Transmission Fluid and Filter Change

[Derf]

Got a 2nd hand Vibe so first thing was change the fluids. Thought I would post a link of how it looked at 184K. For those that service their own car, a quick overview before doing it yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En9pE78Wifk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Rayven01]

Great video! Welcome to genvibe.

[ColonelPanic]

That's fantastic! Great work.

[vibolista]

Great video, pro quality. What would be the generally recommended auto trans fluid change interval... don't know if I missed that? I remember seeing something about severe usage, like towing, heat and stop and go traffic recommending 60,000 mile transmission fluid changes.

As with engine oil, is there a length of time when trans fluid needs to be changed out? For example, light duty, in mild temperatures. Could you then leave the trans fluid in for the life of the car?

[Zimm]

great video!

if i could ask a question as a total layman: before loosening all the bolts on the trans cover, why not pull the trans drain plug and drain all the fluid that you can before unleashing the rest of the fluid in the pan? i'm sure there would be lots of seepage around the sides, but why not cut it down as much as possible?

[Derf]

Recommended transmission fluid service interval is 60k miles unless you tow. I wish the previous owner had changed the fluid at least once, although the sludge shown in the bottom is somewhat normal, the less you have, the less is floating through the tranny when its running.

I thought about using the drain plug after making the video. Got so used to other models that don't incorporate this simple feature that I pulled the pan before I realized I could have cut down the drain time.

[Chiadog]

Hey Derf!
Welcome to the group. Awesome job on the video. I Changed ATF in my 05 at 140K and the pan sludge looked very similar. Is there any concern going to synthetic at 184K? I personally wouldn't change to synthetic on the ENGINE at 184K miles.
chiadog

[Derf]

No issue on synthetic. The benefit is going to be the composition of the synthetic, it has a higher heat tolerance and breaks down less than traditional ATF. Have several used vehicles with over 250k that were converted from regular to synthetic, no ill effects found. As seen in the video, the stock ATF had a dark color and a unique "burnt" odor, after converting to synthetic, the oil may start to get dark, but it won't get that "burnt" odor. From what I can tell, the Vibe power plant seems very sturdy, so it may not matter what oil is in it, so long as it is changed regularly.

[Chiadog]

On my tranny oil change at 140K, The old oil was very dark, but did not smell burned. Three days after full flush/replacement the new toyota T4 tranny oil had already darkened a lot. Maybe I'll switch to synthetic this summer.
chiadog

[msu90]

Thanks for the video!