Auto Trans Gasket and Filter/Strainer

[JohnC]

FRAM does not list a AT filter/gasket kit for the Vibe, so the very helpfull local Checker Auto parts guy tried a Fram FT 1220 which is listed for a 1zz Matrix. It has 19 bolt holes and is a little differently shaped than my 04 1zz Vibe transmision pan (18 holes).There is also a FT-1181 listed for a AT 2zz. I didn't think the Vibe/Matrix could be had with an AT and a 2zz engine. Guess I'll try the FT-1181 just to see if it will fill fit.BTW the Fram kit came with a trans filter and o-ring not a screen/strainer. HmmmHas anyone found an after market transmision gasket/filter kit?

[ColonelPanic]

I had looked previously at AutoZone in their book and did not see anything listed there - yet there was something listed for the Matrix. I found that quite odd. But seeing that, and seeing what you just found - we don't have the same automatic transmission as the Matrix, apparently. I figured they would be the same unit but now I don't think they are. Maybe similar, but not the same.There were some 2zz's with auto for the '03 model year, those didn't last long but they did exist. I don't think a Vibe was possible in that configuration, but a Matrix was, however.MiVibe-ToolGuy asked a Toyota dealer about a gasket but I think they came back with several different possible versions... Within the next couple of weeks, I'll be taking mine in to the dealer for a transmission fluid change, so I'll hopefully be able to get some part numbers for the gaskets and anything else...

[JohnC]

Thanks for the info CP.It is tempting to just pull the pan and reuse the gasket or make one out of some material I have laying around. I would like to try the other Fram filter (FT-1181) just to see. It would be good info for everyone if it fit.Meanwhile I have been fabricating some driving light mounts for a couple 6" Hella 500s. The wifey says they will look ugly because they are too big. I don't care what they look like as long as I can see the black cow standing in the black road on the very dark black nights (while I am traveling at a high rate of speed). I am mounting them just high enough to be out of the jack rabbit kill zone.

[NSimkins]

I'm thinking about doing a fluid change on my 2003 Vibe/Auto Trans in the coming week or two. Been doing a little research using my '03 Service Manual.It states 2 automatic transmission codes:MU4 has 18 bolts on the fluid pan.MU5 has 19 bolts on the fluid pan.My '03 Auto has 18 bolts on the pan so I'm assuming it's the MU4 code. I also haven't been to the autoparts store yet to even see what they carry for this but reading above about a different trans for the Matrix 1ZZ (read 19 bolts), I'm going to really have to look into this.Only difference I'm thinking with the different bolt count would be that the AWD has a different trans than then FWD -- and differences with the Matrix and Vibe altogether.Last resort would be to go into the GM dealer to get the right gasket, however I was trying to avoid that due to inflated costs there.I'm trying to scour over some posts here, the service manual, and soon, the auto parts stores and see what I can come up with.

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by JohnC »BTW the Fram kit came with a trans filter and o-ring not a screen/strainer. HmmmHmmm indeed! I found some more info in the service manual...The MU4 transmission fluid changing directions state nothing about an O-Ring replacement, only the gasket replacement and the filter screen.The MU5 transmission fluid directions states to replace the O-Ring on the fluid filter upon reinstallation of the objects on the transmission.So it's obvious that these two transmissions are different in one way or another. I'm no expert, just reading the manual here.

[JohnC]

Well it looks like I have the MU4 transmission and a MU5 trans gasket/filter kit. I will know monday afternnon if the FT-1181 Fram filter kit is the right one. Our Checker Auto doesn't stock very many parts (small town) it always takes 3 days or more to get them from a Phoenix store.Thanks to yoa all's help we will get to the bottom of this "transmission conspiracy" soon.

[tnpartsguy]

John, I didn't bother pulling the pan; we have a drain plug, so I drained out as much as I could, refilled with the correct Toyota Type TF fluid, and drove it for a weekend, then on Monday repeated the process. Took 6 quarts total to do it twice, but I fell like I got about as much in there as I would have pulling the pan.

[JohnC]

Quote, originally posted by tnpartsguy »John, I didn't bother pulling the pan; we have a drain plug, so I drained out as much as I could, refilled with the correct Toyota Type TF fluid, and drove it for a weekend, then on Monday repeated the process. Took 6 quarts total to do it twice, but I fell like I got about as much in there as I would have pulling the pan.I think your right...my owners manual says that the trans capacity is 3.1 to 4.3 qts. depending on which trans. There are 3 listed.I just wanted to see how much wear product has built up in 50K miles. If it a small amount I am just going to drain/refill every 20k. This is the first auto I have used for commuting, never had much maintenance needed on the manuals, even after 300k miles.

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by JohnC »I think your right...my owners manual says that the trans capacity is 3.1 to 4.3 qts. depending on which trans. There are 3 listed.Just to throw more numbers out there, check out what I posted from the '03 service manual here:http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...43859

[JohnC]

Quote, originally posted by JohnC »Thanks for the info CP.It is tempting to just pull the pan and reuse the gasket or make one out of some material I have laying around. I would like to try the other Fram filter (FT-1181) just to see. It would be good info for everyone if it fit.Well the Fram FT-1181 does not fit either. The shape is pretty much the same, but it only has 14 bolt holes instead of 18. You gotta give it up to the guys down at Checker Auto, they really tried.Tomorrow....the other parts store in town, NAPA!

[Petrucci914]

GM Dealer never had any idea about anything and the Toyota dealer needed a VIN number but mine didn't work because it's GM so I had to draw the shape of the tranny pan and bring it in to choose from the 3 possible for the matrix. 13$ gasket is all you need. It's nice to take it off to clean the two magnets or else you're not collecting any metallic impurities.