Filings in Transmission Fluid

This is a "new to me" 2000 Civic SE w/ an automatic transmission. and 90,000
Kms/ 56,000 Miles

When I bought it from the dealer the transmission seemed fine, but after a
couple of thousand Kms it seemed to hesitate a bit before going into gears
and just generally seemed a bit sloppy.

The dealership called last week and said that it was due for a "number 1"
servicing. I asked what that involved and they said basically an oil change
and 20 point inspection. They offered to do it for free, but having had bad
experiences w/ dealerships before I decided to take it to a rapid lube place
that I've been using for the last few years for other vehicles.

They showed me a sample of the transmission fluid, which appeared quite
burnt, but what really concerned me was the drain bolt, which is magnetic
and was covered in what appeared to be iron filings. They flushed the
transmission out and sent me on my way.

The tranny seems fine now. Shifts at the appropriate times, smoothly and
without hesitation. I'm wondering what the future holds though. Is this a
sign of things to come?

tia

Peter H

 

Metallic filings are to be expected in a vehicle of 90K and since the
problem has gone away after the service, I would not be overly
concerned. However, it is good practice to change dino based fluids
every 25,000 miles.

Lastly, when you say "flushed," did they drop the pan and change the
filter? If it was one of those flushes where it's done through the
dipstick, etc., the filter is ignored and it's like taking a shower and
putting on the same dirty underwear. OTOH, if they actually drained the
fluid, did they do so for the converter which actually holds most of the
fluid. Failure to address both, (converter drainage and filter
cleaning/replacement), can lead to premature transmission failure.

 

Good points JT. Thanks

They did the job from underneath the vehicle and said they changed the
filter. I would assume that they drained all of the fluid when they did it.
I'll check the colour of the fluid again. It was somewhat burnt so if they
didn't get it all I should be able to tell.

Peter H

 

A lot of modern vehicles do not have a provision for draining the
converter which in turn leaves more than half the fluid capacity of the
transmission tainted. Just something to think about.

Another thought, if in a couple of months the fluid still appears ok,
you might want to add a bottle of LubeGuard to the fluid. It
essentially raises the effective operating temperature of the fluid and
prevent varnish and sludge buildup. You generally have to get this
stuff at a transmission parts supplier and it's rather pricey but well
worth it.

A third consideration is to switch over to synthetic fluid which is also
rather pricey but will last 100,000 miles without worry.

 

======================

It's a good thing the magnetic drain plug is there. Picture the damage
that stuff would do if not contained.:-(
Bear in mind, also , all the non-metalic stuff that's still in there,
from the friction surfaces, which are somewhat similar to brake shoes, I
think.

I'd change it again shortly, and even once more to get most of the fluid
replaced. It's terribly easy to do yourself, if you like $aving ca$h.

'Curly'

================

 

there is no changeable filter. and no converter drain. what kind
of fluid did they use? straight dexron will make them shift nice and
crisp because it doesn't have the friction modifiers honda does.
you will always see crap on the magnet it's normal. if you had a
magnetic oil drain plug you'd probably be shocked at what's on there
also.
Chip