1996 Transmission Flush

[pacifiedherbicide]

Hello everyone,
I’ve been debating scheduling an appointment at a local car care center to have the transmission fluid flushed and replaced on my Park Avenue. It’s a 1996 with 211,000 miles on what I believe to be the original transmission. Currently, the transmission isn’t giving me any trouble from what I can tell, besides what I think I pick out from a car with 200k miles and a driver overanalyzing each shift 😉

At this point, is it worth it to change the transmission fluid? I’ve heard differing arguments of people claiming if it isn’t giving you any trouble, to not mess with it. While on the other hand I’ve heard that prevention in the form of changing your fluid is key to prolonging the life of the T-460E transmission. I’m just looking to get as much life out of this engine and transmission as I possibly can and since I’m unsure of the condition of the transmission fluid I see a flush and a replacement of the fluid a worthwhile investment. What are your thoughts on flushing and replacing the transmission fluid of a car with relatively high miles? Is it worth it or not? Also, would it be worth it to switch the fluid up to Dex6 from Dex3?
I appreciate any responses, I love my Park Avenue, and through so many of the threads in this forum, I believe I have already extended the life of my vehicle.

Thank you.

 

[dcraig1000]

what color is the fluid? if its still reddish and doesnt smell burnt leave it alone. if its reddish brown or smells burnt, then change the fluid and filter. do NOT have it flushed!

 

[HotZ28]

Transmission shops love it when people get a complete flush job, because they know the trans will soon require a complete rebuild. As mentioned, get a new filter & drop the pan, clean it good & reinstall. You can reuse the existing gasket if not damaged. This procedure will require about 7-qts of new fluid. I know several people that use Valvoline Maxlife ATF, and every one of them love it. I have used it in some of my cars and I have not been disappointed. Although I do use Amsoil ATF and Mobil1 ATF in other vehicles, the Maxlife is the best bang for the buck by far and you can get it by the gallon @ WallyMart for 17 bucks. You will need less than 2-gal, but will have some left if ever needed.

 

[pacifiedherbicide]

Ah, thank you for the responses.

I think I may just go ahead and drop the pan to replace a portion of the fluid and filter. Would you recommend another partial fluid change earlier than normal to get even a bit more of the old fluid out? Also, is the installation of a drain plug in the pan for easier draining down the road recommended?

 

[HotZ28]

Has the trans had any other fluid/filter service since you have owned it? If not, drop pan, change filter again after about 10K. The drain plug might make things less messy to drop the pan but there is always the potential of a leak. It's just a matter of personal preference.

 

[pacifiedherbicide]

The transmission/fluid hasn't had any service since I've owned the car, but I've owned the car for less than a year. I recently performed a coolant flush, and was less than impressed (to say the least) with the condition of the coolant flowing through the engine. That motivates me to do what I can with the transmission while I still can..

 

[jrsroadhauze]

Hot Z 28. What do you recommend for a 93 PA Ultra with 151k miles

 

[HotZ28]

Hot Z 28. What do you recommend for a 93 PA Ultra with 151k miles

Basically, the '93 & '96 PAU have the same trans, with some internal upgrades every year. Routine maintenance is the same as previously mentioned.