I'm driving a '02 4x4 crew cab S-10 4.3L V6 with 85K on it. I am getting ready to install a transmission cooler since I've been doing a lot of boat pulling over long distance. Since I'm installing the cooler I'll have to add quite a bit more ATF, so while I'm at it should I change the automatic transmission filter at this point? I've heard that if you've never done it and your vehicle has high miles that it's best not to. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Nobody has any advice for me???

 

i've heard this alot, that changing high mileage trans fluid has caused problems. i've never had this issue, but alot of people have. 85k isn't really high for that year. i say, look at the condition of fluid now, if it still has a good, red tint to it, changing it shouldn't be an issue. in fact, i say it should be ok to change it because it's only 85k miles.

 

Maxxman...appreciate the response. I'm gonna go ahead and change it.

 

I have a 2000 4x4 LT, 4.3 and I change mind at 50K, And a darn good then I did, the mech told me the filter was very dirty and nearly clog. I bought the truck in 2002 it had 42K on it (Now 101K) and I'm planning on having the tranny service again. The truck was a Tenn truck, I was living in Al, retired and move to AZ and drove it out here. At 50K I change everything except the plus wires (still there) and just change out the dist and rotor again at 100K. Plus a new Rad, Fan Clucth, Battery and brakes, the back brakes looked almost new at 90K couldn't believe it... Maintance is the name of the game...Have the Tranny flush and filter changed.

 

Hi MarineSSgt.,

Welcome to the Chevy Forums.

At 85K, your vehicle is at @ twice the recommended change interval for the transmission filter, which in any event goes largely ignored by the driving public, who seem blissfully unaware of it in the first place. At this mileage, it should be starting to clog badly, giving you sluggish performance, and bad gas mileage. Worse is yet to come, if left unchanged.

IMO, "just leave it alone" is BAD ADVICE.

A transmission cooler sounds like a great idea, BTW.

 

X2 for me too!