hi, my 1997 now has 190,000 on the clock and i do not know any service history. i remember reading something in this forum about changing the trans fluid on high mileage trucks, whether it is a good thing or not. could any advise me if it should be changed or not.
the gear change is perfect in all conditions and shows no sign of overheating.
thanks bokker.

 

Change it. It's an old wive's tale to not change old fluid.

Many people believe it's true because many people never do anything to the trans, and when it gets to high miles it starts to fail. They check the fluid, see it's burnt, and change it, hoping to save the trans. The trans is already dead, and new fluid couldn't save it, and it dies. Now they say it is the new fluid that killed it, when it really was many miles of neglect that killed it.

 

bokker,
Manual transmission or automatic?

 

yes forgot to say, it's a automatic. is this a ford transmition or a mazda as i get confused.

 

several times i have been surprised how much better a transmission "feels" after a fluid and filter change.

 

Roll of the dice and you don't know what is going to come up.
I have first hand experience with changing the transmission fluid in a high mileage auto (former company vehicle).
I had the transmission serviced and it ate itsself up internally before I got home.

After many many miles, all sorts of crud and debris acculmulates inside the transmissionas a result of not having been removed over time with regular fluid changes. When you add new fluid to the mix, it serves to wash this sediment away and it then gets involved in all the moving parts. The result is a trashed transmission.
So, many folks advise if you have as many miles as you do, let it go. It will eventually break one day, and changing the fluid might simply hasten the process.


But, that said, you could try it and see. Maybe have a complete flush as opposed to just dropping the pan and changing what fluid is in there (which amounts to about 30%-40% of total).

What color is the existing fluid? Is is black or dark brown, or does it still have a hint of red color?
Does it smell like transmission fluid or does it smell burned?

You might bounce this off the guys in the Transmission forum and see what opinions you get there.

Let us know what you decide.

Thanks!

 

hi have posted in the transmision forum and will let you all know. thanks bokker.

 

hi, if you do a search for an up-date you will find the replys mirror your responces. with not having any service history, it all points to a risk either way, i think i will leave 'well' alone. thanks bokker.

 

Thanks for the update.
I forgot to answer your question:
The auto is a Ford unit. (4R70 I believe)
The 5 speed manual is the Mazda (M5OD) transmission.