Tranny Fluid Change & Filter

1) Can changing your tranny fluid cause problems?

2) Can changing your tranny fluid cause problems if you don't choose a shop who can pump out the torque converter fluid too?

3) Should I use Amsoil's synthetic tranny fluid when I flush my system?

4) Is there any value to buying a better Tranny filter? In the old days a screen was all they used. Now these paper elements are better, but they are basically cheep paper filters. Would you recommend spending the money on a higher quality filter for your Tranny?

1) Can changing your tranny fluid cause problems?

2) Can changing your tranny fluid cause problems if you don't choose a shop who can pump out the torque converter fluid too?

3) Should I use Amsoil's synthetic tranny fluid when I flush my system?

4) Is there any value to buying a better Tranny filter? In the old days a screen was all they used. Now these paper elements are better, but they are basically cheep paper filters. Would you recommend spending the money on a higher quality filter for your Tranny?


1) The only way changing the transmission fluid can cause problem, is if during the change some particles are knocked loose and later jam a valve.

2) A full flush is better because otherwise you're leaving half the dirty fluid in there.

3) I am unfamiliar with Amsoil's synthetic tranny fluid.

4) I always try to stick with OEM parts for important repairs unless it's an improved upgrade.

Yea, nothing will happen unless there is a problem in the first place.

Have the transmission flushed first, THEN, have the filter changed when the pan is dropped.

Also, there is really no need to put synthetic tranny fluid in a standard truck. Not needed and the normal transmission fluid is very very good now and is better than the factory fill you received.

Yea, nothing will happen unless there is a problem in the first place.

Have the transmission flushed first, THEN, have the filter changed when the pan is dropped.

Also, there is really no need to put synthetic tranny fluid in a standard truck. Not needed and the normal transmission fluid is very very good now and is better than the factory fill you received.


Can you tell me the where I can buy "normal transmisison fluid" and how that differs from the factory fill ? Why is it better ? Who makes it ? How much does it cost ? :iceslolan

[QUOTE=ricksza]1) The only way changing the transmission fluid can cause problem, is if during the change some particles are knocked loose and later jam a valve.

Responding to this comment: I think this is what happenned to my tranny, and below is my next plan of attack. Note: I have another thread posted on this subject regarding a 1870 TCC slippage you may want to check....

After talking with another transmission shop, I was given the following information, and unless someone says otherwise I will plan on taking my Blazer to this person tomorrow to:

1) Replace the Accumulator Valve with a redesigned kit. Apparently, I am told, this tranny and others like it, are known for having a check ball get stuck....and the kit is designed to fix the problems I am having: hard shifting and a lock-out issue (which could ruin my tranny if I keep driving it).

2) Replace the metal clad seal (I think this is what is meant by an o-ring previously described, but I'm not sure.)

3) Check the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and clean contacts as needed.

[QUOTE=ricksza]1) The only way changing the transmission fluid can cause problem, is if during the change some particles are knocked loose and later jam a valve.

Responding to this comment: I think this is what happenned to my tranny, and below is my next plan of attack. Note: I have another thread posted on this subject regarding a 1870 TCC slippage you may want to check....

After talking with another transmission shop, I was given the following information, and unless someone says otherwise I will plan on taking my Blazer to this person tomorrow to:

1) Replace the Accumulator Valve with a redesigned kit. Apparently, I am told, this tranny and others like it, are known for having a check ball get stuck....and the kit is designed to fix the problems I am having: hard shifting and a lock-out issue (which could ruin my tranny if I keep driving it).

2) Replace the metal clad seal (I think this is what is meant by an o-ring previously described, but I'm not sure.)

3) Check the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and clean contacts as needed.

Please stop posting random transmission related problem fixes when you are asking about changing his fluid and filter.

Can you tell me the where I can buy "normal transmisison fluid" and how that differs from the factory fill ? Why is it better ? Who makes it ? How much does it cost ? :iceslolan

Fluid from almost 10 years ago is not the same as transmission fluid out on shelves today.

