I drive a 2007 ION with the standard engine . I had the transmission flushed with a new filter on December 29 2011 at 34080 miles. I drive very few miles & will reach 84,000 miles in a few more weeks. The transmission is operating within normal parameters. I have been told not to flush out the transmission if I go in for a trans oil change, just new fluid and filter & as before use GM recommendations. if I loose it through whatever I cannot afford another car. In terms of cash on the barrel a dealer would offer about $ 500 to to a grand as trade in. I have researched the value of this vehicle. It is in fair condition with the usual scratches and such. 2 of the power windows malfunction, the headliner is dropping in the rear etc. It runs good AC & radio work but who wants a 15 year Saturn with 84,000 miles? It has been 10 years and about 50,000 miles since the trans fluid and filter were changed. When changed back in 2011 I was shown how dirty it was after 4 years. This Saturn was built in late Oct 2006 and sold in Feb 2007. I intend to try & keep this car for another few years. I do mostly local with occasional highway driving. Should I change the fluid & filter since it has been 11 years ? I suspect that given the age of the car I might also need a new drain plug for the trans. The service using GM recommendations should be in the ball park of & 250 + Or is best to leave as is since even changing the fluid may cause problems ? I do not want any transmission problems which could cause me to scrap this vehicle prematurely . I do not want to sink any major amounts of money into it unless I absolutely have to. Thank you
@yaser is on point as usual. Follow his advice and also check out the FAQ. A lot of good info there from some very knowledgeable forum members.
Thanks a lot @Mod_Man.
You're welcome! 🙂
Do not even think about flushing it. For drain and fill, you should inspect the fluid first and then decide based on that. Check this one:
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/atf/#post-47710
Thank you Yaser for your answer. I was told in very certain terms do not flush it by the head guy at Mavis. What I was wondering is at this stage in the cars life nearly 15 years since it rolled out from Spring Hill & 11 years and some 50,000 miles ago does it pay to even change the fluid an get a new filter since so much time has passed & to let sleeping does lie?
Do not touch the filter. For the fluid, inspect it first and if it is dirty and has burnt smell into it, leave it alone.
Again your answers are very much appreciated 3 more questions if you do not mind- why not a new filter? why if it has a burnt smell why leave it? Since the trans is performing OK wouldn't the fluid be dirty at this point but not burnt?
I assume that burnt fluid indicates a poor performance from the trans, jerking shifts, hesitation, etc none of which are occurring.
Read the ATF topic in the FAQ. It answers your questions.
If you had the fluid changed 50,000 miles ago and don't abuse the tranny -idling in gear in heavy traffic, lots of stopping and going, jackrabbit starting, etc. I don't think a simple drain and refill will hurt anything. These driving habits are what cause the transmission fluid to smell burned and turn to varnish. My girlfriend changed the transmission fluid in a 2002 Saturn after it had over 110k on it, and it didn't have any issues. I did not know her at the time, but I would have said don't even think about it. She changed it again at 160k and it still ran fine, she hit 200k and she parked it. She says it started to slip, so she bought a brand new car. I'm not sure if it does slip, she still has it, but we don't care enough, haha.
