Age old debate - auto trans fluid change?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 717
Likes: 80
From: Michigan
Age old debate - auto trans fluid change?
I know this has been beaten to death so bear with me please...but I'd like some current opinions as the threads I looked at were older...not that that really matters...but looking for opinions regardless.
2003 coupe A4 with 86k. No maintenance records. Tried to get info from GM dealer but all they could give me was warranty work done replacing diff seal at 7k miles; said their system could not/did not record general maintenance that had shown in the CarFax (??).
So...the point is that I don't know if the trans fluid was changed at 50K. The dealer said that when I get to 100k that he would check the fluid at no charge and see how it looks...then make a recommendation as to actually change it or not.
Should I wait or just get it done? Heard a lot of stories about people that had properly followed the GM schedule then had to tranny crap out shortly thereafter.
Thoughts? Again...sorry to raise an "older" debate...but looking for input.
2003 coupe A4 with 86k. No maintenance records. Tried to get info from GM dealer but all they could give me was warranty work done replacing diff seal at 7k miles; said their system could not/did not record general maintenance that had shown in the CarFax (??).
So...the point is that I don't know if the trans fluid was changed at 50K. The dealer said that when I get to 100k that he would check the fluid at no charge and see how it looks...then make a recommendation as to actually change it or not.
Should I wait or just get it done? Heard a lot of stories about people that had properly followed the GM schedule then had to tranny crap out shortly thereafter.
Thoughts? Again...sorry to raise an "older" debate...but looking for input.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The GM service records only show what has been done at a GM dealership. It would include both warranty and general service work done there. I don't even think you can have a dealer enter any work by an independent shop into their system.
A previous owner may have had a trans service done, but if it was at an independent shop, then only either the owner or the shop would have records. Carfax doesn't keep general maintenance service records.
So what does the fluid look like? Is it red and clear? Any sort of burnt smell? At 86K (and if you intend to keep the car for some time) I would go ahead and have a trans service done. All new fluid and a filter. Might not hurt to have the diff fluid changed too.
A previous owner may have had a trans service done, but if it was at an independent shop, then only either the owner or the shop would have records. Carfax doesn't keep general maintenance service records.
So what does the fluid look like? Is it red and clear? Any sort of burnt smell? At 86K (and if you intend to keep the car for some time) I would go ahead and have a trans service done. All new fluid and a filter. Might not hurt to have the diff fluid changed too.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 595
From: Prescott, Arizona
Every 30K on all of my auto vehicles. Never a problem in 20+ years.
A fluid change on a C5 with a stock pan changes or removes about half of the fluid in the transmission, the rest is in the torque converter and other works. It takes two changes to remove about 75% of the original fluid.
A fluid change on a C5 with a stock pan changes or removes about half of the fluid in the transmission, the rest is in the torque converter and other works. It takes two changes to remove about 75% of the original fluid.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 717
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From: Michigan
I think I should clarify my question...
I can appreciate the fact that some do it much more often than recommended. Nothing wrong with that, and I probably would have done the same if I had bought new. But I didn't - it has 86k and I don't know if it has ever been done.
Should I do it now? Wait until the 100k GM recommendation? Am I asking for trouble if I DO get it changed?
Also...if I do get it changed then no flush right - just a fill?
Yes, I do intend to keep it for some time. I'm figuring on putting 7k (s)miles a year on it max...but more than likely less than that. Been driving it a LOT since I got it though...the thrill is still there!
I can appreciate the fact that some do it much more often than recommended. Nothing wrong with that, and I probably would have done the same if I had bought new. But I didn't - it has 86k and I don't know if it has ever been done.
Should I do it now? Wait until the 100k GM recommendation? Am I asking for trouble if I DO get it changed?
Also...if I do get it changed then no flush right - just a fill?
Yes, I do intend to keep it for some time. I'm figuring on putting 7k (s)miles a year on it max...but more than likely less than that. Been driving it a LOT since I got it though...the thrill is still there!
