GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Finally got the trans serviced yesterday. My trusted trans guy (35+ years doing just trans) said that the fluid was nasty. I'm not sure if that is a technical term or his local dialect. He didn't see any piles of stuff in the pan so that is good news.Replaced the filter and pan gasket and used Toyota Type IV fluid.Owners manual says do at 60k if severe driving. Else wise I think it was set for 100K. Did it at 73K. Think I will do it at 100K to be on the safer side.2008

Oh no, this has me a bit worried. I just bought my Vibe at 70k and have no clue if its ever been serviced. I checked the stick and the fluid is looking a bit dark so I figured once it gets warmer I'll drop the pan and get it over with.Curious if you would share what your guy charged you?Glad your Vibe is running happy now!

I changed my tranny fluid around 85,000 miles and it looked ok. I've seen much worse. I wonder why yours was so bad.

I found Toyota IV to be dark right out of the bottle compared to most other AT fluids... it makes it look worse than it probably is. As long as it didn't smell burnt, I wouldn't worry.

I do a drain and fill once a year... excessive, yes. But, it's easy takes less than an hr to do it.

For what it costs, I don't find once a year to be excessive. I had been doing it every 15k, but since I don't drive it as much anymore its being done a little early this time.

I changed mine right around 50,000 because it was so dark and while not burnt, just smelled.I do NOT drive hard and feel the Toyota's 100,000 recommended oil change is driven by some mandate to reduce service costs rather than what is best for the machine.I now pull the pan plug about every 2nd or 3rd engine oil change. Always draining a bit of old and bad and replenishing with new oil containing fresh additives. It may be excessive but makes me comfortable. I only put in Toyota Type IV oil. I very much distrust automatics and only have this one for my wife. Automatics always seem to be a trouble prone and high maintenance item. That being said, I've seen way more posts on here about bad clutches and bad 5 speeds in these Vibes than I've seen about problematic Automatics!! Do people not post the automatic rebuilds for it is to be expected or are they fairly bullet proof???Dave

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »Do people not post the automatic rebuilds for it is to be expected or are they fairly bullet proof???DaveTo my knowledge, Toyota automatic transmissions, like their engines, fall into the bulletproof category for the most part. I really like the fact that they have drain-plugs that facilitate the occasional easy-peazy drain and refill. Greg

I also drain and top-off every couple of oil changes.(Auto) Been using some Conoco Phillips stuff my dad hooks it up with. Says it is listed in the application guide. Haven't had any troubles and it shifts super smooth.

I did a drain & refill at 104K. Im at 115K now. I like your guys idea of chaning the fluid every couple of oil changes. This way the fluid doesnt even have a chance to break down & theres always fresh fluid. Thats a great idea !I didnt drop that pan or clean the filter. Strictly a drain & refill. Is that ok?

I don't even think there is a filter. Its just a metal screen. As long as ur doping fluid regularly it shouldn't ever really get clogged.

While you do NOT need to drop the pan but every 60,000 miles or so, it is good to drop the pan and clean the screen. By dropping the pan you can see visual indications of the health of your unit. If there are piles of "gold" dust or brake like material, this indicates you have some serious wear taking place.Dave

Is it possible to get trans fluid analysis? I have heard of members doing an motor oil analysis.

Quote, originally posted by cptnsolo77 »Is it possible to get trans fluid analysis? I have heard of members doing an motor oil analysis.yeshttp://www.blackstone-labs.com/tests.php