1998 Lesabre Owner - Should I change the transmission fluid?

[mammaw]

I am the happy owner of a 1998 Lesabre. Love that car!!! As far as I know it's never had a transmission fluid change and I was wondering if it should and by which method? Thanks fir any and all help keeping my baby running

 

[02LTD2.0]

Unless the fluid smells burnt I would leave it alone. How many miles?

 

[mammaw]

Unless the fluid smells burnt I would leave it alone. How many miles?

115000

 

[02LTD2.0]

I'm sure that many others will chime in with their opinions.

 

[HotZ28]

Is there any evidence of the trans fluid/filter ever being changed when you do a VIN check for any service records? How does the fluid look & smell? If the VIN maintenance revels nothing, I would assume that is was never serviced! If the fluid is dark brown, or has a burnt smell, you may be too late. I would drop the pan & change the fluid/filter& hope for the best results.

 

[mammaw]

Is there any evidence of the trans fluid/filter ever being changed when you do a VIN check for any service records? How does the fluid look & smell? If the VIN maintenance revels nothing, I would assume that is was never serviced! If the fluid is dark brown, or has a burnt smell, you may be too late. I would drop the pan & change the fluid/filter& hope for the best results.

Why hope for the best? What could it do to change it?

 

[02LTD2.0]

....but prepare for the worst as it may start slipping.

 

[mammaw]

....but prepare for the worst as it may start slipping.

Thk u. Won't change it

 

[HotZ28]

What are the results of the fluid color & smell test?

 

[mammaw]

What are the results of the fluid color & smell test?

Kind of reddish brown doesn't smell burnt they said

 

[Buick City Bert]

Transmissions respond well to regular maintenance, if in doubt change the fluid and filter, good fresh DEXIII and a new filter will not harm and can only extend the life of the transmission.
Do not wait until it burns, or all the goodness is depleted, change it on a regular schedule. I have had 4 of these motor (3.8) transmission (4T60E) combinations that have gone over 200K miles with regular service.
Lack of regular maintenance is what overhauls are made of.
This is a fairly easy job to do if you have basic tools.

 

[mammaw]

Transmissions respond well to regular maintenance, if in doubt change the fluid and filter, good fresh DEXIII and a new filter will not harm and can only extend the life of the transmission.
Do not wait until it burns, or all the goodness is depleted, change it on a regular schedule. I have had 4 of these motor (3.8) transmission (4T60E) combinations that have gone over 200K miles with regular service.
Lack of regular maintenance is what overhauls are made of.
This is a fairly easy job to do if you have basic tools.

Thk u. So a full drain and new fluid and filter?

 

[Buick City Bert]

Here is one of many good videos showing how people do the job.
On the cars from before 2006 I stick with the originally specified Dexron III.

 

[02LTD2.0]

Which Dex III compatible do you use?

 

[Buick City Bert]

Any name brand, GM approved, here is Mobil for $3.74 / qt, at Rock auto, get filter kit there as well, did the Lucerne 100k trans service yesterday, took 7 qts.

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