thisiskevin23

Thanks for the input everyone, it seems like the consensus is that I should get the transmission fluid flushed and replaced, along with a reflash/software update of the tcm. I will be getting this done at the dealer in the next couple of weeks, will update here when I get it done.

chrisone

differentials and transfer case should be done too while you doing transmission oil flush.
why did you decide on full flush vs oil ,filter, pan gasket change?

thisiskevin23

chrisone, I was under the impression that a flush should be done when changing the transmission oil? What would the difference be between flushing out all of the old fluid vs just changing it? thanks for the input!

raj99

flushing it would require you to use more than the 9qts that the tranny actually holds, since you are removing all existing tranny fluid and refilling it with new fluid.

Changing it means you drop the pan and remove the 5 quarts of fluid that come out and replace that 5 quarts. Since the remaining 4 qts will be in various parts of the tranny that simply wont' come out when the pan is dropped.

Obviously a flush will be more expensive, since you will actually be using more tranny fluid.

chrisone

couldn't be better explained

thisiskevin23

Thanks for the clarification raj99, so in my case would it be more beneficial to just change the fluid?

raj99

you really are asking us to guess and advise you. I think a change would be the minimum you should be doing, but none of us, other than you, have first hand experience with the vehicle. The dealer/indy where you get the work done will also have some insight as to what's best. If it were me, and I was experiencing the issue you've described, try to get new fluid in there sooner vs. later and do the filter change as well. Good luck and hopefully it'll solve your issue.

thisiskevin23

Also,after another week of observation I can confirm that the problem only occurs when the engine is warmed up, car downshifts fine when started cold in the morning for a few minutes until it gets to normal temperature. This leads me to believe even more that it is the tranny fluid causing problems

thisiskevin23

went to the dealership and requested a tranny fluid/filter change, and they ended up flushing it for me and only charged me for 6 qts along with the adaption. got the car back yesterday, and so far so good, downshifts are definitely much less pronounced and it is a lot smoother. knocking on wood that it stays that way haha