Trans Service Question
Trans Service Question I have just under 40k on my trans. It is completely stock. I think last night I noticed the tq convertor starting to do the lock/unlock thing. Do I change the fluid or ride it out?
I know changing the fluid isn't going to fix it. I am a firm believer in these transmissions are going to break it is only a matter of time. So the real question is, is it worth the money to spend on the fluid change?
Thanks,
John
I know changing the fluid isn't going to fix it. I am a firm believer in these transmissions are going to break it is only a matter of time. So the real question is, is it worth the money to spend on the fluid change?
Thanks,
John
Did you buy it new or used? Have you changed it before? If you bought it new and haven't changed it, then YES you should change the tranny fluid. If you bought it used, I would check the color of the fluid and that will tell you if you need to change it or not. Would you not change your oil if it was way past due and looking dark as hell? It's just like doing an oil change but you don't need to do it as frequently. It's absolutely worth it to do the fluid, especially if it's the original fluid. Yeah these transmissions are a weak point, but don't just ignore the maintenance you should be doing to help make it last.
I change my fluid every 25-30k miles. Don't do a flush though, just drop the pan and let it drain out. Need about 8 quarts of Dex VI and a new filter. You should install a tranny cooler as well.
I change my fluid every 25-30k miles. Don't do a flush though, just drop the pan and let it drain out. Need about 8 quarts of Dex VI and a new filter. You should install a tranny cooler as well.
I dont consider it ignoring. When I change the oil it has no negative consequences. There are people who change their trans fluid an it is worse after. I do not want to change it be worse off and have wasted the money and time on changing it. It is barely showing sign of the tc unlock/lock issue an I drive less than 9k a year, mostly city. I have owned the car since new and never changed the fluid. I was planning to do it at 50k. Half the recommended interval in te manual.
Thanks.
Thanks.
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 142
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From: IOWA 50450
i think the only time i have ever heard of anyone having more problems after changing the fluid is when they flush it. when dropping the pan you are not flushing the system and possibly causing "junk" to move elsewhere inside the transmission, so i would suggest drop pan and change the filter. very easy to do just kinda pricy on the dex fluid at almost 8 qts.
I have heard flushing is an issue. Problem is flushing the trans is something people use interchangeably for just draining the trans and that probably leads to the confusion.
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by EmersonHart13; Dec 20, 2011 at 01:52 PM.
Yeah I understand your concern about making it worse but I can assure you that if you just do the fluid swap, you will be fine. You don't risk pushing around any metal shavings/chunks if you just swap the fluid (if there's any at all). I would still check the fluid and if it's dark I personally wouldn't wait til 50k. Better safe than sorry, ya know? I first changed my fluid at 54k miles(bought it at that) and it was DARK and thankfully there was no schrapnel in the pan. My shifts seemed to be a little quicker/smoother after too. It wouldn't be too expensive if you do it yourself, just need to pay for the fluid and filter and a beer or two lol.
Hi John,
I got your message over on GMLS4...You should drop the pan and do a fluid change, but I suspect that you're going to find bits of torque converter clutch material in it. This is exactly what mine did when it died the first time. You might be able to buy yourself some miles with a fluid change, but the damage is already done. The TCC is wasted and the resulting material is now flowing through the trans which is damaging the clutches.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
I got your message over on GMLS4...You should drop the pan and do a fluid change, but I suspect that you're going to find bits of torque converter clutch material in it. This is exactly what mine did when it died the first time. You might be able to buy yourself some miles with a fluid change, but the damage is already done. The TCC is wasted and the resulting material is now flowing through the trans which is damaging the clutches.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
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Launching!
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: green bay
idk if it was luck or if it worked but in my 1998 bonneville SSE! i had 198,XXX miles and it started slipping between 1st and 2nd i draind the pan changed filter installed pan and i used lucas stop slit / aditive and toped with atf and it stoped slipping i drove it another year till i totaled the car hitting a deer so idk if it was luck or if it worked anny one els ever try lucass?
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From: CT
my tranny lasted til 98,xxx miles... and I didn't baby it... I get on it whenever I have enough room in front of me....
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06MonteSS / DiabLew Tune
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06MonteSS / DiabLew Tune
2014 Camaro 2SS/RS - LS3, 6-speed manual, short-throw performance shifter, NPP dual-mode performance exhaust, 1LE front splitter, ZL1 rockers, Z28 Rear Spoiler, all paint-matched Red Rock Metallic, BMR strut tower brace, Cold Air Inductions cold air intake, Apex Motorsports, Inc. catch-can, Custom DiabLew Tune
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: CT
I drive about 50/50 to 60/40 town/highway...
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06MonteSS / DiabLew Tune
2014 Camaro 2SS/RS - LS3, 6-speed manual, short-throw performance shifter, NPP dual-mode performance exhaust, 1LE front splitter, ZL1 rockers, Z28 Rear Spoiler, all paint-matched Red Rock Metallic, BMR strut tower brace, Cold Air Inductions cold air intake, Apex Motorsports, Inc. catch-can, Custom DiabLew Tune
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06MonteSS / DiabLew Tune
2014 Camaro 2SS/RS - LS3, 6-speed manual, short-throw performance shifter, NPP dual-mode performance exhaust, 1LE front splitter, ZL1 rockers, Z28 Rear Spoiler, all paint-matched Red Rock Metallic, BMR strut tower brace, Cold Air Inductions cold air intake, Apex Motorsports, Inc. catch-can, Custom DiabLew Tune
www.diablewtune.com -- www.diablocustomtune.com -- www.diablocustomtunegm.com
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Dolla$ , TX
**** changing the fluid im going to drive mine till the thing starts spewing or dosnt move in any direction anymore. f that transmission I've treated mine so bad but it still keeps moving i drive in low gears all the time banging them n **** and it works as if i ts new still. I had so many problems with my first monte carlo that i decided i woudn't baby this one because i babyed my last one and still had tons of issues "8 transmission repairs" and so far its running great. One day i will be posting on here asking who does great rebuilds in the DFW! lol
Ours is 99% highway, but it didn't matter.
We have 44,000 on the TEP-fortified rebuild with no problems (knocking wood) and are hoping to get it to 100,000, which would mean 187,000 on the car. If all goes well, that will be sometime in mid 2013, at which time we will rid ourselves of this costly mistake!
My car is paid off in July. I could unload it now and move on. Or I could spend 2k and have a trans that won't break again and drive the car until 200k... Decisions Decisions. It is a black 06 with 40k miles and all options. I'd be lucky to get 12k for it, most likely get 10. To me that doesn't add up. The car is worth more to me even if I have to put 2k into a trans.
I could be looking at this the wrong way though. I might be better off walking away. I always say I should have bought a Bonneille SSEI...
I could be looking at this the wrong way though. I might be better off walking away. I always say I should have bought a Bonneille SSEI...
Last edited by EmersonHart13; Dec 22, 2011 at 01:44 PM.