Changing the fluid and filter is a good idea. However, 25K intervals is more than sufficient and IMHO any higher frequency is a waste in time, money, and resources. As you know from these postings, you can only change about 1/2 the fluid by draining. Therefore, you might want to change the fluid a couple or three times within a relatively short mileage (under 1K)the first time - but that really depends on the condition of the fluid the first time you drain it. If it is red and relatively clear, it is likely that the tranny has been treated well (or, if you are cynical, that the previous owner was trying to cover up something with a recent change.) (Be sure to remove the drain plug on the bottom of differential case on the engine side as well as the filter cover when you change the fluid.)

When you look at the magnet in the filter cover housing, you should get a good idea of the state of the transmission. Even if the fluid has been changed recently, once the tranny starts to go, it goes downhill rapidly and it will be evident from the quality of the metallic deposits. Anything with a gritty texture or metallic luster is bad news.

I add 2/3 pure Dextron III and 1/3 high end synthetic compatible with Dextron and Mercon. If you want the brand information, I can provide it, but they are all probably similar. According to Eriksson, SAAB does not recommend the use of synthetics in the 4HP-18. The mix I use is a compromise to provide modern stabilizing additives and friction reducers without changing the rheological or chemical properies drastically for the system design parameters.

I would not open the transmission unless there is a clear reason to do so. When the accumlator spring or govenor seals go, it may leave you stranded (in the case of the govenor), but it will not destroy the transmission. The type of driving that the car has experienced thus far is far more important than its mileage when it comes to engine and transmission wear.

Good luck,
SteveB

posted by 165.170.12...

• Any pre-emptive measures on auto transmission, BillJ, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 14:45:38
  • Re: Any pre-emptive measures on auto transmission, Gary, Wed, 17 Jul 2002 09:37:31
    • Keeping my fingers crossed..., BillJ, Wed, 17 Jul 2002 16:52:27
      • Not illegal, but not advised, SaabKen, Thu, 18 Jul 2002 15:04:20
      • I've got a question too. Re: Keeping my fingers crossed, davel, Thu, 18 Jul 2002 13:53:23
  • Thanks, chaps., BillJ, Wed, 17 Jul 2002 05:39:52
  • Re: Any pre-emptive measures on auto transmission, darcyt, Wed, 17 Jul 2002 02:30:31
  • change fluid and Keep It Cool,,,,, KeithR, Wed, 17 Jul 2002 00:14:00
  • pre-emptive measures on auto transmission, Andrew , Tue, 16 Jul 2002 19:54:57
    • I got similar tranny warranty too, SaabKen, Wed, 17 Jul 2002 12:26:02
  • Re: Any pre-emptive measures on auto transmission, tonyg, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 16:50:29
  • A couple thoughts, Robert Kaplan, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 16:07:25
    • Reducing the temperature in the trany is key to wear, Daren, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 22:16:29
      • MolySlip..., Aerogant, Wed, 17 Jul 2002 10:59:08
        • Re: MolySlip..., BillJ, Wed, 17 Jul 2002 16:57:11
          • Point well taken BillJ, and thanks! n/m, Aerogant, Thu, 18 Jul 2002 00:53:58
        • http://www.molyslip.com/AutoCat.html, Daren, Wed, 17 Jul 2002 14:46:16
    • Capacities..., SteveB, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 16:22:51
      • The handbook for the '96 says..., BillJ, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 16:27:50
        • But the reality is..., SteveB, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 16:42:06
          • Thumbing one's nose at the Gods, Robert Kaplan, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 17:00:05
            • We all have to take a stand somewhere :), BillJ, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 17:30:40
            • Never bought the SAAB kit - just speculation..., SteveB, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 17:20:32
  • Re: Any pre-emptive measures on auto transmission, Dick in Falls Church, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 15:37:14
    • Re: Any pre-emptive measures on auto transmission, BillJ, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 16:16:31
      • AMSOIL in UK, Dick in Falls Churchr, Wed, 17 Jul 2002 10:33:04
  • Re: Any pre-emptive measures on auto transmission, Dick in, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 15:32:49
  • Recommendations...FWIW..., SteveB, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 15:23:34 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: Recommendations...FWIW..., BillJ, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 15:57:42
    • Re: Recommendations...FWIW..., BillJ, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 15:54:06
      • Impossible to tell..., SteveB, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 16:17:58
        • I'm just a little paranoid about the auto, BillJ, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 16:41:35
  • Some swear by LUCAS ATF additive. I did not see it, Daren, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 14:54:36
  • Doh! Let me restate that bit..., BillJ, Tue, 16 Jul 2002 14:49:55

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