Flushing rarely solves a problem. It is meant for preventive maintenance before problems develop.
Just so I sound like I know what I'm talking about, check your shift indicator to see if there's a circle around the "D". If there is, that's the computer-controlled four speed transmission. The dealer can connect their DRB3 scanner to read the "clutch volume index", (CVI). That is a set of four numbers that indicate the number of ccs of fluid it takes to apply each clutch pack. An experienced transmission specialist will be able to tell from those numbers how much wear has taken place and whether it's time for the transmission to be rebuilt.
The filter could be plugged too. That isn't real common with that transmission, but many shops don't replace it when they do a flush. Most flushing systems replace nearly 100 percent of the old fluid but not the filter. A drain and refill replaces the filter but only about half of the old fluid. Very few shops will do both at the same time. If the clutch volume index numbers suggest the clutch packs aren't completely worn out, you might have them try a filter change first before tearing deeper into the transmission.
Aug 31, 2011 at 3:40 AM
