Hey. I have a 2001 Mercedes E320 that runs smooth at 172, 000 miles. I’m now getting around to changing my oil and oil filter since I purchased it a few months ago.
Should I change the automatic transmission fluid?
I have no idea the last time it’s been changed and am worried that me changing possibly ancient fluid might cause slipping or other issues.
Scotty and a majority of people like me would say at that age its a risk so if you do change it, keep the old fluid somewhere and if the new fluid causes problems, put the old one back in. Yes it might cause problems, but it might also be a good idea. You want to check the condition too. We have a guide on should you be changing your ATF in the FAQ so check that out. One thing mentioned there is to NOT flush the transmission fluid at higher miles and age as it would be riskier. Drain+fill recommended.
It seems everyone has a differenet concencus on this, but if you trust Scotty go to the ATF guide and scroll down to see his videos on it.
if your signature gets any bigger, it will collapse in on itself and form a black hole 😆
Hahaha I thought he had further plans of grandeur.
What does the fluid look like? How is your transmission performing?
You're going to hear different opinions re your question, so prepare yourself accordingly.
My opinion solely, if it shifts good and the fluid looks red or maroon in color change it, if it’s burnt leave it alone....
People in general are confused about should they do it or not, just like yourself. So it’s up to you, a FULL fluid exchange is my recommendation.
Car owners have always been told to get their engine oil changed every 3000 miles, but when It comes to transmission oil we become lost and then panic when questions like this come up. Good luck my friend.....
why leave it alone if the fluid is burnt?
See what I mean, different opinions.
If the old fluid is burnt and you introduce new fluid, it could start to slip.
Regardless, in a 20 year old vehicle that is performing well, I’d do it.
If it was slipping and burnt, what the hell, either it’s gonna help or it’s a loss.
The mod says drain and fill, I say full exchange, buts it’s going to be all up to YOU....
No , I don't think it's a difference in opinion. It sounds like you are misunderstanding. Scotty has stated that fluid that is DIRTY with clutch material adds friction, and that this friction may be holding the transmission together so to speak. (this would be an already used up transmission with worn out clutches). But dirt in the fluid is different from burnt fluid. Burnt fluid is oxidized from heat and wear. This can happen to ALL transmissions at various stages of it's life, including <100k miles. Burnt fluid has lost it's film strength and lubricating properties and needs to be replaced because it will accelerate wear.
Do what you want to do, I don’t care. The fact of the matter is transmission fluid breaks down just like every other fluid and then overall protection is limited. There is no right or wrong when it comes to this controversial subject matter. I only speak from my personal experiences in car repair, maintenance, etc. if someone fails to change their transmission fluid when the car has low mileage and they have to come to this forum asking if they should or shouldn’t change it on a vehicle 5, 10, 15+ years old with 100,000+ miles, something is seriously wrong.
well now you're just contradicting yourself
👎 down vote .......