Author Topic: Changing Transmission Fluid ???  (Read 1701 times)

StevenF

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Changing Transmission Fluid ???
« on: June 23, 2019, 23:38:07 »
I have had my car since 2015 and have done a lot of work on the car (engine, paint, interior , etc) but have not touched my transmission.
 
I asked my mechanic if he felt we need to change the transmission fluid and he told me that I should leave well enough alone. The car drives well. 
 He said that because we don't know how long the fluid has been in there, that if we were to remove, we may be opening a can of worms...
Thoughts?
Regards
Steven
1971 280sl
Red Metallic
Bamboo MB Tex

teahead

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Re: Changing Transmission Fluid ???
« Reply #1 on: June 24, 2019, 00:00:48 »
What color is it?  The fluid that is.

Has your car ever overheated?

Any problems with shifting?    Downshifting on its own?

Yes, I've heard instances where if  you had NEVER changed the fluid in say, 100k+ miles, to not change it as it may dislodge some junk and ruin it.

You fixed everything else...I say, take a chance  if it's black fluid and change it and if it messes up your trans, then just one more item you have redone.
1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

WRe

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Re: Changing Transmission Fluid ???
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2019, 02:17:39 »
Hi,
I have done it a few times, it's not a Pandora's box, see https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Automatic/Start.
...WRe

StevenF

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Re: Changing Transmission Fluid ???
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2019, 15:22:30 »
no issues with shifting except a little sound when going from drive to reverse
no overheating --it did get very hot when I had AC on in stop and go traffic and once turned off, car cooled down fast
1971 280sl
Red Metallic
Bamboo MB Tex

teahead

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Re: Changing Transmission Fluid ???
« Reply #4 on: June 24, 2019, 16:49:50 »
So it's NEVER EVER been changed (the fluid that is) that you know of?

And fluid color is reddish?  Not black and burnt smelling?

If so, and it shifts perfectly, then ya, let sleeping dogs lie.

Or...don't poke the bear.

1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

StevenF

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Re: Changing Transmission Fluid ???
« Reply #5 on: June 24, 2019, 21:23:59 »
My mechanic said the fluid is pink--no burn no smell

We will leave well enough alone...
1971 280sl
Red Metallic
Bamboo MB Tex