Miles between transmission fluid change?
06-28-2012, 03:31 PM
#22
Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg,VA
Posts: 24,717
Don't know about video, but if you search my posts "donbrew" I know that I posted directions sometime this year. You basically have to remove the trans. pan and get fluid all over the floor and your self, unless you are careful enough.
03-21-2013, 09:20 PM
#24
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Join Date: 09-16-2010
Location: Cumming,Ga
Posts: 26
So, I'm coming up on the 100,000 mile mark. I've never had the transmission fluid changed and so far so good (no issues). I'm going to have the tranny fluid done next week. My question is this, apparently there's a Huge difference between a tranny "flush" and a tranny fluid change. I'm going to have the fluid changed.Does it have to go back to the dealer or can I bring it to my local mechanic and have it done? Any suggestions? Thanks.
03-21-2013, 10:30 PM
#25
Premium Member
Join Date: 08-09-2012
Location: Cambridge, Ontario , Canada
Posts: 1,979
im so scared doing this service...had a 1994 chevy astro van that the fluid was never changed on and had about 220,000kms on it when sold and the thing was still running strong...i too have heard horrors when changing this, but just not too sure on these newer cars.
03-21-2013, 11:29 PM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: 01-24-2013
Location: FRESNO CA
Posts: 188
I have always done the trans service on my cars when the tech manual says to do it. I take it down to the dealerships and have them do it. This way you know the right fluid is getting put in and you have a record if it. These new transmissions seem to be picky about what kind of fluid you put in them and from what I hear if you put in the wrong kind you will have issues. As far as the HHR I will go by what GM says. I think 50,000 is not bad considering it is for most every 2-3 years of driving. It is cheap insurance and piece of mind. Preventive maintenance will cost you but not as much in the long run if you do not. 
03-22-2013, 08:27 AM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: 11-04-2012
Location: Dedham Maine
Posts: 1,545
When the time comes Ill take mine to the dealer! As for issue with a fluid change , The issues I have heard of come when you do a tranny flush and change on a high milage/never changed tranny..Had the fluid changed on my 12y/o Tracker at 50k no flush no problem! Can you go longer the the recommended service? Sure you can BUT IMO the Tranny fluid change is cheaper then a new Tranny :) Cheap insurance to change like engine oil.I would rather change too much for that piece of what little mind I have left :)
03-22-2013, 11:08 AM
#28
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Join Date: 01-13-2008
Location: Washington State, where it rains
Posts: 4,708
If you keep the tranny fluid fresh(scheduled changing)..flushing shouldnt be a problem..but if you or someone else put a zillion miles on the 'original' fluid then flushing could cause some problems as all the crud that collects is suddenly pushed thru the system and gets caught up in the valve body..servos..sensors..etc...
03-22-2013, 02:24 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: 11-04-2012
Location: Dedham Maine
Posts: 1,545
If you keep the tranny fluid fresh(scheduled changing)..flushing shouldnt be a problem..but if you or someone else put a zillion miles on the 'original' fluid then flushing could cause some problems as all the crud that collects is suddenly pushed thru the system and gets caught up in the valve body..servos..sensors..etc...
03-24-2013, 01:23 AM
#30
Join Date: 02-21-2013
Location: Holtville, CA
Posts: 5
Just finished changing the fluid, filter and gasket after 110k with the help of my mechanic and while scrolling through a tutorial I found here with my phone. It was pretty nasty in there. At 70k the Dealer said not to mess with it if it hadn't been flushed regularly. They apparently prefer to replace transmissions to dropping the pan. It was expensive between the parts and Dexron VI, maybe $150. But I sleep better. I'm going to stick to the severe schedule as my wife drives it like she stole it....