Should I change the transmission fluid?
I own a 2008 mitsubishi galant 2.4L 4 cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. I bought it with 141,000 miles and now has 169,837 miles. I checked the transmission fluid and is brown in color but does not smell burnt. The car runs great and the transmission shifts fine. A mechanic recommended to change the fluid (not flush it). My question is would it be a risk to change the fluid? Should I change it as soon as possible or leave it alone and wait until the car starts giving me problems or symptoms?
My car has 169837 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Generally, when the transmission fluid turns a brown color, it has been broken down and is no longer providing the protection needed for the transmission. As you know, the transmission fluid is designed to provide lubrication, protection and hydraulic pressure. As it breaks down over time, it may lose these qualities and lessen the effect on the transmission potentially resulting in transmission problems. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to perform a transmission fluid service.
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Check your fluid levels, but schedule an inspection if your levels are normal. Change your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
At Don Herring Mitsubishi Dallas, we recommend you change your automatic transmission fluid every 30,000 miles to maintain optimum performance.
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There`s no harm in changing your fluid early.
In automatic transmissions/transaxles, the recommended service interval is about every 30,000 miles or 30 months. (Check your owner`s manual or service manual for your car`s specifics.) The automatic transmission fluid (ATF) should be changed sooner if its dipstick reveals dark or burnt-smelling fluid.
The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association suggests every 50,000 kms or every two years. For manual transmissions, you should change the fluid about every 50,000-90,000 kms, however, under intense use, some manufacturers suggest changing it as often as every 25,000 kms.
It`s been said that a transmission flush is more effective than a change because: With a flush, all the old fluid is removed by a flush machine and replaced with new fluid, allowing for optimal transmission performance.
Castrol 03520C TRANSMAX DEX/MERC ATF, 1 Gallon, Automatic , Black.
If you don`t replace your transmission fluid, it will break down much like engine oil and lose its lubricating and cleaning properties. This leads to high temperatures, sludge buildup, and excess friction, which can damage the internal clutches that shift the gears.
Changing the fluid on a regularly driven vehicle can only help revitalize the clutch material. If the fluid has never been changed on a regularly driven car, at 170,000 miles, you damn well need to completely flush the system!
2008 Mitsubishi Galant transmission problems could include shifting delays, jumping or grinding during acceleration, the car shaking on the road, or whistling noises and a burning smell coming from under the hood.
The transmission dipstick will typically be in the engine bay or on top or even the side of your Galant transmission. The transmission check plug will typically be on the bottom or the side of the transmission and may also be next to the axle.
Depending on the CVT transmission fluid currently in your vehicle, you should see a translucent fluid, or a light pink/red fluid. Generally, if you come across any other colors or consistencies in your transmission fluid, you should have the fluid replaced.
A transmission fluid change is something you can do at home, and the steps are easy enough: Elevate the Vehicle and Drop the Transmission Pan. Replace the Transmission Fluid Filter. Replace the Transmission Pan Gasket.
Synthetic transmission fluids are ideal for newer cars as they provide a range of benefits. This includes higher resistance to extreme temperatures, oxidations and friction. They also last longer, so various manufacturers recommend using synthetic transmission fluids.
Change transmission fluid every 50,000 km. For optimal protection, change the Transmission Fluid and filter every 50,000 km or 100,000 km if the fluid is synthetic. Check your manufacturer`s specifications if you aren`t sure which type your vehicle requires.
After refilling the fluid, turn the vehicle on and allow it to run for a few minutes. Pull the transmission fluid dipstick out to verify that the fluid is at the correct level, then close the hood of the vehicle.
Changing your transmission fluid regularly, especially when it has turned black, is a great way to improve your fuel economy. Your transmission will run smoother after you change the fluid, which means your engine will run smoother as well.
The 5 signs include: 1) strange noises or even grinding coming from the transmission, 2) you experience problems shifting gears, 3) you experience some slippage when shifting gears, 4) unexplained surging of you vehicle, and 5) delay in movement after placing the vehicle in gear.
JATCO Ltd (Japanese: ジヤトコ株式会社, Hepburn: Jatoko Kabushiki-gaisha), abbreviated from “Japan Automatic Transmission COmpany”, is a company that manufactures automatic transmissions for automobiles.
Synthetic ATF does not cause leaks. In fact, good synthetics like AMSOIL will condition seals and extend their lifespan. Conventional ATF may have a thicker viscosity in cooler temperatures. Synthetic ATF has a fairly consistent viscosity across the temperature spectrum.
