Should I change Manual Trans Fluid?

[calivibes55]

Hi all,

So my 2007 Vibe has 151k on it now of trouble free miles. I've never replaced the transmission fluid because the manual says not to, and I am not experiencing any trouble shifting. Transmission performance is quite similar to when I bought the vehicle at 60k.

My question - should I do a drain and fill now? Or just leave it alone at this point?

[SeattleJeremy]

Yes, you should change the transmission fluid. I recommend "Valvoline Full Synthetic Gear Oil 75w90".

[gtv237]

Odd that the manual would say not to. Automatic transmissions are sometimes considered "fill-for-life" but my vibes owners manual says that the fluid should be changed as soon as every 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Another thing, gear oil is not suggested for any manual transmission. Only use "manual transmission fluid" like Redline MT-90.

[triz]

Never heard that one before.

Definetly should be changed. I'm bias. You know what I recommend. Amsoil makes some of the best transmission products out there.

[sideshowalan]

Absolutely do a drain and fill. I'll also recommend Redline MT-90.

The manual says not to change it out because they can then advertise the car as having a maintenance free transmission. But in reality it will only last through the warranty period if you follow their advice, which is all GM/Toyota care about. To keep the car going past warranty period, all fluids must be changed out regularly.

[circuitsmith]

Consider yourself very lucky.
Search and you'll find a lot of complaints about failed C59 5-speed transmissions.
Virtually all are from people (when they admit it) who never changed the fluid.
When I first heard of this issue I changed the oil at 22k miles, and it looked much "dirtier" than the oil in my previous Hondas at their 30k changes.
I have used MT-90 and it's great, but MT-85 gives smoother shifting in cold weather.