I am at 83000 miles and have never changed the automatic transmission fluid. Read somewhere that it should be changed every 30,000 miles. I have also read that it never needs changing.

 

iv been told that it shouldnt have to be changed for up to 150,000 miles.. but it cant hurt anything if you replace it on a regular basis. my trucks just about to hit 83k and im prolly gonna change mine soon

 

I am always concerned with fixing something that is not broken. They might break something else. Is this a DIY job?

 

Unless you're experiencing any transmission problems, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If the fluid looks clear and smells fresh, you should be fine.

I'm about to roll over 90k, and the only fluid removed was when they dropped the pan for a parking lock recall and when I disconnected a line to install an aux cooler, both at around 40k. Runs great.

 

I had mine changed at 100k as part of a tune up. Truck shifts really smooth now where as before it was a little rough. Seems like a pretty straight forward DIY job to me depending on your skill level. Drop the pan, replace the filters and gasket and bolt the pan pack up and refill. I took it to a shop because I'm not comfortable enough with transmission work to have tried it and at my local transmission shop it was only $50 so it was worth it to me. Whatever you do just don't do a flush.

 

What does your owners manual say? I changed my fluid and filters a roughly 70k miles, I think the interval is 60k. You can do it yourself. You have to remove the crossmember under the pan to get to all the bolts holding the pan on though. Make sure you use only OEM filters. These transmissions do not like any other type (there are two). Search "transmission filter". There is about 7 pages of threads on the subject.

 

Why not a flush? Some vehicles have TSB's for flushing all the old stuff out of the torque converter to cure shifting ailments.

Typically, you won't need to replace the filter the 1st time changing fluid. I think common recommendations are after 60-80k to flush the fluid. The next time after 120-160k, drop the pan and change the filter. Repeat.

Thankfully, I don't have to worry about intervals like all of you with slushboxes. The next truck I'll have no choice.

 

Flushing dislodges harmful particles and can lead to future problems. It's best just to drop the pan and replace what comes out.

 

I know this was beat to death before. The dealer will recommend a flush around 60k saying the filter does not need to be changed. You can change the filters yourself along with the oil in the pan, but the oil in the torque converter will remain. Your choice, there are pro's and con's to each.

This is a maintenance item, if it aint broke don't fix doesn't apply.

 

I prefer to change mine in the evening when the sun isn't beating down on me. Maybe some cold beer and the radio to make the job go by faster. But if your a morning person than I suppose right at the crack of dawn could be a good time to change it as well.....


:-P
Havent had my rockstar yet im still tired...

But really. I wouldn't change it unless you have to. Our transmissions are very picky about fluid level and start doing funky things when their messed with.