Car Doctor: How often should transmission fluid be flushed? | Car Doctor
Q: Should the transmission fluid be flushed every once in a while, or if nothing is wrong, just leave it alone? The car in question is a 2002 Honda Accord, and the transmission seems fine, but I would like to keep it that way.
A: Honda recommends changing the transmission fluid at 120,000 miles and — for most drivers — that would be about 10 years.
Some technicians believe that flushing or even a drain and refill of a transmission that hasn’t been serviced in 20 years could cause some problems. Transmissions will build up with a varnish over time, and the new fluid can act like a cleaner and wash away the varnish and cause issues with the transmission valve body.
Years back, I had someone from Pennzoil on my radio program and was asked the same question about changing fluid on high-mileage cars. His response was that automatic transmission service should not be performed on any vehicle that has not had its automatic transmission serviced within the last 60,000 miles.
If the transmission is shifting smoothly and the fluid looks 100% perfect, then change it, but chances are it doesn’t look perfect. If this were my car, I'd say the old fluid might be the best fluid.
Q: My sound system works for a CD or Sirius satellite radio, but not regular radio. I’ve tried every Google hack to no avail. Sometimes the radio will suddenly go on, then, in less than one minute, it goes out. I am not buying Sirius. What is wrong?
A: Since the SXM works and the CD player works, it is possible there is an issue with the AM/FM antenna. The satellite radio uses its own “shark-fin”-style antenna.
The first place to check is the antenna connection. If the connection looks OK or a test antenna doesn’t fix the issue, the radio will need to come out and be repaired or replaced. If that is the case, the factory radio or an aftermarket radio could be installed.
An aftermarket radio may get you some additional features in your car that you don’t have now. I had a similar issue with a 12-year-old Volkswagen — the AM/FM radio didn’t work, and the issue was the antenna. Unfortunately, the antenna was incorporated into the windshield, which would have made a repair quite costly. I called SXM satellite and, after a bit of back and forth, I got SXM radio for $5 per month, far cheaper than replacing the windshield.
Q: My low tire pressure light comes on about once a month. I add air to all four tires — some take more than others — and the car drives fine until the light comes on again. Can I continue living like this, or should I consider new tires?
A: Certainly, you can continue this way forever, but the best thing would be to find the source of the leaks. More than likely, the seal at the wheel/tire has rust and corrosion and is causing the leak. A tire store can usually clean up the rims and use a sealer to make the repair semi-permanent.
Even good tires and wheels will lose a pound or two every month, but typically, when the low tire light comes on, the tires are usually underinflated by 5 to 7 pounds. Depending on the condition of the tires and the mileage on the car, and knowing winter is on its way, four new tires might make sense, too.
Q: I have a 2022 Honda Civic. I generally drive by myself and don’t think I have opened the trunk twice in all these months. I just found out the trunk has been filling with water, and even the back seat was damp. Now the car smells like mildew. Do you have any remedy or suggestions?
A: Return to the dealer as soon as possible and have the car tested for a water leak. Any wet carpet should be removed and any padding replaced.
If there is mold or mildew in the car, washing it down with a bleach mixture should remedy the stinky situation.
Depending on the amount and type of mold, the dealer working with Honda may suggest replacing the car.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: How often should transmission fluid be flushed? | Car Doctor
