i believe there is a check valve somewhere in the hot line going into the trans heat exchanger

So I dropped the pan today and removed the GPS to inspect it. I noticed just a tiny bit of gunk on the screen part. I'm ordering a new one along with the pressure sensor to be on the safe side. BUT one thing I did notice was alot of fur and sludge on the magenet inside the pan. No chunks or small parts just alot of fur. Also, the fluid didn't look burnt when I checked the level but when I drained it from the pan it was a little darker than I'd like to see and I could see very small metal reflections on the filter... perhaps restricting flow??

So this is my question - if I replace the GPS and sensor and trans filter and fluid, what are the chances of the trans being ok?

Thanks,
Mikey

UPDATE: FIXED
 

Thanks again to all for your input.

So after draining the trans fluid I put the pan back up with a couple bolts while I waited for the GPS and sensor. When I dropped the pan again to install the parts, there were about 3 more qts that had drained. I did notice a small amount of some very very small metal shavings at the bottom of the pan - from my older transmission days, I seem to remember that this is normal due to the steels in the clutch packs wearing normally (I hope). So I changed the filter, removed the governor "block" thingie and replaced the solenoid and sensor, cleaned the magnate and pan, bolted it all back togheter (and stripped one of the pan bolts ) and filled with 7 qts ATF+4. Fired it up, warmed the engine for a bit, shifted through all gears and had to add 2 more qts for a total of 9. Pulled out of the driveway and immediately noticed crisper shifts and no more issues; drives like normal. Brought it up to operating temp and still shifted fine. I ran up and down the freeway, lightly through town and got on it pretty hard at times to try to notice any abnormalities but there didn't seem to be any. So then, the true test: I hitched up our 10k lb fiver and dragged that thing up and down the highway and no issues.

So I think I'm good. We have a big trip coming up next weekend so I will continue to say my prayers and keep my fingers crossed that all will go well.

Mikey.

Glad you got it fixed.You will be ok for the trip.:tu: