I have to say its pretty nice to see a lot of models/transmisions that typically have less than stellar (or just downright bad) reputations are getting excellent service life when in the hands of an owner that properly cares for them, meaning regular fluid changes at reasonable intervals.
200K Mile Automatic Transmission Club
- Thread starter RPMster
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This thread proves that a very few bad apples have given automatics a bad name (GM 250 and 700R4, early Chrysler 41TE, whatever Ford put in Taurii and other FWD apps for years, recent Hondas, to name a few). Even most of the "bad" ones became good after refinement (the 700R4 and 41TE for example), or live well with exceptional care. The vast majority of automatics are no more trouble than anything else on the rest of the car, and often outlive everything else. In many ways, automatics are simpler than manuals. Especially the non-computerized old 3-speeds.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
My BIL had 240Kmi on his 2000 Subaru Legacy AT. All original aside from head-gaskets, exhaust and wheel bearing work. He claims he had a few ATF changes on the trans, I dunno. He's not a car guy.
Joel
Joel
Originally Posted By: XJay
1992 Jeep Cherokee
203,000 miles
Filter was replaced only once
Valvoline Dex VI every year
The AW4 is a terrific automatic trans. It is known to be as bullet proof as the 4.0L. There have been numerous stories about them being submerged, run with very little fluid, etc. without issue. Some guys on the Jeepforums have upwards of 400,000 miles on the original trans and engine.
1992 Jeep Cherokee
203,000 miles
Filter was replaced only once
Valvoline Dex VI every year
The AW4 is a terrific automatic trans. It is known to be as bullet proof as the 4.0L. There have been numerous stories about them being submerged, run with very little fluid, etc. without issue. Some guys on the Jeepforums have upwards of 400,000 miles on the original trans and engine.
yeah the aw4-inline 4.0 combo is an excellent run long combination
97 Integra, 240k miles
95 Corolla, 205k miles
both original non rebuild transmission, ATF changed every 30k-45k.
95 Corolla, 205k miles
both original non rebuild transmission, ATF changed every 30k-45k.
Dad's winter beater is a 1997 Honda Accord, 220,000 miles - Original Transmission
Our 1996 Cherokee had somewhere around 220,000 miles on it when we sold it in 2005 and the automatic transmission was fine (maybe 2 or 3 fluid changes).
A 1994 Dakota had just over 200,000 when I sold it. Again, no automatic transmission issues and maybe 2 or 3 fluid changes.
In fact, most of the vehicles I've owned over the last 20 years with automatic transmissions have gone close to or over 200,000 and never had a transmission issue.
The last time I had a transmission issue was with a 1974 Maverick that needed the transmission rebuilt at 25,000 miles.
A 1994 Dakota had just over 200,000 when I sold it. Again, no automatic transmission issues and maybe 2 or 3 fluid changes.
In fact, most of the vehicles I've owned over the last 20 years with automatic transmissions have gone close to or over 200,000 and never had a transmission issue.
The last time I had a transmission issue was with a 1974 Maverick that needed the transmission rebuilt at 25,000 miles.
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Our 1996 Cherokee had somewhere around 220,000 miles on it when we sold it in 2005 and the automatic transmission was fine (maybe 2 or 3 fluid changes).
A 1994 Dakota had just over 200,000 when I sold it. Again, no automatic transmission issues and maybe 2 or 3 fluid changes.
In fact, most of the vehicles I've owned over the last 20 years with automatic transmissions have gone close to or over 200,000 and never had a transmission issue.
The last time I had a transmission issue was with a 1974 Maverick that needed the transmission rebuilt at 25,000 miles.
My last transmission failure was a 77 Chevy Nova. It failed with 8K and 8 months old. Had the infamous 200 trans. Heck, I never even had a chance to change the ATF in it.
Our 1996 Cherokee had somewhere around 220,000 miles on it when we sold it in 2005 and the automatic transmission was fine (maybe 2 or 3 fluid changes).
A 1994 Dakota had just over 200,000 when I sold it. Again, no automatic transmission issues and maybe 2 or 3 fluid changes.
In fact, most of the vehicles I've owned over the last 20 years with automatic transmissions have gone close to or over 200,000 and never had a transmission issue.
The last time I had a transmission issue was with a 1974 Maverick that needed the transmission rebuilt at 25,000 miles.
