I've noticed lately on my Lumina that the transmission feels as though it slips every now and then. Not a constant thing, mind you, just every now and then. I call the mechanic this morning to inquire about a transmission fluid change, and he recommended using a Lucas Stop Slip additive instead of replacing the fluid, due to it's high mileage and no record of regular changing (I have no information from the previous owner). The last time I brought it in to the shop, they did inform me it was dirty.

Doing some research, I've been advised against using any additives, because they foam up and such.

Anyone have any helpful insight as to what I should do?

 

In my wifes 03 Eclipse, the trans was slipping a little around 120,000miles. I put some Slick 50 Stop slip additive in. Then flushed teh trans about 300 miles later. Give or take a few. I think it fixed it. Drives great now, no slipping. I know the fluid had never been changed, the trans fluid was a dark brown. i took a chance flushing it, but I'm glad I did. I trust it to drive anywhere. Has close to 126,000miles now.

Just letting you know my expierience.

 

I personally don't beleive in using additives, however Lucas comes highly recommended from those that use it. I work in a parts store and we have always sold loads of the stuff.

Many places will advise again doing a service on the transmission at this point. When one changes the fluid sometimes things get worse. That makes it difficult to really assess the condition - if you change fluid at the same time the transmission may be going bad, what's to blame? Maybe the fluid didn't make anything worse, but it didn't help? I can understand why a mechanic may not want to get wrapped up in this and just advise an additive.

Transmissions are complicated. I'd probably try the Lucas anyways.

 

Most of the time when one is slipping and you change the fluid it gets worse. Sometimes they will not drive at all afterwards. Don't do it unless you are prepared to by a new trans.

 

It is always a good idea to check the automatic transaxle fluid level each time you have the engine oil changed.It’s a good idea to check the level of the Automatic Transaxle fluid every time the oil is changed.It will be 5 quarts for a fluid and filter change.The Chevy Dealer said I could have a transmission Flush or just check the vacuum and add more fluid.

 

Here is a personal story: A friend called and asked us what to do with their 03 Monte Carlo as the transmission left them sit we told them to take it to our friends garage. here is what transpired.
Suggested action: do oil filter change and add Lucas stop leak transmission lubricant to the oil. prior to doing this the car had very hard shifting after doing this the car shifting is not quite as hard basically it is buying them a little time to save up money to either get a rebuilt or buy a new one which ever amount of time may be given.
More insight: I went to the automotive store to get the Lucas to add in.. Asked them what they think of the stuff. They told me "the local transmission shops are buying that stuff by the case load.. so if that is the case it cant be too bad" .. I wont go to the local Trans shops now knowing this, but the end conclusion is:

Don't think for one minute that Lucas oil will prevent you from having to repair or fix or replace your transmission>> if there is wear and tear or worn gears and clutch pads in there they are not going to fix themselves with or without the help of this oil...
if you need more time to help save up for a repair / replace cost then the extra 45.00 to 90.00 you may shell out to do a transmission tune up and add the Lucas oil or slip 50 in besides it only costs on average 10.00 to 15.00 to add it and that isn't going to hurt your pocket any more than the transmission repair but it may give you a couple more months to save up for it... If it doesn't then it was too far gone to help.. but I say it is worth the cost to find out .. the transmission tune up should be done regularly with oil changes anyways..

Our friend did this about a month ago I just asked how it was going.. she said still shifts hard occasionally but still running.. so it has gotten her this far and she is still saving for the cost of repair replacement..

If you have no transmission pan which many newer cars have none and they refer to this as a "throw-away" transmission since it is not serviceable if you have no access pan you can not do regular transmission tune ups and servicing without added hassles.. just plain stupid to make a car without access to a transmission what were they thinking???

I wouldn't bother thinking too much will help these types of cars.... if they are gone, you are most likely going to pay and have it replaced.. unless I get proven differently, I stand behind that thought..

presently I am dealing with one busted transmission ford..
one slipping transmission Honda,,
one transmission that is sucking in tranny oil Chevy, but cant figure where it is going to.. but the transmission is fine.. just did a tune up on that to figure out if there are any signs of wear it looked good and acts fine so I will just run it for now..

one car was totaled but engine and tranny were perfectly fine A dodge . a
and one car that is perfectly fine Acura

that covers 5 cars in total.. all in the same age 96 to 98 so all in all any manufacturer you will find this issue .. after 100 years of running them although Honda civic is a bad one I got only 6 years before replacing that.. and now 40,000 miles later it is in need of another one.. Honda lost their touch after 2000 honestly.. in my humble opinion..
also my family has another Honda where the tranny is beginning to slip..

I hope this helps others.. any time you are talking transmission it is not a good thing..

also a note to add.. just because someone is saying that the tranny is bad does not always mean it is bad.. there are things called Transmission speed sensors that do go bad frequently.. and they only cost a little bit of money.. they are located at the base of the transmission and they read the speed intervals and indicate when to synchronize the gears if this goes bad it may appear to be a slipping tranny but it may just be the sensor or solenoid went bad.. and there is no such hing as a trusted transmission store.. be it chain or otherwise.. only the person running it makes or brakes the place.. if a person is honest they are honest.. if they aren't they aren't.. just because they run a store that has a known name does not make them honest.. be careful who you go to when dealing with transmissions.. if you have friends that swear by a place use that one first.. ask around take the time find one people speak of highly.. or you may regret this..

 

correction on this ,, It will be five quarts on average some take a bit more = about $15.00 .. also don't forget the filter.. they can run some bucks but generally on an average they cost about $ 15- 45.00 plus the cost to service or do it yourself... if you can change the oil on your car you can do this as well.. get a torque wrench and find out what the foot pounds per inch are for that car before tightening the housing bolts... or you may end up with a leak.. fluid flushes they say need to have a special machine to flush properly.. I dont know much about this .. but I know you can do them with a hose to siphon the trans fluid out and replace.. with fresh.. careful doing this.. this is required on those "throw away" transmissions that I mentioned in earlier post.. I will not buy another car with a "throw away" transmission..
period..live and learn if there is no service pan .. they spell trouble..