alm70

I checked tonight and the transmission pan is not dented. The fluid was dark at the 90K maintenance, but definitely is not dark now. If I understand right, the trans filter is under that pan in my car? From what I've read the easier spin-on kind started in 99? I'm debabting whether to tackle this myself or not....

Thanks for the tip SuBrat. Yes I'm the only one who drives the car. I'll give your idea a try. Sounds like one of the easier possible fixes I've come across.

could you maybe explain a little more please grossgary?

I have a 1997 Subaru 2.5 GT with 93K. I have had the car since 50K and have had all the schedule maintenance done. At around 90K I noticed the shifting of the car becoming rough. It is an automatic, but as I come up to a stop and start slowing down, it shifts gears rough. Does the same thing taking starting off. At 90K the trans fluid was replaced and the mechanic made a comment about the dark fluid. (keep in mind it was also replaced at the 60K maintenance) Once replaced @ 90K, it ran much smoother until recently. I'm not a mechanic, but slightly mechanicly inclinded and was wondering what I can be looking at to correct my problem? All I've done so far is check the trans. fluid which looks good. I also checked the level (I think the right way) and the level looks good. I did a quick search in here to see if anyone else has had a similar problem, and I found posts about a transmission oil filter? Another factor that might be helpful to know is I only drive the car about 4K each year. And even that is stop and go traffic. Never really get it out on the highway. Sorry for the long post, but I was trying to give as mush info as I can. Thanks in advance for any suggestions to check.