Tranny Slipping. Should I change the fluid first?

4127 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by gregersonke, Jul 6, 2011

DesertCritter

Discussion Starter · Jun 16, 2011

2002 Ody.
Great! the one thing I was worried about with this car finally seems to be materializing.
I got the car at 65K miles and according to the service records, it had the fluid changed at 45K. We're up to 91K now and I haven't done a fluid change. I know that's bad, but the mileage really snuck up on me.
It drives fine most of the time, but this happens a few times a week, maybe once or twice every other day. Usually at the beginning of a trip, it usually happens right after starting from a stopped position, when moving 20-30 mph and trying to accelerate the engine will race for a few seconds until I realize what's going on and take my foot off the pedal and then it will engage back into gear. It's usually fine after that.
I purchassed an extended warranty when I got the car from the dealership 2 yrs ago, so I still have 1 more year's worth of warranty. Obviously I know that the fluid needs to be changed promptly, but my worry right now is that if I change it, and then take it to the dealership, that the fresh fluid might help the tranny temporarily and mask a possibly serious problem with the tranny. So I'm trying to decide whether I should first change the fluid? or just take it in as it is.
If the tranny is on it's way out, I don't want them to "not find a problem" and then as soon as my warranty runs out to find that it's shot for good.

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davedrivesody

· #2 · Jun 16, 2011

The only thing I would do before taking it to the dealer is check the fluid - transmission hot, engine off, level ground.

The notorious 3rd gear clutch fails at around the same speed that you say the flaring occurs. It's probably fried.

The dealer may not do anything until the transmission throws a code. But at least you have it on record that a problem is developing.

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redmondjp

· #3 · Jun 17, 2011 (Edited)

After very carefully reading the fine print in the extended warranty and determining that it does completely cover the cost (parts & labor) of a replacement transmission, I'd start driving it like I stole it! I wouldn't bother changing the fluid at this point. Definitely do bring it back to the dealer, and make sure you have their own copy of the repair order with the exact nature off the problem listed on it. You may have to go back more than once.

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DesertCritter

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 6, 2011

thanks all for the replies. I took it in to the dealer and they kept the car until they were able to duplicate the problem (make the transmission slip) then they made an appointment and took it in again yesterday morning. They just called me to tell me they're going to be replacing the tranny, and the extended warranty covers all of it (including car rental) except for $100 deductible. This makes me a super happy camper. This particular dealership, while the sales department has been a bit of a pain, their service dept, has been nothing short of awesome. they've done work on it before and they've always been very professional and I can tell they know what they're doing. Whatever we paid for the extended warranty, it looks like it just paid for itself WOHOO!.

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whoa

· #5 · Jul 6, 2011

DesertCritter said:
thanks all for the replies. I took it in to the dealer and they kept the car until they were able to duplicate the problem (make the transmission slip) then they made an appointment and took it in again yesterday morning. They just called me to tell me they're going to be replacing the tranny, and the extended warranty covers all of it (including car rental) except for $100 deductible. This makes me a super happy camper. This particular dealership, while the sales department has been a bit of a pain, their service dept, has been nothing short of awesome. they've done work on it before and they've always been very professional and I can tell they know what they're doing. Whatever we paid for the extended warranty, it looks like it just paid for itself WOHOO!.

Wow, a nine year old vehicle and a free transmission replacement. This is an ideal scenario where the extended warranty and regular servicing at the dealer finally pays off. Congrats.

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gregersonke

· #6 · Jul 6, 2011

After they replace it, consider getting a B&M remote filter and a large transmission cooler installed and then swap out the fluid with synthetic Amsoil universal ATF. It will cost you about 400 but it will save you thousands down the road. Also, it makes changing the filter for the transmission really easy and this will protect you against the AZ heat in the future.

-Kevin

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