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In the absence of low and old transmission fluid, you are due for some work, but not replacing the whole OD. IF you do it yourself, is the vehicle worth about $40 in parts if from me and 4 to 5 hours of work underneath to get your OD back? Adjust that by double parts and the hourly rate of your mechanic if they do it instead. Since your post indicates you took the solenoid off, my guess is a DIY.
Your problem !if not low or old fluid!, the actuating piston seals are starting to fail. Eventually you will reach a point where the OD will "shudder" upon engagement, not work when warm, then the OD will not work at all even though the solenoid and relay are working properly.
You must live where it is warm most of the year? No cold below 20 degrees F? Or have just moved into an area where it is colder than the previous residence. For your OD to just now at that many miles to just start indicating worn seals points to that assessment. Or you are not the original owner and the previous owner had them done. The colder the climate zone, the sooner the seals fail.
If you are in that warm zone where the temp does not get below 20 degrees F, you can use straight 30 weight oil instead of the Type F ATF fluid. Some on the board will recommend a synthetic oil or trans fluid. Your choice. At this point fresh lube is just a delay of the inevitable. How long new/different oil will stave off total seal failure is anybodys guess.
With regards to the why/why not of the oil usage. The OD could care less about what lube is in the system. It is only concerned that it does not foam or become too thin at higher temps.
The trans gears on the other hand are really worried. Fluid too thin and with not enough cling will not stick to the gears or get squeezed out from between the gears increasing wear. Fluid too thick may not get into bearings and between syncros causing wear from lack of lubrication. Too thick also causes hard shifting as well as not flowing during cold operation periods.
See the Features section of the Board and go to the 700/900 FAQs. Under transmission there is a section on OD R&R.
Duane
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