Jan
So I take my Saab to the dealership for a recall, and they (unsolicited) go through the car and tell me that my transmission fluid is dirty and I should have the tranny flushed (I asked about this earlier). I then call the local independent Saab hotshot mechanic (who has a good rep) to have it done and he says he doesn't believe in flushing trannies, it just dislodges sludge that can create further problems. i should just drain it and fill it.
I know there is at least one mechanic (maybe more) on this board. What do you think? or has anyone else who has been through this have thoughts?
Thanks in advance. The car is an '02 9-5 Aero with an automatic transmission and about 60K on it. I do plan to keep the car for a while as I love it.
Answer:
A flush is better,It gets the fluid from the trans cooler and torque converter as well as whats in the case.A drain and fill will only get what is sitting in the bottom of the trans.In 2002 saab switched to a synthetic oil,not dextronIII.Either way,your trans is ok.Saab tranny very tough.It takes alot of abuse to ruin it.
The saab dealer tech looks over the car because thats how they make money.If they see something wrong,or something that needs attention,they will let you know.Dont get so upset.nobody is holding a gun to your head telling you that you must repair your car.Would you rather they pull the car in,see something wrong,send you down the road and have that something break.Then you blame them because they just worked on the car.no thanks!I would rather let you know before it happens.This go's for any mechanic.I have been saab tech for 2 years,6 years with chrysler and at an independent shop for 6 years
Answer:
Just imagine you're agreed flush tranny at the dealership.And imagine that after this service tranny went out on yours belowed 9-5 Aero.Then you making complaint,dealership replacing your tranny…everybody happy.Ya,except dealership,who lost lot of money.Hmmmm….said dealer,better I will not suggest to flush tranny's anymore,to hard for my checkbook……And dealer still suggesting to flush???Something does not adding up in this picture,right?
So…flush?or not to flush?..The answer is:FLUSH.
……local independent Saab hotshot mechanic (who has a good rep) ……could believe whatever he choose to believe.My experience with this service over the years only positive.
Answer:
At 60k there is no sludge. The only problem that you may run into with this transmission would be a valve-body issue. This would manifest itself as a harsh shift from Park to Drive or Reverse. If you had the transmission flushed and then several months down the road this condition happened you would probably curse the day you had the transmission flushed although the flush would have nothing to do with that. PS… you better make sure that if you have the transmission fluid changed that they are replacing it with the Saab synthetic transmission fluid. This will not be cheap….
Answer:
I am a firm believer in flushing transmissions!
This is the best thing you can do for your auto-box.
GM products get one at 60K miles
Mopars at 24K miles
Fords at 60K miles
SAAB is a GM line running Dex III so I would do mine at 60K or every three years.
Change the filter at 100K miles for giggles for all.
I use a cleaner then flush and then add a conditioner after. It flat works. My tranny guy told me that my Chrysler box which broke at 167K was the cleanest tranny he ever overhauled!
ASE Cert Auto Tech, since 1978 I am an engine guy and only do tranny diagnostics
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