My last transmission failure was a 77 Chevy Nova. It failed with 8K and 8 months old. Had the infamous 200 trans. Heck, I never even had a chance to change the ATF in it.
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The AT in my 2000 Impala went to 210k. It might have not ever had the fluid changed in it either. I know for sure that the last 100k was all on the same fluid but can't say for sure before that. It was beat on every day in Chicago commuting and did one summer with one of the cooling fans out. Having more frequent OCIs might have kept it going but it was a company car and many other things were wrong with it by then so it was actually a good thing to finally say it wasn't worth running.
1977 Olds 98. TH 400. 200,000 miles on it when sold in 1991, transmission still perfect. Ignored it until about 120K, then changed fluid (pan drop, no flush) every 30K.
1991 Toyota 4 Runner. 229,000 on original A340H. fluid drain and fill every 30K. First flush and pan drop at 210,000. Added remote filter and cooler at that point...
1991 Toyota 4 Runner. 229,000 on original A340H. fluid drain and fill every 30K. First flush and pan drop at 210,000. Added remote filter and cooler at that point...
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Wow, not very many GM front drivers out there making it to 200k +...
Well, I add one to the mix.
1995 Pontiac Grand Am 3.1/ 4T60 263,000 miles.
Service: Every 30-50k miles with whatever Dex/Merc I could find, usually parts store brand.
The services have become much more regular now and I'm using Parts Master (Ashland made) Mecron V (I believe that it's really similar in formulation the Max Life ATF everyone always raves about) after looking at a Valvoline application guide that recommended/allowed it. It shifts beautifully! .
Well, I add one to the mix.
1995 Pontiac Grand Am 3.1/ 4T60 263,000 miles.
Service: Every 30-50k miles with whatever Dex/Merc I could find, usually parts store brand.
The services have become much more regular now and I'm using Parts Master (Ashland made) Mecron V (I believe that it's really similar in formulation the Max Life ATF everyone always raves about) after looking at a Valvoline application guide that recommended/allowed it. It shifts beautifully! .
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Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
Originally Posted By: XJay
1992 Jeep Cherokee
203,000 miles
Filter was replaced only once
Valvoline Dex VI every year
The AW4 is a terrific automatic trans. It is known to be as bullet proof as the 4.0L. There have been numerous stories about them being submerged, run with very little fluid, etc. without issue. Some guys on the Jeepforums have upwards of 400,000 miles on the original trans and engine.
Yep, its a long-lasting unit, especially for a light-duty design like it is. The 4.0 produces about as much torque as an AW-4 is built for, and it still runs forever behind it.
But nothing can change the fact that its shifts are as greeezy as an Allison in a Greyhound bus, and it absolutely refuses to hold a higher gear and lug when it the 4.0 would be much happier to do that than to downshift and rev up.
Yes, I have a love-hate relationship with my AW-4. And given that mine only has 90k miles on it, I'll probably be love-hating it for a long time yet ;-)
Originally Posted By: XJay
1992 Jeep Cherokee
203,000 miles
Filter was replaced only once
Valvoline Dex VI every year
The AW4 is a terrific automatic trans. It is known to be as bullet proof as the 4.0L. There have been numerous stories about them being submerged, run with very little fluid, etc. without issue. Some guys on the Jeepforums have upwards of 400,000 miles on the original trans and engine.
Yep, its a long-lasting unit, especially for a light-duty design like it is. The 4.0 produces about as much torque as an AW-4 is built for, and it still runs forever behind it.
But nothing can change the fact that its shifts are as greeezy as an Allison in a Greyhound bus, and it absolutely refuses to hold a higher gear and lug when it the 4.0 would be much happier to do that than to downshift and rev up.
Yes, I have a love-hate relationship with my AW-4. And given that mine only has 90k miles on it, I'll probably be love-hating it for a long time yet ;-)
What size tires do you run? My AW4 lugs when going up hills in overdrive. I have to push the pedal a bit further down to get it to downshift.
1991 Chevy S-10 4.3 4L60 Trans
253,000 miles
Original fluid/filter never changed. Only added a minor amount of Valvoline ATF when I changed the radiator and spilled a bit of fluid out of the cooler lines. Less than 1/2 quart total over 3 radiators.
RIP old friend.....
253,000 miles
Original fluid/filter never changed. Only added a minor amount of Valvoline ATF when I changed the radiator and spilled a bit of fluid out of the cooler lines. Less than 1/2 quart total over 3 radiators.
