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Discussion starter · #41 · (Edited)
I don’t know guys. I have just heard from so many old timers not to drain and flush with high mileage because it can be the death of the transmission. I recognize this issue likely doesn’t make sense because I partial flushed trans about 4k ago along with new filter. But now I’m paranoid, or doubting doing it again. In large, because I so badly want the trans to work again without slipping…
 
I think they are talking about the old style power flush on zero maintenance, slipping, high mileage transmissions. They are toast any way. If the transmission has been treated to regular maintenance and normal drain and fill oil changes it should be fine.
 
Yeah they're talking about the power flush as @gjr mentioned, where they blast high pressure fluid through the transmission. That's totally different than the drain and refill procedure recommended for these units.
 
Discussion starter · #44 ·
I bought my Element from a one owner at 95k, am at 205k now. When we did the handoff after sale I asked him if he had touched the transmission and he said no. He claimed that while in college he once changed the fluid on his car and the transmission messed up after that.
 
My advice...don't change them unless you first test them, and they don't work! Otherwise you're wasting money. Put 12v across the terminals...if it gives a click, it's good. They're pretty robust units.
 
Discussion starter · #53 ·
Correct. But the seal "lip" is of a smaller diameter than the shaft, effectively sealing the atf inside the transmission - until the lip hardens/cracks, allowing fluid to leak past.
Ok, I found some trans oil dribble outside the shell cover again. However, when I took off cover I couldn't see direct trail of trans oil leak. I hosed everything down with brake cleaner and then left overnight. This morning I checked and no oil from seal leaked overnight. So not sure what happened, am a little paranoid... maybe there was some left over oil that somehow escaped me during seal installation?
 
Ok, I found some trans oil dribble outside the shell cover again. However, when I took off cover I couldn't see direct trail of trans oil leak. I hosed everything down with brake cleaner and then left overnight. This morning I checked and no oil from seal leaked overnight. So not sure what happened, am a little paranoid... maybe there was some left over oil that somehow escaped me during seal installation?
Leave the cover off and drive around the block, then check again for leaks.
 
Discussion starter · #55 ·
Hey guys. So I just wanted to provide a quick update. Somehow I got Covid again for the third time, despite being vaccinated. My point is, I think will finally be able to find time this weekend to change the transmission valve solenoids, I am going to add the breather cap also that was missing on transmission spout. I have already removed air intake, battery, and battery tray. I also drained the trans fluid and I did not notice any significant metal particles on drain plug.
 
Good that you seem to recovering 100%. I think the new variants are becoming more like a cold. You can catch which ever is the latest and greatest.

I'll be curious to see how much tranny fluid it takes to refill. I had to put in over 5 quarts but I drained the radiator too.
 
Discussion starter · #57 ·
All right guys. Well I’m devastated. I replaced both transmission solenoids and even the third gear pressure switch, also did a partial flush all with OEM. Finally put everything back together today and started it up. Immediately something sounded wrong. There was a low whining wail from the transmission area with a pulsating rhythm to it. Once in the car there was no check engine light or flashing D. However. When I shifted into reverse nothing happened. When I tried moving forward it moved an inch then nothing. I can floor the throttle and it won’t budge. I guess this means my transmission is toast. I’m so messed up over this.
 
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