I am really wondering what to do about my grand caravan, but this is a general question about auto trannys. To flush, or not to flush? I have heard mixed reviews on flushing transmissions. Many times I dont think they actually pull the pan and change the filter, they just pump the fluid out. Or, if you drop the pan and change the fluid yourself, you get the filter, but only half of the fluid. Can having too clean of fluid be a bad thing for high mileage trannys? I want to hear your opinions on the issue and prove/disprove some of the myths.

 

I've heard rumors that if the tranny fluid has been changed regularly, then change it, but if it hasn't been changed regularly, changing the fluid is bad for the tranny. However, that is very much a rumor, and I'm very interested to hear some more experienced responses, as I'm curious about this too.

 

Chrysler automatic transaxle..... it's doomed anyway.
A flush that uses the transmission's own cooler circuit is ok, but no, won't get the filter.
It can't hurt, if it's done right.
It might be worth it to drop the pan and clean the filter afterwards, anyway. Being a chrysler, it needs all the help it can get.

 

drop the pan and replace filter. I wouldnt' replace all the fluid right away on a dodge/chrysler product. Same thing for honda auto's that havent been changed on a regualr basis. How bad is the fluid?

 

i wouldn't do it. if it's not broke then don't try to fix it. and if it is then put a new one. don't blow the tranny. i would never do a flush on a high mileage transmission unless it's been done regularly

 

what about just changing the fluid? i just purchased a 222,000 mile 99 4Runner that does not appear to have ever had the transmission fluid changed. should it be changed and filter cleaned or just let it ride?

 

flushing a neglected transmission is going to do the same thing as changing the fluid a couple times in a short period.
Using the cooler circuit and transmission fluid as the flushing agent is the way to go.