I agree that inspecting the pan is a good thing, but it's a step skipped by
many of the less-ethical shops that use flushing machines. If they don't
drop the pan, they can't change the filter either. I've heard quick-lube
guys more than once assure a customer that the flushing cleans everything
out and a filter change is just an unnecessary expense. Rrrrriiiiight...
Karl
-----Original Message-----
From: Randall
Subject: Re: [Shop-talk] Auto xmission fluid change
> I've always wondered why manufacturers don't put drain plugs in
> transmission pans.
I've heard several justifications for that; the one that seems most likely
to me is that changing transmission fluid is a rare enough occurrence that
it isn't worth the extra cost and complexity of a drain plug plus an
external oil filter (so the filter can be changed without dropping the pan).
But it's also a Good Thing IMO to wipe out the bottom of the pan, to both
remove dirt and to see any evidence of impending failure.
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