It has undergone some formulation changes and optimizations.

Please stop posting random transmission related problem fixes when you are asking about changing his fluid and filter.


Okay... I know you are the "Moderator, " but come on.... Knowledge is what this Forum is all about. Plus if you notice, the very first question I asked in this thread was: "Can changing your tranny fluid cause problems?"

No one answered that question so I thought I would repond with what a Transmission Specialist told me. Is that wrong? Your the Moderator... If you tell me that is wrong fine, but I think that would detract from the purpose of this forum.

You know what they say about power....

Okay... I know you are the "Moderator, " but come on.... Knowledge is what this Forum is all about. Plus if you notice, the very first question I asked in this thread was: "Can changing your tranny fluid cause problems?"

No one answered that question so I thought I would repond with what a Transmission Specialist told me. Is that wrong? Your the Moderator... If you tell me that is wrong fine, but I think that would detract from the purpose of this forum.

You know what they say about power....

That thing you were posting has nothing to do with a transmission change problem, it is from a thread where the guy has had a transmisison problem failure that had nothing to do with the fluid and filter change.

That thing you were posting has nothing to do with a transmission change problem, it is from a thread where the guy has had a transmisison problem failure that had nothing to do with the fluid and filter change.

....I still don't get your point. I'm the guy with the transmission problem, and my problems may in fact have been caused by changing the tranny fluid.

I'm not necessarily suggesting that the new fluid caused the problem, though it could have from what some people speculate, it's more likely that changing the fluid *improperly* caused the problems I am having. However, if the there is an internal part, called the accumulator check valve, and it turns out that it is sticking, which is possible, and it is further noted that my problem started after I changed the fluid...which it did... Then I would have to say, YES...it is possible that changing transmission fluid could cause problems in your tranny which were NOT present before the fluid change.

I will let you all know what the outcome of this investigation is so that you are more KNOWLEDGAGBLE about my tranny problem.... IT COULD SAVE SOMEONE ELSE A TRANNY OVERHAUL!

Note To BlazerLT: I value your experience and comments, and I appreciate your help. You have helped me immensly before. I'm just suggesting a little lattitude is in order if the knowledge I pass on is accurate.... Afterall, I am only quoting what a transmission specialist told me.

Keep in mind, this is the 3rd tranny shop I had to go to in order to get a straight answer. The other two shops I consulted seem to be set up to gernerate overhaul business anyway they can. (Some of you probably know that about tranny shops. The guys I talked to said to keep driving it until the problem get worse. I don't know about you, but I don't call that good advice.... Which is why I am part of the Blazer Forum.)

Therefore, if this thread helps other Blazer owners with similiar transmission problems AVOID a premature overhaul, then I think I am contributing. In summary then, this is what I have learned thus far:

1) You should change your tranny fluids on schedule. It is just as important as an engine oil change and for some reason it often get overlooked.
2) If you buy a car and don't know the history, I would take the more conservative route and change the tranny fluid withOUT using one of those specialty machines, which is suppose to drain the torque converter. I have been told (over the years) that these machines can cause more harm than good... And that a better way to change the fluid is to disconnect the return line. (But you should ask your shop about this point first.)
3) I also would NOT have your fluid changed by your mechanic unless he is experienced dropping the pan. You don't want to damage any of the solenoids! (Note: My mechanic is experienced, but his helper is not. So don't assume the mechanic you talk to at the front desk, or in the back garage, is the mechanic who is going to do the job!)
4) Using a transmission additive is hit-and-miss... Probably a miss, but if it's your last resort, I suppose it could buy you a few extra thousand miles for $10. I suppose then it depend on what your goals are.
5) Lastly, and depending on your tranny type, ask if the tranny shop changes the o-ring on the filter, or metal clad seal. I understand some shops overlook this and that too could be the source of my tranny problems today.... AS A RESULT OF CHANGING THE FLUID.