09 Vibe Transmission oil Problem

[arunavc]

Hello Friends,

In my 2009 Vibe, its transmission oil has become dirty just 13k after the transmission oil change. Does anyone know if it is specific to Vibe or my mechanic did not change the oil in the first place? Is there a filter in the transmission that needs to be changed? Any help will be good. Do I need to change the oil or is that normal?

Thank you
Arun

[Caretaker]

Make sure the mechanic put in World Standard (WS) fluid. Our GM owner's manuals are incorrect, and state that our second generation Vibes have Toyota Type IV fluid; they are wrong. Go back to the mechanic and ask what type of fluid they put in. DON'T tip them off by asking whether it was WS fluid. Just first find out what brand of fluid they put in. That way you'll get a truthful answer instead of them just patting you on the head and telling you "their fluid is WS compatible." Once you know what brand they put in, THEN ask or read on the bottle whether it was WS equivalent. I think some manufacturers like Amsoil now make WS equivalent synthetic tranny fluid. While I can't speak to whether we have a cleanable filter or just a metal screen, first ensure the "new" fluid they put in is World Standard. If not, you are risking transmission failure every mile you drive.

Also: at what mileage did you have the transmission service done? The original WS fluid is "theoretically" good for 120,000 miles. I would not go that long. I did my fluid as a full flush at 60,000. If your car had high miles at the time of the service, it is possible the mechanic did not want to perform a full flush and instead just drained your old fluid out. That method does not capture a large part of fluid sitting high atop the torque converter. As such, simple draining and filling results in new fluid mixing with old fluid. That also could account for the quick color change.

[arunavc]

Thank you, Caretaker.
I changed transmission oil at 90 k and then at 140 k. It seems that at 140k, it was not flushed as you said. Also, I will check about WS.
Arun

[ctgottapee]

It's likely they just drained the pan, which is only about half the fluid in the system, so it would look dirty again.

Many transmission filters are just screens, but the 2nd gen trans filter is a bit more, although not much more.
It's not much more trouble to replace it once you've drained the pain, although shop labor is not cheap if you don't do it yourself. You can also clean out the bottom of the pan and the magnets.

In my 2nd gen maintenance thread, I point out which hose you can use to get a full drain and replace; it's fairly simple. The internets have videos and explanations as the process is standard.
I'd say it's probably ok the way it is, and depending on how the mechanic worded the service and charged you, they probably did right.


Unless you live say in San Francisco or somewhere with consistent moderate temperatures, if they put the wrong fluid in, you'd notice.

[arunavc]

Thank you ctgottapee. It appears your explanation about the dirty oil is correct. He might not have changed the oil completely. Is that OK for the transmission as it is only 13k kms after the service or is it necessary to flush the fluid right away?
Thank you
Arun

[Caretaker]

.....well I certainly would not go 100,000 miles again on only a drain and fill. Did you every learn whether they put the correct fluid in your car (World Standard)?????