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,768
Likes: 3,283
From: Phoenix area, AZ
I think I should clarify my question...
I can appreciate the fact that some do it much more often than recommended. Nothing wrong with that, and I probably would have done the same if I had bought new. But I didn't - it has 86k and I don't know if it has ever been done.
Should I do it now? Wait until the 100k GM recommendation? Am I asking for trouble if I DO get it changed?
Also...if I do get it changed then no flush right - just a fill?
Yes, I do intend to keep it for some time. I'm figuring on putting 7k (s)miles a year on it max...but more than likely less than that. Been driving it a LOT since I got it though...the thrill is still there!
I can appreciate the fact that some do it much more often than recommended. Nothing wrong with that, and I probably would have done the same if I had bought new. But I didn't - it has 86k and I don't know if it has ever been done.
Should I do it now? Wait until the 100k GM recommendation? Am I asking for trouble if I DO get it changed?
Also...if I do get it changed then no flush right - just a fill?
Yes, I do intend to keep it for some time. I'm figuring on putting 7k (s)miles a year on it max...but more than likely less than that. Been driving it a LOT since I got it though...the thrill is still there!
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 81
From: Nashville, TN
I think I should clarify my question...
I can appreciate the fact that some do it much more often than recommended. Nothing wrong with that, and I probably would have done the same if I had bought new. But I didn't - it has 86k and I don't know if it has ever been done.
Should I do it now? Wait until the 100k GM recommendation? Am I asking for trouble if I DO get it changed?
Also...if I do get it changed then no flush right - just a fill?
Yes, I do intend to keep it for some time. I'm figuring on putting 7k (s)miles a year on it max...but more than likely less than that. Been driving it a LOT since I got it though...the thrill is still there!
I can appreciate the fact that some do it much more often than recommended. Nothing wrong with that, and I probably would have done the same if I had bought new. But I didn't - it has 86k and I don't know if it has ever been done.
Should I do it now? Wait until the 100k GM recommendation? Am I asking for trouble if I DO get it changed?
Also...if I do get it changed then no flush right - just a fill?
Yes, I do intend to keep it for some time. I'm figuring on putting 7k (s)miles a year on it max...but more than likely less than that. Been driving it a LOT since I got it though...the thrill is still there!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
A4 - 4L60E ????
Appears that they all need a regular filter change...
So yes, at the very least have the pan dropped and replace the filter. You'll know if the whole system needs a flush by the condition of the existing fluid and the sediment in the bottom of the pan.
My pan gasket just started leaking; so that has forced my hand at the filter. I have to imagine that a complete flush is beneficial. I can't imagine doing an oil filter change and leaving 75% of the old oil in the system! So; I'll have the complete flush and filter thank you.
Dannyman
Appears that they all need a regular filter change...
So yes, at the very least have the pan dropped and replace the filter. You'll know if the whole system needs a flush by the condition of the existing fluid and the sediment in the bottom of the pan.
My pan gasket just started leaking; so that has forced my hand at the filter. I have to imagine that a complete flush is beneficial. I can't imagine doing an oil filter change and leaving 75% of the old oil in the system! So; I'll have the complete flush and filter thank you.
Dannyman
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 253
From: Oconomowoc Wisconsin
At 50,000 miles I had the ATF and rear differential service done on my 2001 A4 vert. I had it done at a corvette speciality shop. The process that they recommended and performed was to drop the AT pan, drain fluid, replace filter, clean pan and install new pan gasket. I got to watch the whole process. The old ATF was bright red and clear. There was no metal shavings or metal bits/pieces in the pan. The shop owner said the ATF had not been changed before because it had the original filter and gasket and the heads on the pan bolts had no markings on them. I did this as preventative maintenance. Glad I did it because now I know that the transmission is in great shape and no premature wear. I now have 54,000 miles and there is no change to the AT performance. Performance is just as good as before I had the service done. Do Not get an AT flush. When I was checking out places to have this service done, I went to 2 GM dealers. Both wanted to do an AT flush.
