What a great question.
I have a 78 99 Turbo. The synchro between 3rd and 4th has been out for about 2 years/10k miles. no problem though when I shift with patented pause pattern. The rest of the trans feels fine. the rest of the car is sound so I have been holding out on a major job involving engine removal.

Here's the puzzle:
I heard somewhere way back "don't change the oil in an old transmission." Mine being an old transmission, I let the oil and gears grow together in the hopes they were developing a symbiotic relationship. Well I got talked out of that last fall, drained the oil and put in the real heavy stuff. I started feeling some sticking when shifting when the engine was cold. This cleared up as the engine warmed and I didn't fret it because the temperature was dropping and I wanted to put off a big job.

About two months ago I got advice from the owner of Seattle's premier Saab shop to get the heavy stuff out of there because it often restricts the rolling of some needle bearings. So I drained the heavy stuff and put in the expensive red synthetic stuff (no leaks). The sticky shifting problem is just about impossible to drive with now. When the engine is cold I can not shift gears. I have to back into the spot at home and leave it in first, second or sometimes third (the key is so badly worn I can get it out in these gears - a custom feature).

Also now my clutch does not disengage the gears when cold. I turn the key and the car rolls.

1) did the change of fluid do this?
2) Do I have a couple concurrent problems?

Any help is appreciated.

Dean
'78 99T
'81 900 "Pokey"

• Should I change trans. fluid on auto w/120K miles?, Chris, Thu, 5 Apr 2001 15:41:26
  • final drive, Dick in Falls Church, Fri, 6 Apr 2001 11:18:06
  • I think I can clear this up., George M, Thu, 5 Apr 2001 21:36:47
  • Re: Should I change trans. fluid on auto w/120K miles?, Dick in Falls Church, Thu, 5 Apr 2001 21:32:56
  • Re: Should I change trans. fluid on auto w/120K miles?, Dean, Thu, 5 Apr 2001 18:17:16 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: Should I change trans. fluid on auto w/120K miles?, Bill N, Fri, 6 Apr 2001 10:24:30

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