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BillEveleth · 06-24-2021, 02:30 PM

I have a 2003 Newmar Scottsdale (33') with an 8.1 GM engine and an Allison 1000 transmission, (34,000 miles). I was 250 miles away from home last weekend, stopped to get some gas, had to go up a small hill in the parking lot to get back onto the road. Stopped, gave it some gas to get up the hill and on the road. The transmission wasn't initially engaged, (it was in D), it suddenly lurched into gear (didn't make a grinding sound, more of a thud). I let off the gas, it slipped out of gear and I carefully let it roll back down the little hill. Put it in P, let it sit for a minute, put it back in D to go out another entrance (no hill). Transmission slipped a bit but got me out. The expressway was 2 miles away and I decided to get that far and decide to head N to a town with a repair shop or head home. I headed home; 250 miles, not another problem. Stopped about 50 miles into the trip and checked the transmission fluid (full, no smell, looked fine). I really don't want to get stuck on the road and I'm not sure I trust taking it to a mechanic (I can just hear it: "Sir, this transmission is shot, put a new one in for only $8,000"). BTW, I've put 7,000 miles on the RV, no problems with the engine or drive train. Any thoughts?

Arch Hoagland · 06-24-2021, 02:55 PM

That year transmission came with Dexron iii fluid and required changing every two years or 25,000 miles, which ever came first. You should have had several changes by now.

The spin-on filter was supposed to have been changed after the first 5,000 miles.

I've changed mine myself many times and the last time I switched to Transynd TES 295 fluid.

It has to be drained, refilled and driven about 20 miles, then drained and refilled again. That's because the torque converter holds about two quarts that doesnt drain out.

NEVER do a power flush.

So do you know if the fluid has ever been changed?

BillEveleth · 06-25-2021, 06:01 AM

Thanks Arch. Yes, I changed the filters and fluid last fall. Someone suggested an electrical plug attached at the passenger side back if the transmission might have gotten some moisture in it (either water or oil). He said it sounded electrical, not mechanical to him. I'll check it out and report back.

SmilingSam · 06-30-2021, 03:40 AM

you may want to check the elec connection to the trans tcm computer, it seems to be a problem in pickup trucks, not so much for mh so it may be fine, (pickups i think it is weather more?).

but checking elec is much easier and cheaper than a service call !! hook up a good obdII reader that can read trans info and look for codes.

GL