My girlfriend has a Dode Stratus with just over 100k on it. The trans fluid doesn't look terrible but she's had it for about 30k miles and no flush. Not knowing any history I'm assuming that it has not been flushed ever. I talked with a friend of mine who is a mechanic at a local dealership about using his flushing machine so I don't have to take an ATF bath and he's suggesting that if it's gone that long without a change I should leave it alone. I know I have heard of problems with a trans flush on a high mileage vehicle causing the trans to let go because all of the crap is cleaned out. Any suggestions? I hate to leave the fluid in there but I don't have the time or money to deal with the trans on that car letting go.
Trans Flush on a 2000 Stratus?
- Thread starter 95blklsc
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BigBoyBoelts
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This is the second time in under 6 months that I have heard a mechanic tell someone not to flush out the fluid....where did these people get this idea?!?! If you read any manual it says flush the fluid either every 30-60K miles. Just flush it and change a filter on it. My step-dads Caddy was the same way. Higher miles, never been flushed some mechanic told him not to flush it. I made him do it now the thing shifts smoother than before.
I don't understand it either, I have always flushed the fluid on a regular basis in all of my cars. So this 100k and no flush was a new one. I have had 3 or 4people suggest to just leave it now. Part of me thinks there has to be something to it, but I'm probably going to just flush anyway. I was hoping someone had direct experience with the stratus trans and the ins and outs of it.
Well how long do you plan on keeping this car? Chances are if you are not keeping it for a very long time (>10k miles) it should be ok and save yourself the money for a trans flush without engaging an additional risk.
In the long term if the fluid doesn't look BLACK I would probably flush it. But those transmissions aren't the strongest to begin with and you should be happy with the 100k miles out of it as is.
I have heard stories about both... flushes killing transmissions and others claiming that they were on their way out already as is.
In the long term if the fluid doesn't look BLACK I would probably flush it. But those transmissions aren't the strongest to begin with and you should be happy with the 100k miles out of it as is.
I have heard stories about both... flushes killing transmissions and others claiming that they were on their way out already as is.
The trans fluid actually looks ok, it dosen't have the fresh sweet smell but it isn't brown or anywhere near it. We will drive the car until it does more or less. It really has been a great little commuting car for my g/f. Not a problen with it besides needing brake pads and the usual tune up. We would like to see another 50k or 2-3 years at least.
If you are leary of a flush, drop the pan and replace the filter and refill with fresh fluid. That will only require 40%-60% fluid replacement and could be repeated at a later date if necessary. If you see inordinate amounts of sludge and particles, you know to be looking for a resolution soon. If it looks good, it will put your mind at ease and you may consider a flush at a later date.
This is what I plan on doing to my 165k mile green Mark. It needs the 1-2 accumulator replaced, but otherwise there is nothing wrong with the transmission. I have no idea about any past fluid changes. We'll see what happens.