OK, I checked my fluid and I seem to have it full enough.

However, it was really burnt (Smelled like burnt almonds) and I noticed bubbles on the dipstick.

Tranny has 184,000KM (110K miles maybe?) on it, and I know it's never been flushed/changed since 120,000KM (And I don't know if/when it was done before that).

Shifts fine and such.

But do I take a chance and drop the pan, change the fluid/filter? Or will I most likely risk upsetting the tranny (Since I assume as my fluid breaks down, it might say leave a coating on parts and now it works because of that or something) and having to replace it?

I figure I should put a tranny cooler in now anyways? And what about those tranny pans - the ones that hold more fluid, and have the "heatsinks" (Like a computer heatsink - the fins to disapate heat) on the bottom - do they do anything?

 

If your fluid already smells burnt, be careful of changing fluids as you are correct that it will (possibly) end your lucky streak. The burnt smell comes from your clutch packs (from too much heat and lack of servicing) indicating that the tranny needs help (read: new parts) Oversize pans and tranny coolers are a good idea once the repair has been done as it will keep the tranny cool, the tranny's biggest enemy is heat.

 

Should I do the tranny cooler now, or wait until the tranny dies?

 

Does the transmission still operate ok? If it does then do a "complete" change of fluid and a new Filtran/Sealed Power filter.

 

Yes - there are no problems with it's operation.

By "complete" do you mean getting the torque convertor flushed out and everything, or just changed what's in the pan?

 

First, change filter and put in 5 quarts of fluid in. Second, disconnect the bottom line from the transmission at the radiator. Third, put a 3-5 gallon container underneath the bottom line and have a funnel in the dipstick tube, with about 8-9 quarts of fluid opened and ready to pour in. Fourth, start engine and pour in fluid as fast as possible, while the old fluid is filling container. Fifth, as soon as the fluid filling container looks "new" stop motor and connect transmission line, start motor and check level and add fluid if necessary.

 

is your tranny still good or what?

 

Changed the filter/gasket and added new fluid to replace what came out (Did not flush the torque convertor out). Still works perfectly fine.

 

I got a 92 rs automatic 97k and the transmission is ok still, I had aamco check it out, they said there was no need to replace anything at the moment but the service guy said do not change the fluid, it smells a little burnt, not much though. I need a second opinion on this. the basic overhaul was $1600 and a complete overhaul runs about $2500. I want to change the fluid but I dont want to end up going back to this guy for option 2. what you folks think? dealer?