Maintenance

[jmb10124]

I have been thinking about maintenance on my TC I know some people say if there is older transmission fluid in a vehicle to not change it because it will wreck the transmission. Coolant service I’m for sure gonna do. Any other ideas? Any thoughts? 

[Hemi Dude]

5 minutes ago, jmb10124 said:

I have been thinking about maintenance on my TC I know some people say if there is older transmission fluid in a vehicle to not change it because it will wreck the transmission. Coolant service I’m for sure gonna do. Any other ideas? Any thoughts? 

After 30 years, I hope the cooling system has been serviced at least 6 or 7 times prior.  You need to be sure to flush out all the coolant, both radiator and engine block and heater .

My question to you is, Year model and which engine? How does it look beneath the radiator cap, in the radiator neck? Do you see rust?  

Changing the transmission fluid does NOT hurt the transmission unless you put in the wrong transmission fluid. Therefore the question, Year model and what engine do you have?

[jmb10124]

It’s a 1989 with the turbo engine I haven’t looked at the radiator or cap yet 

[Hemi Dude]

OK, I have to guess that it has the 3 speed automatic transaxle. Are you doing the work yourself? DON'T BE BASHFUL about writing a little more. Many of us have been doing this kind of work for decades. The car must be new to you and we need to know as much about the car as we can so we have a better idea of what sort of reply and advice to give you.

So tell us, the mileage, the last 4 numbers in the VIN, the basic condition you find the car in. I'll be checking in again in the morning.

What time zone are you in? I'm in the Mountain time zone.

[jmb10124]

Yeah it’s been in my family for awhile and I will be having a dealer work on it since I work at one. Just wanted to see what other owners think. Last 4 is 3037 the vehicle is in good condition it has under 30,000 miles don’t know for sure because odometer doesn’t work. I checked our records it looks like transmission fluid hasn’t been changed. And coolant service has been awhile. 

[Reaper1]

Band adjustment, filter/fluid change on the transmission.

Coolant flush

Brake fluid flush

 

[Hemi Dude]

I suspect that you have the owner's manual for this car since you got it from a family member. I suggest that you follow it and do all the recommended maintenance procedures.

The most important thing is the ABS brake system, you need to have it thoroughly flushed and use only DOT-3 brake fluid. Also, the ACCUMULATOR needs to be replaced, they are good for around ten years and your's has probably never been changed. Another thing would be the cooling system, WATER will continually be eating away at metal, both cast iron and especially aluminum. Although I attempt to keep my cooling system clean, I still ended up with a major cylinder head, corrosion failure. My car has a LOT of miles on it and it has the same cylinder head as you engine has.  So, get the cooling system flushed as thoroughly as possible and then add 50/50 mix of Antifreeze coolant and preferably bottled water.

This is what happens. That corrosion of the cylinder head caused head gasket leakage in that spot and the need for a rather involved repair.

As for the transmission, a filter and fluid replacement is all I would suggest. Use the latest ATF+4 transmission fluid.

If you want the odometer repaired, I can do that. Just let me know. 

[jmb10124]

Thanks for the help I ended up just doing a coolant service on it. Next thing I just need to see why the radio doesn't work. I think mice decided to do something with it.