[herbal_gardens]

How often should the trans filter be changed, I have a 97 Astro 2wd the previous owner had it changed at 75,000 Now it has 180000 on it and its starting to shift alittle hard from 1st to 2nd, its not slipping, it just slams into 2nd kinda hard

 

[gtkane]

The trans filter and fluid should be changed every 50 to 60,000 miles, or sooner under severe conditions.

At 180,000 you should consider a transmission flush and filter change. This will get rid if any varnish build up that can cause abnormal shifting.

 

[willy]

Hello Herbal, I changed the tranny fluid in your van at 121,000 miles too but didn't write it on the pan. The hard shift is a common problem in these vans that was discussed in the old forums. Sticky valve due to a design flaw and or varnish I believe. Flushing helped in the 98 AWD I have, plus adding a quart of Lucas trans fluid conditioner. Stop by if you need a hand with it. I also have a fix for your heater problems that isn't too difficult.

Willy

 

[schmark1]

I have a haynes manual. The manual says the transmission filter should be replaced every year or twelve thousand miles . I learned with my first 95 astro(totalled out winter of 2010) that if i did not change the filter and fluid every year(after it reached a hundred thousand miles) I would start getting hard shifting and slight pauses between gears. Once I change the filter and fluid it shifts smoothly and operates as it should. To me this is no different than doing other periodic, necessary, maintenance on your vehicle. I have found this really does make a differnce, year after year. I just recently purchased another 95 astro to replace my totalled one. The new one has the same characteristics as my old one. I have owned my new 95 for about a year now.It has developed a slight pause between 1 and 2 and it shifts a little hard when it finally switches. This is exactly when I decided it was time to change the fluid in my totalled van and I am confident that once I do this(waiting for a little warmer weather in MichigaN)in my new 95 astro It will also clear up this issue. If anyone is experiencing this, I would suggest changing the fluid and filter and figure on it yearly . :blah: My totalled van had 256,000 miles on the original engine and transmission, and was running perfectly when it was wrecked. My new 95 had 174,000 when I purchased it and it has run great for a year now.I have 185,000 on it now, and I can tell it is time to change the tranny filter and fluid. :banana:

 

[Phantom]

Yearly is best ,, that is the recommend when towing a trailer ,, if you use dex 3 they say you can go 30,000 ,, if you use DEX VI they say you can go up to 50,000 if you do not pull a trailer ,, when pulling a trailer it is yearly or 12,000 miles regardless of which fluid you use , simply put the more frequent the better