Should I do a Transmission Flush?

Jesse Asked
The workers at Jiffy Lube suggested that my '95 Grand Caravan (193,000 miles) needs a transmission flush. I've heard both good and bad about these. What exactly is involved in a "flush" and would you recommend it?

Leon (Transmision Exchange) Replied
I would need to know more before you could give you the best answer. If all they do is disconnect a cooler line and hook up a machine and pump out the old fluid and pump in new fluid, then no. The problem with this is that it doesn't change the transmission filter which is probably partially plugged already. The new fluid, which is highly detergent, loosens up the old debris in the transmission and then it gets sucked into the filter and plugs it off and burns up the transmission. If that is the original transmission with 195,000 miles it just might hasten it's failure. Pulling the pan and cleaning it out and changeing the filter and the fluid is the safest proceedure. It is also wise to cut the filter apart and inspect the inside of it and the pan and magnet, this will be helpful in understanding the condition of your transmission.