'03 9-5 lpt and tranny "flaring"

[jsmith]

2003 9-5 lnr auto with approx 29k on it. i started noticing this slippage or "flaring", which i think is the correct term, when i shift manually and step on the gas from a start. it usually happens in the 2-3 shift where the revs spin up like you stepped on a clutch on a manual tranny. when that happens i automatically release the gas pedal and it catches. it doesn't do it when i'm not lead-footing it. i think it's also done some funny shifts in full auto when i put the pedal to the floor. i have not done any more "diagnostic tests" for fear of aggravating the situation.

so anyhow i read all the posts describing similar maladies and checked my ATF. it's reddish brown and i guess i'll go through the 12 quarts of mobil 3309 that i just ordered and hope that takes care of it. i'll throw in some duralube as well since i have good experience with that.

does anyone have the reference for the software reprogramming procedure that addresses this? any other input would be most appreciated.

[MI-Roger]

The drain and refill process (3-4 quarts) has eliminated strange tranny operation a couple of times in my 2000 9-5. I would not add anything other than the proper tranny fluid though.

[jsmith]

Well, I did the drain and fill this morning. When I drained out the fluid it was much more brown than red. I also noticed that the drainplug was magnetic and had a little bit of metallic gunk which I rinsed out. After I filled it with 3.5 bottles of the m-3309 ATF, I took it out for a spin. On the highway I did the 2-3 manual shift at around 4k rpm which is were I had seen the flaring problem. It slipped a bit and I backed off the throttle. It didn't seem as bad as before so I tried it again and what would you know, it didn't do it! Tried it again and it definitely was gone. Got home and drained for the second time. It looked red and clean (and very hot). I refilled and now my wife is driving around in it.

Should I do #3 or wait until my next oil change? I have a couple of longer drives this week totaling around 600 miles or so. I might do it before we go, but wanted to see what everyone else thinks.

[toxicavenger]

i would change the fluid one more time so you won't have to do it at a later date. also if there is a issue with manually shift the car then just leave it in drive and that way you don't have worry about the issue of how it is shifting.

[jsmith]

i have been using full auto because of the problem. i do the manual shifting mainly since i have the paddle shifters which are convenient on the highway. i had noticed the problem when pulling away from toll booths where i have e little fun now and then. the paddle shifters are not responsive enough for use with "serious" driving but i do find some use for them. i'll do the 3rd drain and fill now since i have some free time...

ps. this has to be the easiest fluid change of any kind i have ever done on a car!