the last owner of my car who owned it since it was new never changed the auto tranny fluid however, the tranny still performs great. I have heard that going that long with out a fluid change and then changing it could just ruin a transmission, is that true?
thanks

 

Just change it. If you are not having problems now a fluid change is not going to cause any.

 

Transmission fluid has detergents in it. After that many miles on a transmission, it probably has deposits stored in area of the transmission, from wear. The new fluid will break those deposits down, and spread them throughout the transmission. This may result in sticking valves in some cases.

Thanks,
Frank
CPT

 

I have also heard that after not changing your tranny fluid for such a long time the worn down clutch material in the fluid functions almost like an additive. If one were to change the fluid the tranny will only go down hill from there. Is this true?

I was wondering because my winter rides tranny fluid smells a little burnt with 130k on the clock. I'd like to change it, but I have only owned the car for a little over a year and am uncertain of its fluid change history. Judging by the cars appearance (beat up), I'm sure the fluids were maintained in the same manner.

Is it possible to flush the system to avoid the valves being clogged?

 

Unfortunately there's no definite set of rules here.

There's just as much (if not better) chance that changing your high milage fluid won't cause any probems.

Frank
CPT