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How often should the transmission be flushed and oil changed? What cost would I expect to pay?

Generally speaking for a vehicle of this age the transmission fluid is due for a change around the 60,000km mark.

There are so many different opinions on what is required however; a full-on flush or a simple drain of the fluid held in the pan of the transmission.

The flush is definitely the more expensive option and ensures the entire transmission is filled with fresh oil.

Others will argue a mix of the old and new fluid is perfectly acceptable and fits within most people’s budget better.

For me, the bottom line is what the change is trying to achieve.

If the transmission has a performance issue, then either option is normally a waste of money. No amount of oil changes or flushing will overcome an internal wear and tear problem. If the transmission is performing OK and the fluid is reasonably clean and doesn’t smell burnt, then a simple drain of the pan (when the fluid is hot) is not a bad option.

First step for any garage or auto specialist is to visually check the condition of the oil and to check the auto performance out with an appropriate road test.

Prices can vary between $150 and $400 depending on what is recommended. The trick is finding a trusted service provider who will make a recommendation based on what is actually required and not to help improve their bottom line profit.

This is very helpful and thankyou. I had the transmission oil changed and flushed as I thought about 12 months ago 62000 km but when I went in the other day for a service to the garage they again suggested it needed flushing and changing because of the oil colour?. I then reminded them it was only 12 months or so since it was last done. They then changed their tune and suggested I leave it till the next service???? There is NO problem with the transmission to my knowledge so what is going on here?? It leaves me very concerned as to the credibility of what I am being told by the garage.Is there another problem or has the garage not done the job in the first place?