Hi Just found this forum. Yesterday my car with 200k miles all of a sudden had driving issues. takes about 1500- 2000 rpm to get going. Sometimes and a clonk rear end sound and a sling shot feeling effect. I tried putting it in to manual and sometimes it won't change from automatic to manual until I turn off the car and restart it. Also the A/T checking light comes on when I start it then goes off in a few seconds. Kinda seems like 1 st gear is blown. I brought it to the shop and the fluid is absolutely black. Honestly can't remember if I ever changed the fluid (maybe once). I do remember about 4 years ago the mechanic saying since I missed the scheduled change then don't change it. The fluid level is full. Mechanics say the transmission needs to be replaced $2850. Should have checked the viscosity of the fluid.Your guys thoughts? Anyone feel that changing the oil may solve the issue?

If its black, the damage is already done. Its black because something got way too hot, and burned the clutches up.

200k isn't bad for a factory transmission though. $2850 must be for a replacement with a rebuilt unit. Sometimes you can save some coin by going with a used unit from a junkyard (like someone that crashed their car with only 80k on it or something).

Thanks for the reply, The interesting thing I find is that when I let the car sit for example I didn't drive it for a day then go to drive it, it runs fine. However I only drove it a short distance not enough for it to heat up. I'm wondering if a fluid change would make a difference.

It might buy you some time, but you'd be rolling the dice.

Yeah, decided to drop the $2850 and get it rebuilt. So i'll be looking to hit 300,000 miles unless I trade it in this year.