I need to change ALL my fluids!

I have an 02 and tranny fluid is DEXRON-III, be sure to check yours as these ARE NOT backwards compatable!

 

...^^^... Hey OP ... I posted that link so you could see that site in general for mechanical info. That specific thread on "transmission flushing" may or may not be right for you on an older transmission. Let one of the professional mechanics give you better advice on that. Good luck
.

 

I'm a synthetic guy, proven by years of Used Oil Analysis (UOA) by a Laboratory and achieve 18,000 mile / 4-year Oil Change Intervals (OCI) using Mobil 1 Extended Performance and a Purolator PureOne filter. My automatic transmission gets Amsoil ATF. Always use Toyota brand antifreeze appropriate for your model, diluted with Distilled water (not tap water).

 

I found out that the hard way! I had the transmission serviced on my Dodge Caravan. A week later the transmission croaked and it cost me $1800 for a rebuilt replacement. That is why I am so careful this time.

Thanks for the advice.

 

"Good Luck" is right! Per the manual,I went to a garage to have the belt changed on my Mitsubishi SUV. They installed the idler backwards. I noticed the tapping but they said the tapping would go away. Within a week, the belt broke and two of the valves went thru the top of their pistons! Engine was toast and the cost of a rebuilt engine and labor was more than the value of the SUV. Of course the garage said it was not their problem.

This time I am doing the work my self with help of this forum!!

 

Is there any way to determine what fluid is currently is my transmission?

 

Sometimes a flush works, other times it dislodges debris that clogs the valves and causes problems. Hard to tell what will happen without a crystal ball. Usually a simple drain & fill will help clean it up, especially doing it several times over the course of a month or two, depending on mileage.

At this stage, probably only a Lab could tell. Just add the correct type and motor on.

 

I guess I will carry on with complete ignorance. The saga continues! Scary.

 

You have been given a lot of information to enable you to make an informed decision, but in the end that decision is yours to make, not ours.

 

I guess you won't advise me on my stocks portfolio. HUH?

 

Not even gonna tell you what socks to wear tomorrow!

So there! =0)

 

Ha, ha, ha ... I could, but you'd be a fool to heed them.

 

http://www.ttguide.net/maintenance_data_fuel_oil_level_etc_-158.html

Tranny fluid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FglBsUEOSEk

 

No need. I only have one pair.

 

VERY useful info.

Thanks

 

Just for clarification .. the transmission "filter" is not really a filter per se, rather a screen, which only catches very large debris or foreign matter (what my buddy calls "rocks & boulders").

 

I have already bought a package that includes a gasket and screen. Thanks to Cypherian, I have a good grasp of how to do the service correctly!

 

I think you missed my point. When you replace the screen, inspect it very closely and report back your findings, for the edification of all.

 

Make allowances....I am old! Your suggestion is good and I am sure some exhaust sniffers here are curious.