EmersonHart13

iTrader: (3)

I have just under 40k on my trans. It is completely stock. I think last night I noticed the tq convertor starting to do the lock/unlock thing. Do I change the fluid or ride it out?

I know changing the fluid isn't going to fix it. I am a firm believer in these transmissions are going to break it is only a matter of time. So the real question is, is it worth the money to spend on the fluid change?

Thanks,

John

JessmoMonteSS

iTrader: (1)

Did you buy it new or used? Have you changed it before? If you bought it new and haven't changed it, then YES you should change the tranny fluid. If you bought it used, I would check the color of the fluid and that will tell you if you need to change it or not. Would you not change your oil if it was way past due and looking dark as hell? It's just like doing an oil change but you don't need to do it as frequently. It's absolutely worth it to do the fluid, especially if it's the original fluid. Yeah these transmissions are a weak point, but don't just ignore the maintenance you should be doing to help make it last.

I change my fluid every 25-30k miles. Don't do a flush though, just drop the pan and let it drain out. Need about 8 quarts of Dex VI and a new filter. You should install a tranny cooler as well.

EmersonHart13

iTrader: (3)

I dont consider it ignoring. When I change the oil it has no negative consequences. There are people who change their trans fluid an it is worse after. I do not want to change it be worse off and have wasted the money and time on changing it. It is barely showing sign of the tc unlock/lock issue an I drive less than 9k a year, mostly city. I have owned the car since new and never changed the fluid. I was planning to do it at 50k. Half the recommended interval in te manual.

Thanks.

ghetto joe

i think the only time i have ever heard of anyone having more problems after changing the fluid is when they flush it. when dropping the pan you are not flushing the system and possibly causing "junk" to move elsewhere inside the transmission, so i would suggest drop pan and change the filter. very easy to do just kinda pricy on the dex fluid at almost 8 qts.

EmersonHart13

iTrader: (3)

I have heard flushing is an issue. Problem is flushing the trans is something people use interchangeably for just draining the trans and that probably leads to the confusion.

Thanks

JessmoMonteSS

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I understand your concern about making it worse but I can assure you that if you just do the fluid swap, you will be fine. You don't risk pushing around any metal shavings/chunks if you just swap the fluid (if there's any at all). I would still check the fluid and if it's dark I personally wouldn't wait til 50k. Better safe than sorry, ya know? I first changed my fluid at 54k miles(bought it at that) and it was DARK and thankfully there was no schrapnel in the pan. My shifts seemed to be a little quicker/smoother after too. It wouldn't be too expensive if you do it yourself, just need to pay for the fluid and filter and a beer or two lol.

LS1 Racing

iTrader: (15)

Hi John,

I got your message over on GMLS4...You should drop the pan and do a fluid change, but I suspect that you're going to find bits of torque converter clutch material in it. This is exactly what mine did when it died the first time. You might be able to buy yourself some miles with a fluid change, but the damage is already done. The TCC is wasted and the resulting material is now flowing through the trans which is damaging the clutches.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

EmersonHart13

iTrader: (3)

I kinda think the damage is done too. But if you all are in agreement that it will buy me time or not make it worse then I will drop the pan and swap the fluid.

Thanks guys.

spydog

when u guys do drain and fills would u add anny aditives such as lucas ?

spydog

idk if it was luck or if it worked but in my 1998 bonneville SSE! i had 198,XXX miles and it started slipping between 1st and 2nd i draind the pan changed filter installed pan and i used lucas stop slit / aditive and toped with atf and it stoped slipping i drove it another year till i totaled the car hitting a deer so idk if it was luck or if it worked anny one els ever try lucass?

EmersonHart13

iTrader: (3)

I have seen a lot of good things on Lucas, definitely more good than bad.

Mels SS

iTrader: (1)

So it seems like these tranny will give you about 35k of service before the take a dump.
Is that being hard on the tranny are normal driving?

EmersonHart13

iTrader: (3)

I am not hard on mine and considering my short drives to work between 4-8 miles it was not HOT on a regular basis.

06MonteSS

my tranny lasted til 98,xxx miles... and I didn't baby it... I get on it whenever I have enough room in front of me....

EmersonHart13

iTrader: (3)

And you drove a lot of hwy if I remember correctly??

06MonteSS

I drive about 50/50 to 60/40 town/highway...

EmersonHart13

iTrader: (3)

That helps. I am about 90+ city.

Sint3k

**** changing the fluid im going to drive mine till the thing starts spewing or dosnt move in any direction anymore. f that transmission I've treated mine so bad but it still keeps moving i drive in low gears all the time banging them n **** and it works as if i ts new still. I had so many problems with my first monte carlo that i decided i woudn't baby this one because i babyed my last one and still had tons of issues "8 transmission repairs" and so far its running great. One day i will be posting on here asking who does great rebuilds in the DFW! lol

LS1 Racing

iTrader: (15)

From what I've seen in tracking these failures, the fat part of the bell curve seems to be in the 50,000-65,000 mile range. Surprisingly, 100k mile failures are less common than 60k mile failures, at least in terms of an original trans, though I'd say the majority get rebuilt/replaced before 100k.

Yes...And as I recall, shortly before yours died, you were bragging that "mine has 90,xxx miles and is running strong" without knocking on wood!

Ours is 99% highway, but it didn't matter.

We have 44,000 on the TEP-fortified rebuild with no problems (knocking wood) and are hoping to get it to 100,000, which would mean 187,000 on the car. If all goes well, that will be sometime in mid 2013, at which time we will rid ourselves of this costly mistake!

EmersonHart13

iTrader: (3)

My car is paid off in July. I could unload it now and move on. Or I could spend 2k and have a trans that won't break again and drive the car until 200k... Decisions Decisions. It is a black 06 with 40k miles and all options. I'd be lucky to get 12k for it, most likely get 10. To me that doesn't add up. The car is worth more to me even if I have to put 2k into a trans.

I could be looking at this the wrong way though. I might be better off walking away. I always say I should have bought a Bonneille SSEI...