Got transmission clunk? Check your ATF...

[Vyrus]

Last week I noticed some unusual stains on my driveway, wasn't sure if they were from the Titan or our X5. Well I dropped it off for an oil change last night, and this morning he called and told me that my transmission drain bolt was leaking. They replaced it and topped off fluid (it was low). That bolt has not been touched since I bought the vehicle to my understanding, so it has probably lost a substantial amount of fluid (as obvious my our driveway also!).

Funny thing is, the transmission gauge on my Tow Package didn't show any overheating at all. In fact I noticed it was taking longer to get to operating temp than normal, but I just attributed this to my being easier on the gas pedal (which is true).

Anyways the first thing I noticed when I got in the truck was that the clunk I had from P-R-D was drastically decreased. Good news! Before it was almost embarassing to switch gears since it made such a big jolt, but now it's much more timid as I would expect (still no Lexus but I'm not expecting that from a truck).

On another note but also good news, driving 69-70 mph (about 1.9-1.95k RPM in 5th) I was able to get that famed 18mpg highway! And it was even on a winter mix - just goes to show ya that cruise control can work some serous wonders!

Bad news is that the oil change ran me $81! And it's only Valvoline SynPower! I would do it myself but I like having an official record of oil changes for any future owner (though I doubt I'd ever sell the truck). I know that when I was shopping for a used vehicle that was important to me.

Just thought I'd share my happiness.
-Cyrus

[mtofell]

That's good info... My level has always been fine and I always keep an eye on the driveway where I park. My tranny has always had an occaisional clunk when downshifting from 3 to 2. Of course, I can't demonstrate it for the dealer so they won't do anything about it. It used to really bum me out because it's a pretty violent clunk... but I just got a free 'Bronze' service package that covers the tranny up to 100K as long as I do the recommended fluid changes. I almost hope the thing falls out of the truck sometime so I can get a new one. In reality, I will probably trade it in for a new one before 100K anyway.