Peter 2 replied:

I take my auto's to a local auto trans place once a year for a service, they pull the sump off, clean the filter, replace fluid as required. While this doesn't replace all the fluid it does get rid of any crap and also show indications of problems before they cause failure.
The trans shop can do a full flush and change if the vehicle is subject to heavy use like towing if required. Typically costs less than $100.
My old turbo Volvo is well on the way to 400,000k with the original auto which has had no work done on it yet.
The Humvee is only a baby with less than 80k miles and an indestructible T400 auto.

Willem replied:

As far as I know most sump and gearbox/transfercase drain plugs are magnetised to catch any metal filings which may become dislodged inside the boxes and so to prevent them from causing further damage.

Cheers

Darian (SA) replied:

Magnetic plugs are common in most cars - there is always something on them (mostly very fine, and not much) when I change my oils - if there was nothing there ever, your box would never wear out. Re the appearance of gross neglect in your auto box servicing - many dealers are into organised "artful servicing". Its technically fraud in my view- taking your money, for work not done - very common in the industry, if reports here are anything - and I've had first hand experience. If paying forservices, you should spot-check the drain plugs and access points on the underside, to satisfy yourself that there has at least been some activity there - people have been amazed over the years to find undisturbed drain plugs, while havng paid for new oils !

Jodi replied:

Don't know much about Jacks. We drive Hilux however have friends with Jack. They're quite happy with it. Although when there was a problem for them Amberly Autos in Dandenong were fantastic. No affiliation, I've never used them but have heard many good things and had many recommendations to them.

Exploder replied:

(Is this a part of the GM servicing program - the car has been serviced by GM since new?)>

I would say No, A lot of manufactures like to overestimate how good there engineering is and how good the oil is, so on things like auto gear boxes it is common for it to be a no service item unless it is leaking or a problem occurs like in your case, But by that time it is often to late.

I Know Ford for one and am sure Holden GM do it as well, say that the Auto gearboxes do not require a service or fluid change for the life of the car unless a leak is suspected or a problem occurs. What a compete load of rubbish, I did a full fluid flush (12.5 litres) at 120,000k and the Transmission fluid was brown.

Yeah you will feel it going, things like not changing up gears or slipping< Clunky changers Etc but once this occurs it can take a year or a week to pack in, it’s anyone’s guess.

Member - Jeff M (WA) replied:

My mates 3.5L auto Jack was a bit rough in the gears so he took it to a reputable auto tranny place for a service. They took the cover off and showed him all these filing on the magnet telling him doom and gloom and how expensive "these things are" and that it's on the way out.

Maybe, but he done over 20k since and since they changed the oil (probally the 1st one it had in it's life at 175k!!) it's been good as gold. Smooth and the rest.

I reckon if you were to stick a magnet in ANY gearbox oil that had been in there for 175k without being changed you'd have a few filings on there....

Sparkiepete replied:

When I bought my Jackaroo with 220.000K on the clock the first thing I did was change all the oils in the drivetrain.
Now mine a manual so it wont be your problem but I noticed when I changed the rear diff oil some significant pieces of metal came out with the oil change.
Panicking a little thinking i had bought a lemon I enquired about a rebuild for my diff. Having blown most of my money on the purchase a rebuild was out of the question.

So I thought stuff it, if it fails I will worry about it then. 260.000k on the clock and still going strong.

I don't think a few shavings are going to matter as I cannot recall to many people talking about failed gearboxes and the like in Jackaroos in general.

Keep up the servicing and it will probably run for a long time. If you are worried try to find forums on Jackaroos and see if other poeple have had this problem.

Regards
Sparkiepete