Should I Service The Tranny?

[Nick1994]

My grandmother's 2002 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ 2WD w/ 103k miles. Transmission has never been serviced before. I've heard they aren't that great of transmissions in the first place (4L60E?). It doesn't have a drain plug and I was thinking of dropping the pan and changing the filter and replacing whatever fluid came out during the pan drop.

It shifts pretty good, every once in a while it's a little funky and has a firm shift but not too bad.

Since it every once in a while shifts odd is it worth a service or leave it alone?

 

[gregk24]

Always worth it IMO. I just changed out around 80% of the fluid in the 24 year old Buick in my sig, she shifts without issue! Doing a simple pan drop and filter change shouldn't hurt a thing.

 

[Ram01]

I would drop the pan and the fluid that's in there. Refill with Amsoil and lubeguard plat and leave it alone that's all you need

 

[901Memphis]

Originally Posted By: Ram01
I would drop the pan and the fluid that's in there. Refill with Amsoil and lubeguard plat and leave it alone that's all you need


Do not use lubeguard Platinum it will change the coefficient of friction, however if you want to use lubeguard red be my guest. Amsoil fluids are fine either of their signature series fluids are acceptable in these transmissions.

You could also use Maxlife dex merc or DexronVI, you have plenty of fluid choices.

The transmission needs the new fluid though that's for sure and the filter is probably due too!

 

[jeepman3071]

Yes, do a drain and fill. Transmissions always last longer when the fluid is changed.

 

[Nick1994]

Awesome, I'll probably just use MaxLife. I know they used to say don't touch older transmissions if they haven't been serviced, but I didn't know the truth.

 

[JHZR2]

I'm always an advocate of servicing the transmission. Unless it is a vehicle that you're planning on abandoning the second that the transmission fails you, I feel that one is better off to know it has been properly serviced, and then repair any issues that should arise, then ignoring it and waiting for unknown failure.

If the vehicle is going to be sold soon and turned into somebody else's problem then that's another consideration

 

[jeepman3071]

103k isn't too bad. I don't think you will have any problems doing a drain and fill, since it only changes a certain percentage of the fluid depending on how much is in the pan.

The people who have problems are the ones who do a power flush, or change the fluid on a 200k mile trans that was on its way out anyway.

 

[Nate1979]

Drop pan. Change filter.

 

[Doog]

Drop the pan and change the filter. Then drive 5,000 miles and start doing drain fills every 5000 until you have done 4 of them.

 

[abycat]

to each their own buddy. I just wouldn't be so open about it

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: abycat
to each their own buddy. I just wouldn't be so open about it

I know, I realized what I typed after the edit button disappeared Lol

 

[Recalculating]

What does the fluid in it look and smell like?

Burnt smell and black in color is not good.

MaxLife Dex VI is excellent choice.

 

[Kira]

Hello, My friend has the same transmission in a 2003 S-10.
At only 53K his fluid was fairly dirty. We've all seen lots worse.
There was a coating of mud in the pan and the usual collection on the magnet.
No drain plug in his pan but pans with plugs are available.
Did a pump out when we were done installing the pan and filter.
Used MaxLife Synthetic. Shifting much improved.

Servicing your unit is a smart thing to do. Kira

 

[4wheeldog]

Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Awesome, I'll probably just use MaxLife. I know they used to say don't touch older transmissions if they haven't been serviced, but I didn't know the truth.


The wive's tale about not servicing tranmissions later in life, if they have never had fluid changes, comes from folks having an issue with the way the trannie is functioning, and trying a fluid change, only to have the condition go from bad to worse.

Most of the time, they were trying to fix a burned or busted trannie in the first place.....The fluid change didn't cause it......It just had no hope of fixing it. Changing the fluid (And filter) in a trannie that is still functioning well will only help to extend its life, not end it.

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: Recalculating
What does the fluid in it look and smell like?

Burnt smell and black in color is not good.

MaxLife Dex VI is excellent choice.
It's not burnt, still is a little bit red, definitely not close to black.

 

[Recalculating]

Great!

Like Greg with that '91 Buick, you'll be surprised what that old fluid will look like when it's out and how much better the transmission functions with new in. Measure what comes out to put the same in. Just sometimes, new containers do not have the amount sold to you as the label indicates. New gasket for the pan normally with filter is cheap looking compared to the original. If the original looks good and pliable showing no signs of leaking, don't be scared to use it. In your Phoenixweather, it's more than feasible.

Travel to Glendale soon.

 

[rjundi]

If you don't change it the transmission may last 12 months longer. If you change it it last another year....

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Nick1994
My grandmother's 2002 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ 2WD w/ 103k miles. Transmission has never been serviced before. I've heard they aren't that great of transmissions in the first place (4L60E?). It doesn't have a drain plug and I was thinking of dropping the pan and changing the filter and replacing whatever fluid came out during the pan drop.

It shifts pretty good, every once in a while it's a little funky and has a firm shift but not too bad.

Since it every once in a while shifts odd is it worth a service or leave it alone?


I would change the filter, then before starting disconnect the cooler lines, and push out the old ATF while adding new via the dipstick until you see fresh fluid coming out. I would use Amsoil ATF and its too expensive (and wasteful) to just do a bunch of drain & fills.

A Magnefine inline filter would be a good idea also.

 

[eljefino]

absolutely.