Consumer Reports on Tranbsmission Fluid Changes

[njpcyclist]

I'm about to do a transmission fluid and filter change on my '00 A6 Avant at 158,000miles. Then I read this on Page 55 of the March 2016 issue of Consumers Report , just delivered. Quote:

"The Transmission Flush: If you follow the recommended maintenance intervals, doing a scheduled flush is fine. But don't start doing flushes if you've ignored the intervals. The grime and gunk that collects in unchanged fluid becomes the friction material in an aging clutch pack. Replacing the fluid may cause the transmission to fail"

Yikes.
I guess the key is they qualify their statement by saying a fluid change is only detrimental if you've previously ignored fluid changes.
But this still goes against everything I have read from experts on the topic. I.e. Kansas City TDI (CoolAir VW) who has always been a big proponent of fluid changes.
I guess the debate continues.

[rollerton]

Change the fluid: YES!
"Flush" the transmission : NO.
Use an OEM grade synthetic trans fluid, I used Amsoil I think. You won't damage anything by putting new fluid in, it's the "flushing" the trans part that's kind of sketchy and not recommended.

[AllroadMass]

Drained and filled mine 3 times already and everything is fine.

[njpcyclist]

Drained and filled mine 3 times already and everything is fine.

Agreed.
What I did not not mention is I have drained & refilled, and changed filer 3 times in 158,000 miles. Last fluid change was 22,000 miles and 2 years ago.
The first time I had the fluid changed it was done by a local ATRA Transmission shop.
They recommended 20,000miles, 2 years. To keep the fluid as clean as possible.
Granted, they wanted me to keep coming back.
And they also charged 4 times what it costs to do it yourself...
Thanks for input.

[AllroadMass]

Last time I did mine, I think it cost a little over $100 for filter, gasket, and fluids for a P
assat 4motion. Got my kit from Blauparts. I usually do it the same time I do my diffs which is around 30k miles. Haven't done my Allroad yet...