Check engine light came on for transmission problem

[rammie]

Dont remember the exact code, but the check engine light came on for transmission problem. Had it checked for free at parts store, their computer said it was a result of the torque converter clutch slipping or something like that. Something to do with RPM drop or not dropping, sorry cant remember exactly. Causes were listed as low fluid, poor fluid quality, or actual tranny damage. So I bought new fluid (Max Life, Dex/Merc- leave the arguments, I researched enough). Should I do a full flush or just empty and refill with new? It shifts OK, just a little rough when it drops into gear from Park. Also I can see the RPMs drop and spike as it shifts but it doesnt really feel rough. If I go somewhere to do the flush on a machine what should I expect to pay? And if I do it myself would I just run a gallon or whatever through it, or anyone have a good link to the procedure? Thanks for any help

 

[crystalship1]

I vote for changing the filter and fluid w/o doing a full-blown "flush". :cheers:

 

[R_jeep]

only gonna get like 4 quarts out of the pan when you drop it. replace the filter. add the amout of fluid that was drained with some fresh fluids. check fluid on level surface with the transmission in nuetral. i think its ideal to have the engine at operating temp when checking fluid level. drain and refill tranny fluid every 300-500 miles until your fluid is nice and red. i say this because mine had filthy fluid and broight similar codes. shifting trouble, tcc code, shift solenoid code. did this, got my tranny fluid nice and red after 4 drain and fills. the pan only holds like 4 quarts or something and the entire "system holds like 12 quarts, most of it is in the torque converter. the tranny flushes offered at these places never drop the pan. would you change your oil and reuse the same filter? do this and see what happens.

 

[lancey3]

only gonna get like 4 quarts out of the pan when you drop it. replace the filter. add the amout of fluid that was drained with some fresh fluids. check fluid on level surface with the transmission in nuetral. i think its ideal to have the engine at operating temp when checking fluid level. drain and refill tranny fluid every 300-500 miles until your fluid is nice and red. i say this because mine had filthy fluid and broight similar codes. shifting trouble, tcc code, shift solenoid code. did this, got my tranny fluid nice and red after 4 drain and fills. the pan only holds like 4 quarts or something and the entire "system holds like 12 quarts, most of it is in the torque converter. the tranny flushes offered at these places never drop the pan. would you change your oil and reuse the same filter? do this and see what happens.

I got all of my fluids changed out at a shop with this extractor machine for 99 bucks.

 

[R_jeep]

30 dollars max for 12 quarts of dex. 25 for filter and gasket. and a little time here and there and you've that back flush, that does not include a filter, beat. plus you get to keep and inspect the filter and see what the screen caught. by inspecting the screen you get a better understanding of what's going on in the transmission. again, this is my opinion. the back flushkicks all the debris the filter catches and recirculates it in the transmission system. in my opinion the machines doing the "flush" are in tended to bring higher profit margins by reducing man hours and skill needed to replace a filter and gasket and the mess of dealing with fluids. giving the shop one more machine to use to save time. and we all know time is money. at what expense? i heard some of the machines recycle and filter the old fluid coming out of said transmission, never really adding fresh fluids. again my opinion.

 

[bchulett]

Should I do a full flush or just empty and refill with new? It shifts OK, just a little rough when it drops into gear from Park. Also I can see the RPMs drop and spike as it shifts but it doesnt really feel rough. If I go somewhere to do the flush on a machine what should I expect to pay? And if I do it myself would I just run a gallon or whatever through it, or anyone have a good link to the procedure? Thanks for any help

I wouldn't attempt a flush or extraction, I'm not sure you have the right equipment.

I get my convertor/transmission fluid extracted every 30K miles... I have 167K on it now with zero problems. It shifts better than it did when I rolled off the dealer lot 17 years ago.

Aside from fluid changes/extractions, the only thing you need to do periodically is adjust or reset the throttle/trans cable on the throttle body linkage -- a simple 1 minute procedure. This will ensure clean upshifts and downshifts throughout the life of your trans.