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Not a single car manufacturer recommends this procedure! In fact, most car makers now have issued service bulletins warning AGAINST this procedure. Once the flush is completed, the shop adds a bottle of “fluid converter” to modify the friction characteristics of the fluid to match the car manufacturer’s recommendations. Why? Because many fluid flush machines use an inexpensive generic Dexron fluid as the flush fluid. That’s an important factor if your shop is quoting you on a fluid flush. Unfortunately, these new synthetic fluids are fairly expensive-usually double-to-triple the cost of the older fluids. In fact, GM, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, and many other car makers have recently introduced synthetic transmission fluids that outperform the older fluids by a long shot. Use the wrong fluid in your transmission and you can cause harsh shifting, late shifting, or the early demise of your transmission. Transmission fluids are not all the sameĮach car manufacturer has different specifications for their transmission fluid. So, when you get the quote for a transmission fluid flush, ask how much fluid they plan to use. Reputable shops that use the fluid flush machines know that it takes at least 16 quarts of fluid to get close to that 100% target. The average automatic transmission holds 10-13 quarts of fluid. Get the picture? When these fluid flushing machines inject fresh fluid, it isn’t like a rigid wall of fluid pushes all the old fluid out. But it would take a LOT of clear water to replace all the blue water. The clear water would start to displace and dilute the dark blue water. Then imagine what would happen if you took a garden hose and began filling the pool with clear water. To understand why, picture a swimming pool filled with dark blue water. In practice, however, it’s a bit misleading. The equipment companies refer to this procedure a “fluid exchange.” That term is correct in theory. Today, dozens of equipment companies make transmission flush machines that force fresh fluid into one of the transmission cooler lines and flow the old fluid out the return line. Those deposits would be trapped by the transmission filter.
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The new fluid would mix with the old and the detergents in the new fluid would dissolve any varnish deposits in the transmission. This procedure only removed about one-third to one-half of the total fluid in the transmission. That scorched fluid is referred to as varnish because of its brownish appearance.įor decades, the proper way to change transmission fluid was to remove the pan, drain the fluid, and replace the filter. When that happens, metal parts heat up and the heat scorches the fluid-just like scorched butter in a frying pan. Over time, the fluid begins to break down and lose its ability to lubricate. Just as important as the friction additives, transmission fluid also contains detergent additives that prevent deposits from forming on critical metal parts and carries.īut transmission fluid has a limited life. Transmission fluid lubricates metal parts, carries heat out of the transmission, and contains friction additives to make sure your shifts are smooth and on-time. Even if you decide to do it, you must make sure it’s down with the correct fluid.Ĭlean transmission fluid is vital to your transmission’s performance and, well, its life. Many manufacturers warn against doing a transmission flush. Don’t agree to that service until you’ve read this article and consulted your owner’s manual. Transmission fluid should only be replaced by draining and refilling following procedures in Service Information.”Įvery time you take your vehicle in for service, the oil change place will recommend a transmission flush. Use of external machines to replace the fluid may affect the operation and durability of the transmission.
#04 06 chevrolet transmission cooler problems manual
The use of external transmission fluid exchange or flush machines is not recommended for the automatic or manual transmission. General Motors does not endorse or recommend engine crankcase flushing for any of its gasoline engines.įlushing of air conditioning lines, radiators, transmission coolers, and power steering systems are recognized practices to be performed after catastrophic failures or extreme corrosion when encountered in radiators. It should be noted that analyses of returned parts that have been exposed to these aftermarket “flushes” show indications of potential damaged and shortened durability.”
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“.many of your service departments merchandise supplemental services and fluids to customers indicating that these “flushes” have a positive effect on durability of the component part.