GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Just wondering for those who have changed their automatic transmission fluid if it's necessary to change the filter as well.

I've read different things saying you need to and some saying you don't. I called a GM dealership a few weeks back and they don't even stock the part because the filters aren't changed that often.

Just wanted see what a few people who have done it thought!

I'm 98,000 km's and I'm pretty sure it's the original fluid, no way of knowing for sure since I'm not the original owner, I bought the car at 72,000 km's.

The fluid is still reddish but it's dark red.

Did it on my 2005 AWD at 70,000 mi (~112,000 km) in the spring. Depending on the stress placed on the transmission, it's not too early to change filter and drain fluid at your mileage and age.

Double check whether your model has a filter or a screen.

It was a straightforward job, if not a bit messy, for someone with moderate wrenching skill.

Purchased a Wix filter kit (filter, gasket, o-ring) from amazon (there are two different transmissions, so make sure you have the right part number). Ordered a case of Toyota T-IV fluid from a dealer online.

Some on the board have purchased the Toyota parts.

Hardest parts were the number of bolts on the pan and keeping the gasket flat and aligned while replacing the pan (gasket in kit comes folded).

Had to purchase a 1/4" torque wrench for the pan bolts with inch-pound spec. Have to be careful not to over torque or bolt head can twist off. Also needed a long neck funnel to refill fluid at the dipstick tube.

As for the first generation Vibe, from my experience the GT has a fabric or paper media filter - it may be wise to change it!
The base model has a screen filter media - It does not need to be changed. On my highly abused 05 base with 135K and dirty fluid - the filter screen was still clean!

Thanks!

I was on the phone with a local transmission shop the other day to see how much it would cost and he said that my model would only have a screen-type filter and he wouldn't change it if I brought it to him.

How do I confirm what kind of filter it is without having to drop the pan? If it is the screen type then I was only going to do a drain and fill for the first change but if it's the paper type I'd like to change it.

It's a 2007 base model.

Chiadog wrote: The base model has a screen filter media - It does not need to be changed.

That said, there is value in dropping the pan to examine what's at the bottom and to clean the magnets.

I will likely do that at some point, this time around I might just a drain and fill.

The owners manual states that it takes 3.2 quarts. Is this the capacity for just doing a drain/refill?

I would drain & refill, drive around a week or so then do it again.

c2cummin wrote: The owners manual states that it takes 3.2 quarts. Is this the capacity for just doing a drain/refill?

Vibe base approximate auto transmission capacity (total) 10 quarts including tranny cooler tubing volume. Automatic transmission drain and fill volume 3.2 quarts approx.
So, mathmatically, three drain and fills equals complete fluid replacement. In reality it may take 4 drain and fills to get relatively complete exchange since the second drain/fill drains approx 1 quart of "new" fluid with the 2 quarts of old fluid. Ditto for the 3rd drain/fill etc.
I tested my 05 Vibe base transmission fluid pumping rate at idle so I could accurately time the amount of engine runtime at idle to exchange the 3.2 quarts sitting in the tranny sump. Result: 1 quart/ 20 seconds or 3 qts. per minute!
Or you could do a "running" fluid exchange as I did, as described here:
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=626&p=4204&hilit=ATF+change#p4204" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I replaced my Filter, gasket and tranny fluid about a week ago at 63K. It was a good idea to change the filter because the fluid looked pretty dark. It was a straight forward job. I replaced the fluid with Amsoil and notice that the car shifted allot smoother after that.

CAPACITIES:


Engine, with filter..........4.4 quarts [1]
Cooling System, Initial Fill..........6.9 quarts
AMSOIL Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
Automatic Transmission, A246E Initial Fill..........3.3 quarts
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
4 speed A246E..........Not Specified
Manual Transmission, C59 (5-SPD)..........4 pints

[1] After refill check oil level.

+1 on using the Amsoil.