Automatic Gear Box Servicing - E85 3.0i SE Auto

[Goshawk01]

Hi, I have a 2004 E85 3.0i SE. Auto

Following help from forum members my main issue with the electrics is solved.

However, when Colb was scanning the car he found a code for excessive gear box slippage. I haven't noticed anything wrong but trying to prevent something I have some questions about servicing.

Does the automatic transmission fluid need too be changed and is so when? there is nothing in my paperwork to say its ever been done. Its on 123,000 miles and its a 2004.

I have read after googling that changing automatic transmission fluid in old cars can make slippage worse as the contaminated fluid offers more friction or is that a myth?

 

[smorris_12]

It's a "post hoc ergo propter hoc" thing. People notice their boxes are misbehaving, so think they better change the fluid. It's far too late at this point and, when the box grenades as it would have done anyway, they blame the fluid change.

Yours could go either way. Either the filter is so clogged there's a lack of fluid pressure to keep everything engaged properly, or the clutches are simply worn thin. However, what blocks the filter is worn clutch material...

You could try a change, it's not horrendously difficult or expensive if you're reasonably practical. Also clean off the screen filters on the actuator solenoids in the valve body. They can get gunked up which would prevent full clutch engagement.

At the end of the day, it's a 20 year old autobox. It's done an incalculable number of clutch engagements and disengagements so could well be getting rather worn.

Fluid and filter change interval is nominally 80k according to ZF.

 

[deltasierra]

Change oil and filter you need a ramp, follow instructions carefully, if that doesn’t cure it find a S/H replacement with lower milage car, or run it until it expires it has done over 120k already.