Flush the transmission fluid or just replace?

Question

1998 Saturn SL2, automatic, 97,000 miles and unsure if ANYTHING of this sort has been done.

I'm a little concerned as what the better choice would be as I don't want to do anything that would 'hurt' the car (aka ruin the transmission).

Advice?

PS - I saw something before about a fuel line/filter flush as well. Comments on that would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, you can still flush the transmission. I've heard varying remarks about flushing transmissions for the first time over 100k. My general feeling is more often than not, it will do more harm than good when you flush a transmission that has never been flushed before when you are over 100,000 miles. Then again, I make the decision based on driving style and climate on whether it's best to change it or not. What you want to ask them to do is to replace the filter (it's a spin on type for your car) and flush the transmission and torque converter. Have them replace the fluid with mobil 1 synthetic transmission fluid. I (personally) feel that this fluid offers the best wear protection. I own a '95 SL1 and my mother owns a '98 SL2 and have been working on cars most of my life, so I speak from some level of experience.

Transmissions are not apples, they do not spoil or "just go bad". You damage them from not addressing routine maintenance such as fluid and filter changes or beating on them, or not addressing a leak as soon as you notice it. I've popped holes (accidentally) into transmission cooler lines before, and let me tell you the results weren't pretty.

There's no need to ever do a fuel line flush. All you need to do is replace the filter. Yours comes with the regulator and the filter in one assembly, it's best to have someone who knows about these cars do the work.

I also recommend replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor, the bottom one with the two wires coming out of it. The original sensor was resin tipped, rather than metal, and is known to crack and then send bad readings, causing a variety of problems.

Go to a trusted and reputable shop if you don't go to Saturn - Stay away from places like fire stone, good year, etc. I've had them try to tell me my automatic transmission needs a fluid change, and I drive manual!

Please feel free to email me if you have any other questions, I'm very familiar with the S-Series.

Answer 2

At 97,000 miles I would definitely change the fluid and filter in the trans. I wouldn't bother with a flush , most of those machines are just smoke and mirrors and don't really clean the converter or cooler out. Put a new fuel filter on It . I would probably ask a Saturn service dept what is required for maintenance at 97,000. It may need a timing belt change at 100,000 miles depending on the engine type. Things like brake services and throttle body services are up sells and really don't need to be done unless the vehicle is experiencing a problem. But I would change the filter and the fluid in that trans.

Answer 3

Depends on mileage and how well maintained, generally its ok to just keep it at an acceptable level. Pull the pan off and look for metal shavings in it and then replace the filter since you have it off already and then the gasket,. but like i said if it isnt acting up just keep it at an acceptable level, I check al my fluids once a week.

Answer 4

this is one of the few things i recommend the dealer for , those automatics are basically computer controlled standards, i would not trust it to the "quickie lube " folks. as far as fuel line flush , no , just put in a bottle of injector cleaner now and then and change the filter as recommended, Saturn's are good cars enjoy yours

Answer 5

you should always start with draining the trans before anything else. your trans fluid will go bad about every 95k miles. if draining doesnt work get it replaced, but as far as draining it .it wont ruin the trans.