About David Scott Expertise Questions or advice regarding Suzuki 4wd vehicles as regards repair or modifications for offroad use.
Experience Been a professional mechanic over 30 yrs I've owned and modified 2 Sidekicks, and 3 Samurais, one of which I still have, and ocasionally drive, when my kids let me.
Expert: David Scott Date: 2/16/2004 Subject: trans
Question Hello. I have 3 short questions about AUtomatic transmissions. (1). Can a transmission flush harm a transmission? (2). Why do no automatic transmissions have a drain plug like an engine? Only by changing the filter can a portion of the fluid be changed? (3). My car does not go into gear on cold mornings, why not? Thanks. Larry Weaver
Answer 1) A transmission flush per se cannot harm the trans. In the cases where the flush is percieved to have caused damage, further examination reveals previous occurrence of symptoms of incipient failure prior to and usually leading up to the request for a flush.
2) This is due to the fact that there is a filter installed on the bottom of the transmission, which absolutely must be replaced as a part of a fluid change. Not optional ... Mandatory.
3) It's not unusual for a vehicle to be somewhat reluctant to engage on an extremely cold morning. This is due to the fact that transmission fluid becomes thicker when cold, although not to the extent of engine oil, thus slowing engagement of a given gear. This is not necessarily a symptom of a malfunction
