Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle atx flush pitfalls?

If you have a lot of chunks floating around in your tranny, you've got bigger problems than a fluid change of ANY type is going to solve. A yearly double drain & fill has worked fine for me (130K+ miles) and is the recommended procedure in several manuals. I've heard to many horror stories of catastrophic failure after a pressure flush to have confidence that the shop I use is going to do a power flush correctly. The most important thing imo is to get clean fresh fluid in the tranny before it degrades due to heat. I agree a flush is more thorough, but see it as riskier overall because it can cause damage if done improperly.

At this point I think it is wise to remind everyone that there is more than one way to skin a cat. A good mechanic will have a large variety of tools in his toolbox so that he can aproach most any problem from a variety of ways. He can select the tool he wishes to use depending on the individual circumstances at the time. The mechanics toolbox also must expand beyond what is in the physical box. His experience, training and mental ability also become extensions of his toolbox.

There are also many ways to service a transmission. The most appropriate choice should depend on circumstances, not just be limited on "what has always been done". On a Contique with a drain plug on the bottom of the trans that permits you to change about 40% of the fluid will be very satisfactory if the fluid is not in very bad shape, especially if repeated as is outlined in the Haynes manual. If you want a more thorough flush, then the hose in a bucket or the two hoses in two buckets methods also work well. Choose the tool that fits your needs.