Do you need to change your transmission fluid?
Click to expand… Change transmission fluid and get ready to have transmission problems. I never, ever change transmission fluids, over 1000,000 miles on all my vehicles without a single transmission problem. Do whatever you think is right for you.
What should transmission fluid smell like after ATF?
If you’re lucky, the lag or shifting problem may just disappear after you add ATF. The fluid should be bright red, clear and “sweet” smelling. If it’s a smoky dark color, or has a burned odor, a complete change is needed, but the damage may already have been done.
What happens if you don’t change the ATF?
Not changing the ATF doesn’t necessarily mean the tranny will grenade, but it may start shifting abnormally due to ATF contamination. The electromagnetic solenoids and actuators, that control shift behaviors, are quite sensitive to the contaminants.
Where does the ATF go in a car?
The trouble is, it doesn’t go far enough. At least half of the old, burned-up ATF and its contaminants remain in the torque converter (the days of those convenient converter drain plugs are long gone), clutch drums, valve body and elsewhere. If you want to get the full benefit from this maintenance service, you’ve got to work a little harder.
Is power steering fluid the same thing as ATF?
Though both ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) and PSF (Power Steering Fluid)are hydraulic, but they are not the same. The Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is basically used to reduce friction and for cleaning, while Power Steering Fluid (PSF) is mainly used for reducing friction and for lubricating the power steering parts.
Should I use power steering fluid or ATF?
Using transmission fluid ATF is often a better choice for the power steering system because of its cleaning properties. With the ATF, there really isn’t any need to flush the power steering system for dirty oil regularly.
What does ATF stand for in fluid?
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF), also known as transmission fluid or tranny fluid (colloquial), is the fluid used in vehicles with self-shifting or automatic transmissions. It is typically coloured red or green to distinguish it from motor oil and other fluids in the vehicle.
Can you substitute power steering fluid for ATF fluid?
Some vehicles, particularly those manufactured between the years 1980 and 2000, can use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as a substitute for power steering fluid. If the power steering fluid in your vehicle has a reddish or purplish color, it is very likely ATF.