Saturday the temperature was near 100 deg. f. I was driving in stop and go traffic in my 1998 V90, when the transmission began to hunt for a gear at lower speeds, below say around 35mph. It reminded me of a time long ago when I was in the mountains on a hot day, same thing happened, I let it rest for an hour or so and the problem was gone.

I took it home and let it cool down, then later when I went out everything was fine. When I checked the fluid I saw that it was brown, no foam or anything, so I feel that the fluid is most likely the cause, perhaps breaking down since the dealer was the last one to flush it, and as I found from talking to them they use dyno fluid for the grand price of $175 for a flush.

Since I can buy Redline and get synthetic fluid from Groton for $120 for 12 quarts. Maybe cheaper for something from AutoZone or Advance. I am pondering flushing it myself.

Just like anything else everyone has varying opinions on what's best. The dealer tells me they never drop the pan to clean anything a flush is plenty. On here I see people who:

1- Drop the pan, then flush
2- Drain, refill, then flush.
3- Drain, refill, run for a week, repeat, run for a week, repeat.

I'm pondering options 2 and 3. Right off hand I don't remember if my trans has a drain plug or not but if it does option 3 looks better than 2.

A-I was curious if my diagnoses sounds close or if something else sounds more likely and if so what?

B-What the thoughts are regarding Redline versus Mobil or Amsoil?

C-Lastly considering the above options which do you feel is best and why?

Sorry so long, but transmissions are too expensive to take lightly.



--
~William~ 1985 240 DL - 357,000 & 1998 V90 - 150,000