I have a 2008 Chevrolet impala ltz 3.9 V6 with around 126000 miles on it. around January or February my car was running fine, transmission shifted properly but then one day I left the house. I press the gas to accelerate, once I reach 20 or 25 mph I didn't notice the gears changed. I'm like that's odd, I pressed the gas until I reached 2500rph reaching 35 mph when the gears finally shifted. When I accelerate on the highway the gears shift normally from 40 mph up. It's like the car never shifted to second gear or something. I checked the fluid and it came out brown im guessing the fluid needs to be changed. Also today the transmission smelled funny like it was overheating and the fluid is leaking through the gasket of the pan. If that's the omen of changing out the transmission fluid please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.

 

you guessed right. About 60k miles ago. At this point it may be too late.

does the car have a dipstick? Is the trans fluid full?

 

thanks for the input I'll replace the fluid right away. I just hope it's not too late.
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yes the car has a dipstick, i found out it was full.

 

It definitely is late. Sounds like the clutches are already worn out.
Just a warning ... many people have had issues changing the fluid on a worn out transmission. It ended up totally dead or shifting worse than before. It hasn't happened to me, but apparently it's something that happens. If I were you, I would save the old fluid just in case. Just be aware that you might be looking at a new transmission or car.

But if its your last resort, then go for it. Don't forget to change the gasket + filter.

 

Thanks for the input I mean i just recently bought it anyways it was at 121000 miles. It's now at 126000. I also found that the fluid is like light to dark brown but puddles up at the bottom of the stick which makes a dark brown spot and the fluid is light brown. Question if I add some of that transmission fix would that make it any good for better performance?

 

Post a photo if you can. The fluid should be bright red, not brown.

Again, it's one of those last resort things intended to just get you home. Transmission additives might help for a little while. It's definitely a band-aid, not a fix. Using too much can also push the seals right out of their seats and finish off the transmission.

Always have a mechanic inspect a car for you before you buy it. It will save you from buying duds like this, ending up saving you thousands of dollars.

 

This is what it's reading and look like

 

yeah. Runny , and burnt. That's a transmission that was not looked after.
Driving it this way is going to rapidly accelerate its death. I would be looking for another car if I were you.