Hi all,
We just bought an 06 Expy with 78,000 miles on it from a local dealership. Carfax shows it has 3 previous owners and was used as a fleet/lease vehicle. When we took it home for the weekend we noticed a misfire or "chugging" when going uphill or giving it gas around 1200 rpm and they ended up changing the spark plugs and coils and all is fine now. The engine is quiet, body is sound and she rides like a dream.

Anyway, we honestly never followed the book when it came to maintenance with our previous vehicles other then changing the oil every 3-5,000 miles and fixing whatever went wrong but we want to baby this thing as we plan to keep it for a long time. I was looking up information on transmission flushes (it's a 2WD and we have no clue if it has ever towed) because we plan to tow a motorcycle this summer and found some interesting information. Several people say that flushes caused problems with their transmissions and that certain mechanics suggest if you have never had a flush you shouldn't start once your vehicle has lots of miles on it. Now I know 78,000 miles isn't super high but it makes me a bit nervous not knowing the cars history. I don't want to create problems where there are none right now.

Thanks!

 

Read those comments carefully and you will find that people experiencing transmission difficulties often try a flush when a rebuild is the real cure, then blame the flush when the trans dies. Changing the trans fluid is NEVER a bad idea. All of the stories about a trans flush knocking debris loose and damaging the transmission are pure hogwash.

 

Anytime I purchase a used vehicle, first thing I do is change all the fluids including the transmission and never had an issue!

 

I have never had an issue changing my trany fluid. I perform a soft flush on all my vehicles and I always change the filter. If you have a flush done by someone else, make sure the service includes changing the filter. Some places do the "power" flush without changing the filter. A new filter is always a good idea.

Mike

 

To the OP,

A 2006 truck would have a 60K mile trans flush interval anyway. I'd just take it to the dealer and have it done.

The rear axle gear oil change is a 150K mile interval in case your wondering. It's synthetic oil.

Coolant flush is 5 years or 100K miles. I still haven't flushed the coolant on my '04, it has 80K on the clock is probably over due.

These trucks are tough as nails, do the maintenance and you'll be fine.