still almost perfect.

RE: Transmission: Flush or What?
 

Ours with 185K on it was pretty rough too, but after two complete drain and fills, it shifts a LOT better. I would try draining and refilling it, drive it until the next oil change and do it again. You may be suprised at the results,

RE: Transmission: Flush or What?
 

Psaboic
Date 5/9/2008 6:33:18 AM


Ours with 185K on it was pretty rough too, but after two complete drain and fills, it shifts a LOT better. I would try draining and refilling it, drive it until the next oil change and do it again. You may be suprised at the results,

When you say "complete drain", do you mean flush or just drain the 4 qts or so that come out by draining the pan?

RE: Transmission: Flush or What?
 

The reason why tranny fluid flush is not recommended on high-mileage cars that have never had fluid change is that the old fluid might have formed sludge and this sludge may get washedaway by the introduction of fresh fluid, causing blockages of tiny hydraulic passages.

However, if the fluid is brown and the gearbox is not functioning right, you may gamble and do a complete flush for 2 or 3 times. One complete flush seems to take 10 qts, so you would have to spend a bit of money there. There are some flushing kits available and you can do this by yourself; some say it's easier than oil change.


JPN