I recently bought a 2000 Neon with 135k miles on it and with a 3 speed auto transmission.

I am unsure of whether or not I should go ahead and change the transmission fluid since I do not know the past history of fluid changes.

I once owned a 96 VW Jetta and was told in the past that changing the fluid in that particular car could do more harm than good if it hadnt been changed at regular intervals before. I found that to be the case, as an intolerable slip in 2nd gear compelled me to attempt a repair that required a fluid change. As I thought might happen, the slip worsened and I eventually wound up getting rid of the car.

Now, those VW auto transmissions have been notorious for problems, so none of that was a surprise to me. But I'd like to avoid a repeat of that situation if there is any chance of it happening with my Neon.

 

I would go ahead and change it. I have the 3-speed auto and have 240k on the engine and tranny and it still functions just fine, I am the original owner since 17k. I have changed the tranny fluid about 5 times since I have owned it. At 150k I got a shift reprogramming kit from transdapt. It basically alters the valve body to change the shift characteristics and firm up the shifts. It also allows you to shift the gears manually, too. It definately made my car more torquey and the firm shifts extend the life of the tranny. Sloppy factory automatic shift patterns designed for comfort and ease end up hurting the tranny in the long run. Just make sure you use ATF+4 fluid and a filter kit.

 

As long as your fluid doesn't look burnt you should be fine to change it, it's when the fluid is burnt that it really is the only thing holding the clutches together.

 

If you do it, simply change the fluid and filter. Don't flush it.