Change ATX Fluid and filter or let it go ?

Ryanm07 · Post by **Ryanm07** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 7:07 pm

Ok I have an 01 Se with the 3 spd auto in it. The car has about 140,000 miles on it. and to my knowledge the fluid and filter has never been changed. Yes, i know i'm retarded and that i'm fucked, i've come to terms with that. I didnt start learning anything about cars though until the car had about 90k on it, and I got it with about 70k. When its cold out the car will shift into second then slip for a split second. but once it warms up it seems fine. I know if your fluid is really bad, and you change it you could just start slipping all over the place. Now at this point do you guys think I should do a filter and fluid change with some lucas additive? Or just let it go? At this point in time I DO NOT have the money for a new trans so I dont want to change the fluid and end up with a transmission that doesnt work at all. thanks guys!!!

t vago · Post by **t vago** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 7:20 pm

You should probably change the fluid and filter, adjust the bands, and adjust the throttle kickdown. Adding any sort of "performance" or "high-mileage" additive is asking for trouble.

Post by **racer12306** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 9:07 pm

hmm, dont know if that would be the best idea. might end up with a problem. i would probably let it be.

t vago · Post by **t vago** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 9:29 pm

racer12306 wrote:hmm, dont know if that would be the best idea. might end up with a problem. i would probably let it be.

Why? Did the TorqueFlite become a lot more complicated from 1981 to 2001?

Ryanm07 · Post by **Ryanm07** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 2:15 am

yeah I know this trans has been around forever. And I mean the labor itself isnt much harder then changing your oil. my friend has the 4 spd in his avenger he just picked up with 130k and when he changed it, it was still the original filter and fluid and he has had no problems. I see why i shouldnt add the additive, you really only need to use it if your having a problem. which that little slip I get when its cold isnt that big of a problem. I just dont want to finally do the service and then have the trans start slipping like crazy, if it catches at all.

gilly02le · Post by **gilly02le** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:09 am

my 4 speed atx is getting kinda rough when shifting cold.. and when it gets hot from long drives.. i think the fluid and filter are original.. any tips on changing the fluid.. i change my own oil regularly but i have never changed the tranny fluid in an atx.. i know i have to drop the pan, do you guys suggest i just pay someone to do it for me, or should i do it myself and get experience.. i have the neon fsm.. probably can find the info i need for the fluid change and filter swap, there..

StreetEviL · Post by **StreetEviL** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:17 am

With that kind of milage I would HIGHLY suggest you using the Lucas additive. I changed the fluid in my last car with 130,000 miles, after having never changed it. And it slipped like crazy. I redrained it, filled with an entire bottle of Lucas additive and the rest with tradional fluid. After that, it shifted like a brand new trans. If you are going to change it, save yourself some time and money and get the goods!