BLKWS.6

2001 and it has 75K miles, I dont know if the fluid was ever changed or not. Probably not since GM says it doesnt ever need to be. SHould I change the tranny fluide, or is this like a 4L60E where the new fluid would eat my syncros up since they are used to the old fluid and all?

If I SHOULD change it, what should I put in there? (I would prefer factory spec stuff, not synthetic). GM Mercon III?

Hawk108

iTrader: (1)

TTT i am kinda wondering the same question except i had about 45k miles when i got it

BrandonDrecksage

iTrader: (1)

Mines got 90k on it now and is still running strong wihtout being changed. My thoughts on it, you would probably need a rebuild before the fluids need to be changed. I could be completely wrong about that, so don't take it as advice. I knwo when i drop my motor(if the tranny last that long, no reason to think it won't) to get it forged, i'll be sending my tranny away for a overhaul too.

BLKWS.6

Bump...should I put some synthetic in there or is this a nono with that many miles and all? Help, the weekend approaches...

rollinna65

iTrader: (18)

Yes you should change your fluid. Its such an easy task there's no reason not to do it. Just pull the plug on the passenger side to drain it, then fill it up on the drivers side. It'll probably take you 10 minutes. Next time I do it I'm going to try the Honda ATF that I keep hearing about, its supposed to make the shifts a lot smoother.

SUCK MY SS

iTrader: (14)

why do you have to use ATF in the t56?

rollinna65

iTrader: (18)

Cause thats what the manufacturer says to use.

SUCK MY SS

iTrader: (14)

obviously...but what about the t56 requires it to use the thinner oil?

SladeX

It's a performance transmission, it's built around the idea of using ATF fluid. No real need to question that part.

As far as changing it goes, yes change it.

I got my car with around 55k on it and I swear the fluid that came out was probably the stock fluid. There's no filters or anything in the T56, just magnets on the side case so when that stuff gets contaminated with bits and pieces it really does. I'd call it T56 ATF Fluid Red Metallic if it were a paint color cause that's how it looked in the pan...

Thatdamtransam

I changed my fluid around 75k because I was worried about metal floating around from some bad shifts. When I pull the fluid out it look absolutely fine. ATF is made to withstand heat and there is not much heat developed in the manuals, so it really doesn't break down. As for question about why these transmission use ATF: this is most likely a question of fuel economy. These cars were built with a skip shift just to eliminate a gas tax, and any little bit you can do (such as putting in thinner fluild) will help it skip through EPA scrutiny.

BLKWS.6

Cool, Mobil 1 ATF going in tomorrow

35thls1ss19

iTrader: (1)

i am changing mine before i put my trans back in this winter. i have about 30k on the car. Whats with the honda ATF, whats so great about it?

Da Swami

iTrader: (6)

I'm wondering the same thing.


I mean, Honda/Acuras use special power steering fluid also, but that doesn't mean it's better......


Also, I know that, if you own a Honda, you cannot switch their Z1 fluid with anything but Dex III and even then only for a short period of time.

So how come it's compatible the other way around?

BriancWS6

iTrader: (18)

I suggest Pennzoil Synchromesh.

BLKWS.6

Meh, im going with the OEM fill. Got some stuff going on this weekend and didnt get to do it Will get it taken care of this week. Too much controversy over anything but the OEM fill.