[slavrenz]

When doing The prowler-patented 7-6-3®

-engine should be warmed?
-car position should be normal horizontal or lift up the front ?
- in any step of prowler-patented 7-6-3 start engine or run it through the gears?

Do we need a new drain plug?
is it with seal?
Is automatic transmission drain plug the same size/type like in engine oil ?

Thanks

I would also like to know the answers to these questions, as I am at 89K miles and never changed any of the fluids (Transmission, Power Steering). I was considering taking it to a dealership to see if they woudl recommend a fluid change or a full flush (as long as they don't power flush and use the transmission's own power to cycle through the fluid), but after reading this post it seems as though I could do it myself. I am still on the fence because I have not experienced any real issues with the trans slipping but I do want this to last at least another 50K miles. My only reason for taking it do a dealership was they have more knowledge about the transmission and what the right route to take is. I thought I would seek any advice here about whether I should even bother with changing/replacing the fluid because of the high mileage. Any help would be appreciated!

You should definitely do it. It's a common fallacy for people to think, "Nothing's wrong, so why bother?". Well, the truth is, by the time you actually notice a problem with your transmission, the damage is done, and you can only prolong the inevitable.

 

[slavrenz]

Is the fluid dirty or discolored? We have an 08 Tribute with over 30K miles on the clock, and it does not need the fluid changed, it's just something they read off a chart of things to do when you bring it in...if it's needed! Not an absolute maintenance line item to be performed.

That's what people are saying though - it's not an absolutely required maintenance item, but it may be the difference between getting 100k miles and 200k miles out of your transmission. I, and many other hardcore DIYers, change their fluid every 30k miles, even if the manual doesn't call for it - considering the price of fluid, it's very cheap insurance (that is if you do it yourself ).

As someone else said on here already - by the time you notice a problem with the tranny, the damage has already been done.