Ok, here's the deal.. I have a 98 T/A with the 4l60e..

It has 121k miles on it, and I was pondering changing the trans fluid. It looks red/brownish and smells bad, so I figure it's about time, since I have no idea on prior maintence..

BUT...... I've heard that changing it at this stage in the game may do more harm than good..

I was thinking of changing the filter and filling it back up with Valvoline Max-Life trans fluid.

Any ideas/comments/suggestions?

Oh yeah, as of now, it shifts ok, not great, but ok. So I don't know if this will hurt or not..

Thanks!!!

 

I say go ahead and change it. The fluid is supposed to be red, not brown, so it's definitely dirty.

I would have it changed and inspected by a professional to determine if your transmission is in good shape.

 

Haha, sounds like my 4runner...It had a very minor coolant leak, and the coolant that was in there, was pretty damn nasty. Anyhow, flushed the whole system out, and right then and there it started leaking very bad. I guess somethings are better left untouched (for a little while).

Though there is a huge difference between a small coolant leak and a transmission...I would change the fluid out, it shouldn't kill the transmission. If it does, then it was boud to go real soon anyhow.

 

 

Again not an engine tech question.

 

It smells bad? You're tranny might be slipping. Deffinately change the oil and filter, but keep an eye on it. If it starts to turn brown and smell again, your burning something (clutches, bands etc.)

But it might just be old tranny fluid.. but deffinately change it.

 

i wouldnt leave it untouched...i did and it costed me 400 for a new torque converter and another 400 for a rebuild. but, in a good way it's prepped for the 383 being installed as we speak, type...whatever.

 

a $400 rebuild that will stand up to the power of a 383