Damn it... keep forgetting where I put that sarcasm font.
Posts: 4,808
My VIN: 3937
Damn it... keep forgetting where I put that sarcasm font.
Sept. 81, auto, black interior
Location: Reisterstown, MD
Posts: 100
My VIN: 2412
Club(s): (DMA)
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 8,581
My VIN: 10757 1st place Concourse 1998
It is still necessary to cut the filter open to see how much debris is actually inside. I agree it is better to replace than clean but for a long time filters were not available. If there is enough debris inside to plug the filter up there probably is not a lot of life left in the friction discs and a rebuild will be necessary sometime soon. A plugged filter is another after-effect of a bad shift computer or very high mileage. Like the clutch in a 5 speed the friction plates in an automatic transmission wear when you shift. When enough friction materiel comes off the plates will start slipping. A plugged filter lowers the internal line pressure so the plates aren't held together tight enough and that causes slipping and excessive plate wear. The excessive plate wear creates more friction materiel and that just plugs the filter up more. That is why it is important to open the filter and see how much friction materiel is shed and how much metal. Bottom line a plugged filter is not a cause, it is a symptom. If you only fix the symptom you will just get it back again if you do not fix the cause (unless it is just a lot of mileage). The magnet is supposed to sit in the pan on that round bump. If it was not in it's correct position it means you were not the first one inside. Recheck the fluid level after a few miles as per the procedure in the manual. Don't forget to also check the final drive too.
Last edited by David T; 11-15-2018 at 09:52 AM.
David Teitelbaum
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 8,581
My VIN: 10757 1st place Concourse 1998
Ans YES, Jonathon, you did mention the trans filter first. Congratulations. I am happy to see that others are getting good at diagnosing problems too. I will not be here forever so it is good to see that others are getting good at this. Especially the automatic transmission. To many it is a mysterious wet box that when it breaks, costs a lot to fix.
David Teitelbaum
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 2,405
My VIN: 01049
Do you need a hug, Dave? 'Cause you seem like you could use a hug.
-Mike
My engine twists my frame.
1981 DeLorean, Carb LS4 swap completed
1999 Corvette, cam/headers/intake manifold, 400 rwhp
2005 Elise, stock
2016 Chevy Cruze