Transmission Type - 91 DX V6

[just2day]

I have a slipping '91 DX v6 transmission and want to install a filter kit to see if this is the problem before making the next $$ decison. Is there a plate or tag that will tell me which transmission is installed. NAPA has two kits listed: 540 and 140. I figured I'd just print pictures of the gaskets from NAPA and try to see based on shape of the pan which tranny it is unless someone has a simpler idea.

The transmission starts out OK but with in minutes of starting, it slips to the point where it won't move in any gear. I can let it cool down and get a little grab but not for long. I let everyone know if changing the filter/fluid helps. I can't imagine paying for a new or rebuilt transmission for a car with 230000 miles - even if my wife does love it still. Also, I hate to buy her another car - she is good about destroying them and this one has lasted the longest - four years since it replaced the 3rd totalled van.

Thanks, B
Ben in Charlotte

[atobe]

the V6 use 540 and the I4 uses 140

[just2day]

You're the man! I post the results of putting in the 540 filter kit - hopefully this Saturday.

[just2day]

The filter kit did the trick; all the slip is gone. Boy, was the trans fluid thick and black. There was a lot of fine metal in the pan and on the three pan magnets. I cleaned the pan and the magnets completely before putting it back together.

Additionally, due to some previous miscommunication, I had "injured" the mass air flow sensor internals. I replaced this too and the car now runs better than ever. So, with a little over 225000 miles, maybe we can make 275000 plus before the next major event - hope so, since I've two other aged cars that want their time too. Think I may change their AT filers too.

[TBayToyotaBoy]

You sound like me: lots of older cars, all demanding attention. If they weren't so frickin' bullet-proof I wouldn't bother with all the suspension and body work b.s.

[lexusmech]

Now that the trans is still holding together (many trans's that have old nasty fluid showing signs of failure often fail soon after the fluid is changed), you might want to flush all of the fluid in the trans. You only changed about 3-4 qts of about 9qts of fluid. It's not that difficult to do at home.

Buy a case of appropriate fluid. Find the trans cooler hose that goes to the radiator and disconnect. Add another piece of hose to the radiator where you just diconnected and run both loose ends into large container (i.e. 2 gallon container should do it). You may need the car on ramps to do this, and may have to secure the hoses if you're doing this by yourself so they don't get loose and make a mess. Start the car and let the fluid drain. As soon the fluid stops coming out stop the car and refill to spec (3-4 qts i imagine). Repeat. When the fluid is clean..you're good. Be sure to fill to spec when you're done.