Transmission fluid and filter change at 200K.

[ns444]

I have a 2002 GMC Yukon (5.3L).
It has 197,000 miles on it.
I drive normally and only used it to tow once about 10 years ago.
I had mechanic change trasmission fluids around 100,000 miles.
I don't think tansmission filter has ever been changed.
it drives fine and I currently don't have any issues with tansmission.

I asked mechanic if I should change my trasmission filter and fluids.
He said that it is not worth changing it since they break around 200K miles anyway.
He recommended I just ignore it until it dies.
That seems crazy to me.
I thought that at least the transmission fluids should be changed now.
Any thoughts?

Again, it is working fine. I'm worreid if I have mechanic change fluids, it may introduce issues?
Or is that all in my head and I shoudl go ahead and have my mechanic change both filter and fluids?
I would appreicate any advice.

 

[Big Mama]

I think we’ve all heard that warning. When your guy did the swap at 100k was it a flush or did he drop the pan?

 

[strutaeng]

ATF probably should have been replaced at 150k-175k. But if it's still working good, yes, definitely replace it.

Not servicing the ATF fluid regularly will cause wear to internal parts like bushings, bearings, seals, valve body valves, etc. Just like not replacing your oil for extended periods causing damage to bearings, journals, etc.

Statistically, your transmission has a higher chance of failing because it's simply higher mileage. The old wives' tale is that replacing the fluid will cause issues because the friction material floating around will help clutchpacks engage, which in my opinion is not true.

 

[Big Mama]

As luck would have it I get my state inspection done at a transmission shop and I was there today. They said doing a flush is not recommended but dropping the pan to change fluid and filter is fine since you serviced it at 100k. If you hadn’t done that they wouldn’t recommend it if it’s working well.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Change your ATF with Dexron VI.
I recommend

COMPLETE Full Synthetic ATF - Lubegard

www.lubegard.com

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I think that it makes sense to change both the fluid and the filter. Just make sure that you have it done by a shop that really knows transmissions, so that you get it done correctly.

 

[ns444]

I think we’ve all heard that warning. When your guy did the swap at 100k was it a flush or did he drop the pan?

It was a flush. He didn't drop the pan.
Any recommendation?
I'm not a car person. So this is all new to me.
I wish I had payed more attention and had done transmission and filter change on regular basis.
Too late for that now.
What should I do now?

A. Nothing.
B. Just fluid change.
C. Fluid and filter change.

 

[ns444]

OK, thank you all for the feedback.
I han't seen all the posts when I replaied above.
I'll talk with transmisson specialist and see if they can do both.
Maybe the specialists have recommendation.
I suspect they will recommend both filter and fluid change since it is $$ for them.
That is why i came here for advice.
Again, thank you all for your advice.

 

[strutaeng]

Fluid and filter and keep on truckin' would be my vote.

 

[tom3]

And I'd use the ATF specified in your owner's manual.