RIP old friend.....
My 1993 Camry made it to 220K I believe when I sold it as I wanted something newer, but it was running just fine. Amsoil ATF for at least half its life and a Magnefine filter for 1/3 of its life. Also my Dad and then I are both easy on the gas pedal.
I don't have any vehicles with over 200K on them now (120K is the highest).
In the past I owned Volvo 240s. I had 3 of them, with 210K to 250K on them before I sold them. I did a drain & fill every 15K to 30K with whatever Dexron III was available. Never a transmission problem.
My brother still drives his '91 Volvo 240 with over 250K on it. I don't know how often he changes the ATF, but I know he does it occasionally. He tows a boat with it. The only transmission problem he had was the OD solenoid - it's on the outside and easy/cheap to replace.
The Volvo 240 use the same highly regarded AW4 trans as the Jeep Cherokees mentioned previously in the thread.
In the past I owned Volvo 240s. I had 3 of them, with 210K to 250K on them before I sold them. I did a drain & fill every 15K to 30K with whatever Dexron III was available. Never a transmission problem.
My brother still drives his '91 Volvo 240 with over 250K on it. I don't know how often he changes the ATF, but I know he does it occasionally. He tows a boat with it. The only transmission problem he had was the OD solenoid - it's on the outside and easy/cheap to replace.
The Volvo 240 use the same highly regarded AW4 trans as the Jeep Cherokees mentioned previously in the thread.
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
Originally Posted By: XJay
1992 Jeep Cherokee
203,000 miles
Filter was replaced only once
Valvoline Dex VI every year
The AW4 is a terrific automatic trans. It is known to be as bullet proof as the 4.0L. There have been numerous stories about them being submerged, run with very little fluid, etc. without issue. Some guys on the Jeepforums have upwards of 400,000 miles on the original trans and engine.
Yep, its a long-lasting unit, especially for a light-duty design like it is. The 4.0 produces about as much torque as an AW-4 is built for, and it still runs forever behind it.
But nothing can change the fact that its shifts are as greeezy as an Allison in a Greyhound bus, and it absolutely refuses to hold a higher gear and lug when it the 4.0 would be much happier to do that than to downshift and rev up.
Yes, I have a love-hate relationship with my AW-4. And given that mine only has 90k miles on it, I'll probably be love-hating it for a long time yet ;-)
I have to say the opposite...the trans in my Cherokee is, if anything, pretty reluctant to downshift. It does seem to have the typically-weird AW4 TCC lock/unlock thing...which seems normal. One thing I have noticed is, rather than downshifting, it will frequently stay in the same gear, and unlock the converter.
I also found that when I shift from "3" to "D" while merging onto the highway (I often pull it into "3" so it won't upshift on the ramp.), it will lock the TCC in third gear. When I push the shifter forward into "D"...the converter UNlocks. Weird. 171K on mine as of today.
Isn't the Toyota A340 also the AW4?
Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
Originally Posted By: XJay
1992 Jeep Cherokee
203,000 miles
Filter was replaced only once
Valvoline Dex VI every year
The AW4 is a terrific automatic trans. It is known to be as bullet proof as the 4.0L. There have been numerous stories about them being submerged, run with very little fluid, etc. without issue. Some guys on the Jeepforums have upwards of 400,000 miles on the original trans and engine.
Yep, its a long-lasting unit, especially for a light-duty design like it is. The 4.0 produces about as much torque as an AW-4 is built for, and it still runs forever behind it.
But nothing can change the fact that its shifts are as greeezy as an Allison in a Greyhound bus, and it absolutely refuses to hold a higher gear and lug when it the 4.0 would be much happier to do that than to downshift and rev up.
Yes, I have a love-hate relationship with my AW-4. And given that mine only has 90k miles on it, I'll probably be love-hating it for a long time yet ;-)
I have to say the opposite...the trans in my Cherokee is, if anything, pretty reluctant to downshift. It does seem to have the typically-weird AW4 TCC lock/unlock thing...which seems normal. One thing I have noticed is, rather than downshifting, it will frequently stay in the same gear, and unlock the converter.
I also found that when I shift from "3" to "D" while merging onto the highway (I often pull it into "3" so it won't upshift on the ramp.), it will lock the TCC in third gear. When I push the shifter forward into "D"...the converter UNlocks. Weird. 171K on mine as of today.
Isn't the Toyota A340 also the AW4?
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