How important is it to change your Automatic Trans Fluid?

What are some tell tale signs that you need a trans flush... My Blazer has 64k on it, its a 1995 4x4 ( just bought ) and i'm wondering if it needs to be changed, or when you should change it. i dont think it ever has been...

You answered your own question. If you just bought it. You don't know if it has ever been changed and you got 64K on it. Just go ahead and change you fluid , filter and gasket set. It would be alot cheaper to do maintenance to the trans then it would be to having it repaired because the fluid has failed. I would also change your Motor Oil, Filter, Complete lubing of under carriage, Air Filter, Plugs, Cap & Rotor while your at it. This way you know exactly when a full maintenance was performed. Plus it should run better then it is now.

What are some tell tale signs that you need a trans flush...

If you check your fluid and it is not the clear red color (kinda like cough syrup) or your tranny starts to slip, its definately time for a change.

It's best to change the fluid and filter before you have any signs that it needs to be changed. Once the fluid starts to turn it can start to cause damage to the tranny. Should have a routine maintanence schedule for your vehicle. They don't list recommended intervals for maintanence in your owners manual for nothing.

My suggestion to get a full flush as well as dropping the pan and replacing the filter. Changing out the fluid in the pan only will only replace a portion of total fluid. Personally I try to change the pan and fluid (and filter) every 30K or so to keep the crud from building up in the pan and then a total flush and filter change every 60-75K. Of course, opinions will vary on this. Some do more, some do less. (A few do nothing which is wrong)Assume that the fluid has not been changed and go ahead with total flush as well as other things advised.

mine has 200,000 + miles and i have no idea when it was changed. i bought it in may 05. i'm definately going to have this done. if i take it somewhere to have the trans fully flushed, do most shops replace the filter or does the flush clean the filter so it doesn't require replacement?

The actual flushing would still leave the old filter in and any crud built up on the magnet and bottom of pan, so you would have to specify you want both a flush and filter change. Then they would have to drop the pan and clean it and the magnet when changing filter. Some people have voiced concerns over flushing a real high mileage transmission, especially if it has never been properly maintained. There are two arguements, one being that a transmission can get "dependant" on the old particles floating around as they would actually help old worn clutches keep from slipping, and two, that if done improperly that you can blow seals in an old transmission with too much pressure. Personally, I have done this either myself, or had it done on cars and trucks well over 150K miles with no problems. I did have an old Mustang back in the 70's start slipping after a simple fluid change but this poor old car had never been taken care of, and this only showed the need for repairs. Letting old crap float around only delays the inevitable and would cause further damage.

How much does this usually cost? to flush and new filter, will any oil change shop do it?

Here in WV normal cost on total cleaning would be around $125 or so.

do most shops change the pan gasket or do u have to take one with u.

do most shops change the pan gasket or do u have to take one with u.

Most shops, at least that I've dealt with, like to have their own parts. This way they can hit you with 30% or more upcharge.

Back in 2000 when I had taken our previous 94 Blazer in to one of those quick lube places for a tranny flush and filter change, it cost about 90 bucks. I thought that was actually a pretty good price considering what a pain in the rear it is on the first gen. body. That is the only time I let a shop replace the filter and gasket, since I do the filter and gasket my self, after getting about a 1000k on the filter change I will take it in for a flush only.

I think transimissions are the single most neglected piece of equipment on an automobile.