How long can a car run without transmission fluid is up to about 10 miles on low to no transmission fluid, but doing so would be extremely risky. Transmission fluid is essential for helping your car shift gears smoothly. Without it, gears are exposed to added friction and may not be able to move at all.
What Color Is Bad Transmission Oil? A bad transmission fluid color oil is muddy brown, dark brown or black. If you notice this, schedule transmission maintenance as soon as possible before damage occurs.
If you go and replace the fluid after they are already worn out. this can cause slipping. The old fluid had contained particles that actually helped shifting, making it grittier to allow better gripping. New fluid doesn`t contain this material and may not grip as well, causing slippage.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Do I need to get the transfer case fluid and transmission fluid changed?
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I looked at your maintenance schedule for your vehicle and found that for up to 150,000 miles, it only says to inspect the fluid level and not change it. The fluids are special fluids and if you did need any work done (i.e. if there is a leak present or other mechanical problem) then make sure the correct Ford certified fluid is used.
When it is time for you to have your transmission fluid serviced, consider having a certified automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to perform the service for you.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
Read Full Q/A … : Should I change the transmission fluid?
New cars don’t have transmission fluid dipsticks Transmission fluid changing
ANSWER : That’s a very good question. The reason they have gone with no dipsticks is because they don’t want people messing with transmissions other there at the dealership. Some cars went through that a couple of decades ago. They make it a very involved, convoluted process all through, in order to change the fluid on these modern cars. They have special adapters you have to put. Some of them have to have scan computers in order to read the data and what’s in there, and then be able to change it. A lot of these companies claim that this new fluid is the "lifetime" fluid.
Most new use synthetic fluid can last a long time but any fluid is going to get dirty and wear out over time. I would change it at least every 80,000 – 100,000 miles but if you’ve got one that is really hard to change, you are better off hiring a mechanic to do it.
On some of the cars, it would be too hard for the do-it-yourself because of all that equipment you need. The professional mechanics already have that. Just call any good mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, and they will be able to perform a transmission fluid service for you.
Read Full Q/A … : Should I change the transmission fluid?
is it safe to change Transmission Fluid. Hasn’t been changed in a long time. Currently the Transmission is working fine; no slip
ANSWER : I agree with the other mechanic. If the fluid looks dirty then this means the transmission was not serviced for a long time and if you service it then the new fluid will wash out all the clutch material that is being held together by the old fluid. You would be taking a big chance that the transmission will start slipping within a week after you service it.
A 75-point safety inspection is a good idea after long-term storage, and a qualified technician from YourMechanic can perform this for you at your home or office.
Read Full Q/A … : Should I change the transmission fluid?
There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.
Read Full Q/A … : Should I change the transmission fluid?
Should I change the transmission fluid?
ANSWER : Generally, when the transmission fluid turns a brown color, it has been broken down and is no longer providing the protection needed for the transmission. As you know, the transmission fluid is designed to provide lubrication, protection and hydraulic pressure. As it breaks down over time, it may lose these qualities and lessen the effect on the transmission potentially resulting in transmission problems. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to perform a transmission fluid service.
Read Full Q/A … : Should I change the transmission fluid?
My car is leaking transmission fluid – I can’t diagnose the leak
ANSWER : Based on the NHTSA database covering consumer complaints, as well as government mandated recalls and factory service bulletins, for your specific year, make and model, I do not see evidence of widespread complaints about transmission fluid leaks. Such leaks are, in fact, common in transmissions made by any car company, particularly if the transmission is older than say 10 years. There is a manual shaft seal, oil pan gasket, output shaft seals, case seals, torque converter seal (inaccessible) and so forth all of which are potential leak points on your transmission.
If you want to identify and resolve these leaks, certainly a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could come out and perform a transmission leak inspection and let you know where the leak points are and what it will cost to resolve them.
Read Full Q/A … : Should I change the transmission fluid?
Can I use alternative Transmission fluid to the quotes recommended fluid if i’m bringing my own parts?
ANSWER : I would recommend buying the correct fluid. The reason is because I want to make sure your car is taken care of and is running as long as possible. You wouldn’t want to put something foreign in your car that it may not accept unless you’re willing to accept risks. Different fluids have different chemicals in it. It may cost more right now, but you won’t have to spend money buying a new transmission or having one rebuilt.
Read Full Q/A … : Should I change the transmission fluid?
Should I change my transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This may be a sign of low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car’s computer activates a transmission solenoid, which directs transmission fluid into the valve body to engage the correct gear. When this is faulty or not working properly, this can cause a delay in gear shifting or in some cases cause the car to not shift at all. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take the car for a test drive to more specifically determine the cause for this shifting issue.
Read Full Q/A … : Should I change the transmission fluid?
