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Transmission Flush
updated: Oct 21, 2012, 7:20 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

Does anybody have experience, positive or negative, with getting their automatic transmission flushed & fluid replaced in the greater SB area? Back in 2003, there was a very reputable place in Goleta, near the SB Airbus area, but I can't recall the name. Is it still there? I do know to stay away from the Kings of Bait & Switch - Jiffy Lube. Thanks for the input.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 334040P	2012-10-21 07:29 PM
I use Jiffy Lube & I love them! There is one on Carrillo & De La Vina and there used to be on on Hollister & Fairview, not sure if it's still there.
COMMENT 334045	2012-10-21 07:41 PM
Goleta Transmission is an excellent company. The owner is extremely knowledgable and no bs.
COMMENT 334050	2012-10-21 08:05 PM
You do not need your transmission flushed. Read the owners manual. If it's a Toyota it often even says on the dip stick than transmission service is not required. If it's a Chrysler it says that a change in color may only be the dye used to color the fluid is fading and the smell may be normal. That said if the fluid is burned or has particles, it's to late. Flushing the transmission will just be flushing your wallet. O me, Tech for 35+ years. P.S. most new vehicles have no dip stick and can't be checked by the owner. Even though some will say they are different or use different fluid, which may have some truth. It does not mean you need your trans flushed. ---Find a real Mechanic, go there.
COMMENT 334054	2012-10-21 08:09 PM
Drain, replace the filter if applicable (some autos don't even use a filter), refill. A flush, via a machine, is just as likely to introduce more garbage into your transmission from the machine not being cleaned. There is never a reason to "flush" your transmission - don't buy into the snake oil salesman. If your transmission is already giving your problems you'll only be throwing money away by getting it "flushed".
COMMENT 334064	2012-10-21 08:19 PM
Our new Subaru Outback has a CVT so there is no fluid to replace. In fact, there is no scheduled transmission maintenance at all.
COMMENT 334072	2012-10-21 08:33 PM
bens transmission in santa barbara,very honest and knows what he is doing
COMMENT 334080P	2012-10-21 09:04 PM
I second the recommendation for Ben's Transmission. He's a good man with a good reputation.
COMMENT 334100P	2012-10-22 01:12 AM
I believe you are looking for Bruce's Goleta Transmission at 74 Aero Camino, 696-6569. That is the one across from the airport. They are good and they are honest.
REXOFSB	2012-10-22 06:18 AM
You should take the automotive repair course at SBBC. Hey, SOMEONE had to say it.
COMMENT 334113	2012-10-22 06:28 AM
Goelta Transmission; they even told me I could wait for sometime before I really needed a flush, but I went ahead anyway as I was doing a total rehaul of the car.
COMMENT 334114	2012-10-22 06:33 AM
There's an auto shop around the 101 and Garden St. area called 'Under the Hood'. They worked on my VW Passat that had 175,000 miles on it. Once they did the transmission flush; it shifted gears smoothly. They worked on my BMW 540i for years as well and did a great job.
COMMENT 334118	2012-10-22 06:46 AM
064 - your CVT certainly does have fluid. It uses Subaru CVT fluid. It's a "lifetime" fluid if you buy into that, but it certainly can be changed and is recommended to be changed if you drive under hard conditions (eg towing).
COMMENT 334121	2012-10-22 06:55 AM
Going to a transmission shop and asking if your trans needs flushing is like going to a barber and asking if you need a hair cut. It's highly unlikely you need a transmission flush. Reread 3rd post.
COMMENT 334135	2012-10-22 07:34 AM
Double dittos: no flush needed-its just an excuse to get $100 out of your wallet & sometimes does more harm than good. Just drain/change filter/use correct fluid as there are many more types than there used to be. If you have a Honda, you MUST use factory Honda fluid.
COMMENT 334178	2012-10-22 09:10 AM
If you're going to do it...have them drop the pan. It might cost more that way....but at least they can check for debris (metal filings, chunks of whatever...) in there. I assume that part of the reason why you want the flush done is to ascertain the health of the transmission Dropping the pan can be revealing. Be sure they drain the torque converter as well. In any case....it is NOT just a matter of removing a drain plug on the transmission. Doing it that way will not drain all the fluid; not even close.
COMMENT 334187	2012-10-22 09:34 AM
Ben's transmission is the place to go!
COMMENT 334268	2012-10-22 11:20 AM
178 is absolutely right. About half the fluid doesn't even drain when you take the pan off. In most cases, if the old fluid looked acceptable, I'd say a pan drain with new filter should be just fine. If the car has gone a long time (too long) without having had the fluid/filter changed, I would flush it. I recommend C&S, and if you want to do a flush, I believe they have BG treatments available.
COMMENT 334327	2012-10-22 01:10 PM
The shop you are asking about near the SB Air bus is Mahneke Motors, 5737 Thornwood Drive, Goleta, CA 93117. 805-681-0101 Excellent shop with a great reputation. I never recommend C&S
COMMENT 334440P	2012-10-22 05:35 PM
I disagree with a couple of the answers here that say you do not need to have your transmission flushed. Although this was often true with older automatic transmissions, many later model electronic transmissions do require periodic flushes (60,000 miles or so). Many of them also require special fluids, which can be expensive. Check your owner's manual for the interval and stick to that recommendation if you want long life from your transmission. I would take your car to someone who specializes on that make and does not use generic fluid.

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