Should High Mileage Transmission Fluid Be Changed?

In this video, we dive into the topic of transmission fluid changes for high-mileage vehicles. Two months ago, we discussed the different formulations of transmission fluids and their specific applications. A common question from our viewers was whether it's advisable to change the transmission fluid in a high-mileage car if it has never been changed before.
There’s a myth that changing transmission fluid might negatively affect the transmission's shifting. This concern arises from the change in the coefficient of friction between the plates, clutches, and bands. However, modern vehicles are equipped to handle this through adaptive programs that adjust shifting patterns to compensate for degraded fluid.
To ensure a smooth transition after changing the fluid, it's crucial to reset the transmission’s adaptations. This can be done using a scan tool or following the manufacturer’s procedure, which sometimes involves disconnecting the battery terminal to reset the parameters.
Next time a customer hesitates about changing their transmission fluid, you'll know how to reassure them. Their previous bad experiences likely stemmed from not resetting the adaptations or initiating a learning cycle with the transmission control module after the service.
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