PLEASE HELP. I have a 1988 Chevrolet Suburban that I use for my volunteer work at a local no kill pet rescue in my area that I've been volunteering for almost 18 years now (most of that time without this truck). I don't know much of the history of the truck including the transmission history. I've got no current problems that I know of but I'm not very good with vehicles, I'm better with animals, LOL. I wanted to ask if I should do a fluid & filter on the transmission please? TIA!
Manual or automatic? Does your transmission have issues? When was it last changed? What does the fluid look like?
Automatic.
Not that I can tell.
Looks OK to me but like I said the extent of my car knowledge is checking fluid & air levels & adding if needed & a bit of electric like changing the battery. Sorry if not helpful. I'm doing my best.
Clarification: current mileage on vehicle? Also, is it shifting fine? What color is the transmission fluid, and does it smell burnt?
Your 'OK' might be different from my 'OK'. What does it smell like? Dab the dipstick tip onto some white paper. Is it fluid fairly clear, or full of fine black dust? Is it more pink, or brown? You can post a photo here if you like. Check our ATF topic in the FAQ for more info.
As an aside, thank you for your work at the shelter.
Unless it has over 175-200k a fluid and filter change would be a definitive help. Just change the fluid that’s in the pan. If your over 200k and the fluids never been changed you will likely cause issues changing it. If your mileage is that high have a mechanic save the fluid he removes from the pan, change the filter and clean the pan. Strain the fluid he saved and put it back in minus a quart. Have the mechanic put in one quart Lucas transmission stabilizer.
When a transmission gets 175k and higher mileage it’s the “dirt” in the fluid keeping the clutches and bands from slipping. If you change all the fluid with new slick fluid most times the transmission will not shift correctly. Also don’t let anyone talk you into a flush. All a flush does on a worn transmission is break loose stuck particles which you would think would be a good thing, but 9 times outta 10 those particles end up clogging valve body ports and passages.
If you have any doubts about the fluid, change it. You'll sleep much better.
