Attached is a UOA from a Saturn Transmission, probably worst wear analysis I have seen in 30 years.
My daughter bought a used, one owner 04 Saturn Ion a few years ago. Her first car. It has ran fine except I noticed it always had firm 1-2 and 2-3 shift. It never slipped or showed any other problems, even in the coldest/hottest weather. The transmission dipstick is bolted down and down low. I suspect the owner never checked it and the transmission cannot be serviced except for D&R or fluid replacement. No accessible filter. It now has 210K, bought it at 190K.
I decided to check the fluid. It was dark brown, smelt burnt, and it felt gritty. I have always heard stories about gritty fluid/engine oil, but this was the first time I saw it firsthand. Auto service techs probably see it more often.
I dumped the sump, and got about 4 qts, replaced with Valvoline ATF. Wasn't sure if it would start slipping. After a month all was good, no change in shift behavior. Fluid still dark brown and gritty.
Another D&R with 4 more quarts. Shifting 2-3 is much smoother. 1-2 is still firm. Fluid is still dark but less gritty. No slipping or any other issues.
Should I chance a 3rd D&R?
My daughter bought a used, one owner 04 Saturn Ion a few years ago. Her first car. It has ran fine except I noticed it always had firm 1-2 and 2-3 shift. It never slipped or showed any other problems, even in the coldest/hottest weather. The transmission dipstick is bolted down and down low. I suspect the owner never checked it and the transmission cannot be serviced except for D&R or fluid replacement. No accessible filter. It now has 210K, bought it at 190K.
I decided to check the fluid. It was dark brown, smelt burnt, and it felt gritty. I have always heard stories about gritty fluid/engine oil, but this was the first time I saw it firsthand. Auto service techs probably see it more often.
I dumped the sump, and got about 4 qts, replaced with Valvoline ATF. Wasn't sure if it would start slipping. After a month all was good, no change in shift behavior. Fluid still dark brown and gritty.
Another D&R with 4 more quarts. Shifting 2-3 is much smoother. 1-2 is still firm. Fluid is still dark but less gritty. No slipping or any other issues.
Should I chance a 3rd D&R?