2000 F-350, 320,000 miles, need to know if transmissions fluid hasn't been changed, will it hurt the bands with the new fluid? I know that the fluid in it now is really dirty but not necessarily a burnt smell, have no idea when it was changed last. Have always heard that sometimes changing the fluid on one that's burnt will cause more damage than good. Transmissions seems to be fine and shifts ok, have gages and temperature runs around 180 except when pulling and then may reach 200, no after cooler on it.

P.S. Wonderful forum, lots of good information, I do alot of reading but not much corresponding. Thanks for your help.

 

That's an old wives, er, old mechanics tale. Fresh fluid is never a bad idea.

 

I dunno....I have seen transmission troubles begin pretty soon after a way-over-due fluid change. Not arguing either way, just remembering what I have seen in the past. If it was me, I'd make sure to get as much of the old fluid out as I could and change whatever else I could at the same time, a total service refresh, you know?