☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: is it safe to change Transmission Fluid. Hasn't been changed in a long time. Currently the Transmission is working fine; no slip

asked by on May 24, 2016

Transmission is working fine. No slipping or noise. Car did not run for 3 years and fluid has not been changed for quite a while. A mechanic told me (without seeing the car) that it was unsafe to change the Transmission Fluid and it would cause immediate slipping due to new oil being thinner than old. Is this true? If I should NOT change the fluid, what should I do as preventative maintenance? (additives?)

My car has 213000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Save Big on Auto Repairs Get a Quote

I agree with the other mechanic. If the fluid looks dirty then this means the transmission was not serviced for a long time and if you service it then the new fluid will wash out all the clutch material that is being held together by the old fluid. You would be taking a big chance that the transmission will start slipping within a week after you service it.

A 75-point safety inspection is a good idea after long-term storage, and a qualified technician from YourMechanic can perform this for you at your home or office.

Jeep
transmission fluid
Long Term Car Storage
L6-4.0L
1997
Grand Cherokee
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

I have to turn the ignition twice
Hello. It sounds like an ignition switch or starter relay problem with your vehicle. I would have a certified mechanic accurately diagnose your car's starting issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection) so that you do not waste any time or money on unnecessary repairs....
Read more
car tries to start but wont turn over all the way
If I'm understanding you correctly, it sounds like your engine is not turning fast enough or starting up. The slow cranking can be due to a defective starter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement), bad cables or connections to the battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-cable-replacement), or a bad...
Read more
Fuel System?
A whirring noise is actually a common symptom of a failing fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement). You can rule the power steering pump in or out just by disconnecting power steering belt. Obviously, if the noise remains the same with pump disconnected,...
Read more
Tire pressure warning system lights up because i used a nonsensored valve.
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is an integrated system that cannot be disabled. When you did not install a correct tire pressure sensor and installed a regular valve stem the TPMS senses the missing sensor and turns on the...
Read more
Is there another name for the front disc brake dust shield on a 1982 Camaro? Everytime I search for them it only brings up rear dr
The part is variously referred to as "backing plates", "dust shields", "front rotor shields", and so forth. If you are looking for an inexpensive used set (left and right), I see a set presently listed on Ebay for $18. Search...
Read more
Vsa light came on and also the brake light what does this mean?
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle illuminates these warning lights when there is an issue with the braking system, wheel speed sensors, the electronic modules and motors associated with these two features, or a communication error between them....
Read more
Does my transmission fluid need to be changed?
The color of used transmission fluid is not particularly relevant in judging the remaining life of the fluid. If the fluid is visibly contaminated with particulate matter and/or the fluid has a burnt odor, as a consequence of overheating, those...
Read more
Heater works intermittently, when not working car overheats and thermostat is new
Hi there. In most cases, when you have issues with the heater working and the vehicle overheating, it's caused by an obstruction of coolant inside the heater core. The cooling system circulates hot coolant / water into the heater core...
Read more
I have a 2006 dodge magnum 6.1l hemi engine,car starts right up and revs fine when put in drive or reverse it turns off!
This is caused by the transmission internal or solenoid issue. The transmission is trying to go into reverse and forward gear at the same time. Have the transmission tested for solenoid or other internal issues with transmissions.
Read more

Related articles

What Does it Mean to Flush Fluids in a Car?
When When a mechanic suggests you flush car fluids, such as transmission fluid, motor oil, or brake fluid, it basically means to replace the old fluid with new. In some cases, however, to fully flush fluids requires the middle step...
Read more
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Jeep Wrangler
With With some subtle updates, improvements, and increases in size, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler maintains the model’s familiar and rugged look and feel. While the style of the Wrangler may not have changed much, though, its function has definitely been...
Read more
How to Get Jeep Dealership Certified
Jeep car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are Jeep certified through Chrysler’s official training program (MCAP)
Read more

Browse other content

Cities
Services
Cars
Maintenance