Garage Gazette

VEHICLES => DAILY DRIVERS/GROCERY GETTERS => Topic started by: torqueman2002 on December 09, 2021, 03:39:00 PM

Title: Dealer trans service
Post by: torqueman2002 on December 09, 2021, 03:39:00 PM
I thought it was time to have the trans fluid (and filter?) changed in the '13 Sierra, that has 91k on it.

When I said "I expect the filter will be changed too. Right?", the service writer said: "the flush machine cleans the filter, it's a pressurized system."

 :017:

Just wanted to check with those who are more up to speed than my 1980's experience.
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: goodfellow on December 09, 2021, 03:53:33 PM
I thought it was time to have the trans fluid (and filter?) changed in the '13 Sierra, that has 91k on it.

The service writer said: "the flush machine cleans the filter, it's a pressurized system."

 :017:

Just wanted to check with those who are more up to speed than my 1980's experience.

I've heard the pros and cons from a lot of experienced folks, and there probably is no right answer. The thing that I key in on is that IF you have a relatively clean transmission where the fluid is slightly darker in color and not totally contaminated, then it can make sense to get the power flush done. On the other hand, if the transmission is already causing some problems, or has very dirty and smelly fluid, then it's not a good idea.

From what I was told, in a very dirty transmission, the power flush will loosen caked on chunks of material that can potentially get stuck in the tiny valve body orifices and screens -- thereby creating a problem, or making an existing problem much worse.

Therefore I usually stay away from the power flush on cars that have high mileage and never had any regular scheduled transmission maintenance. At that point it's a crap shoot. OTOH, if the transmission has been serviced regularly and is in good working order, then I see no reason not to get the power flush done.

The filter aspect is probably bogus -- a new filter is always better than backflushing a used one -- especially at 91K miles

Just my $.02
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: slip knot on December 09, 2021, 07:34:57 PM
I agree, if its been serviced regularly its no big deal. if its never been changed then I'd pass on a pressure clean. I usually have my transmission serviced every 25-35K miles. But I get a pan drop and look at the dregs. BUT the new F250 is at 45K and I haven't had it in yet :-[ and it doesn't even have a dipstick to see what the oil looks like  :-[
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: stokester on December 10, 2021, 03:57:44 PM
When I worked at the Chevy store we did trans flushes using a MOC machine and 16 quarts of Dexron which removed and replaced all the fluid in the transmission to include that in the torque converter.  Not a cheap service.  Like others I have also heard stories of loosening debris that could then get caught in the valve body but that would be difficult to prove.

If you look at the factory service intervals and recommendations for your vehicle there is no transmission flush requirement.  If I remember right the service is to drop the pan, replace the filter and fluid.  That's what I do with my F150.

Be sure to use the proper fluid.



Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: bonneyman on December 10, 2021, 04:34:07 PM
I had the same look on my face when a "lube, oil, and filter" silently became an "oil change". No greasing of the front end fittings unless you ask - and pay extra. :38:
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: slip knot on December 10, 2021, 07:09:33 PM
Your front end has grease fittings??? Its been several vehicles ago that I didn't have any fittings on the front end at all. I think the 2019 only has fittings on the on the front drive shaft.
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: bonneyman on December 10, 2021, 07:48:46 PM
The 2004 Astro has them, but the wife's 2002 Buick does not. Might be a truck thing?
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: TexasT on December 18, 2021, 08:25:00 AM
X2 on the grease fittings. I did my first oil change on the new to me 2018 CTD Ram the other day. What a mess. The oil was like ink(its a diesel so I think that is to be expected). But looking around under there, I didn't see any grease zerks, but those components are Huge(in my best trump voice).

I wouldn't do any trans service on something with 91k miles for fear of making a problem. If you've had it since new and did a 30k or 50k mile service then I might but to have a service writer spout off it doesn't need a filter is opposite of any salesperson I've ever encountered. I'm planning on a pair of filters and new fluid in mine at 50k miles. Daughter's cavalier doesn't even have a trans dipstick to check the fluid level.
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: stokester on December 18, 2021, 04:47:33 PM
Daughter's cavalier doesn't even have a trans dipstick to check the fluid level.

May have a plug to remove and fill until it trickles out like many.
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: torqueman2002 on December 18, 2021, 05:07:14 PM
My brother's Audi does not have an engine oil dipstick!

It does have a oil level sensor that reports to the instrument panel or information center.
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: goodfellow on December 18, 2021, 05:25:36 PM
My brother's Audi does not have an engine oil dipstick!

It does have a oil level sensor that reports to the instrument panel or information center.

Wave of the future I'm afraid, but why complicate the heck out of such a simple task. I dread buying my next car or truck.
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: muddy on December 18, 2021, 09:04:16 PM
My brother's Audi does not have an engine oil dipstick!

It does have a oil level sensor that reports to the instrument panel or information center.

Wave of the future I'm afraid, but why complicate the heck out of such a simple task. I dread buying my next car or truck.
Imagine how I feel. Things are just going to get less and less user repairable.

Sent from the twisted mind of the mudman

Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: torqueman2002 on December 19, 2021, 09:50:05 AM
When I was in college in the early 70's, we washed the front and rear windows, checked washer fluid, coolant, and oil. I even checked/filled tires for free.

Granted, the gas prices were a few cents more than self-service stations just starting to pop up, but looking back it was worth it for the driver who didn't want to DIY.

Now, people pretty much have no choice, they have to pump their own. When was the last time you saw someone checking under their hood?

I did see a distressed woman at the local gas station looking for the spot to put in a quart of oil -- because her change oil message came on in her Cadillac.  :-[
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: DeadNutz on December 19, 2021, 06:23:23 PM
When I was in college in the early 70's, we washed the front and rear windows, checked washer fluid, coolant, and oil. I even checked/filled tires for free.

Granted, the gas prices were a few cents more than self-service stations just starting to pop up, but looking back it was worth it for the driver who didn't want to DIY.

Now, people pretty much have no choice, they have to pump their own. When was the last time you saw someone checking under their hood?

I did see a distressed woman at the local gas station looking for the spot to put in a quart of oil -- because her change oil message came on in her Cadillac.  :-[

I did all that working at a gas station in the early 70's. I doubt that most drivers even know what the proper fluids are for their vehicle and how to check them or what their tire pressures should be. Dash lights have long been called idiot lights for a reason.
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: fatfillup on December 20, 2021, 08:40:15 AM
I think I enjoyed working in a full service station more then any other job I've had.  Didn't pay squat though :))
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: bonneyman on December 20, 2021, 08:45:33 PM
When I was in college in the early 70's, we washed the front and rear windows, checked washer fluid, coolant, and oil. I even checked/filled tires for free.

Granted, the gas prices were a few cents more than self-service stations just starting to pop up, but looking back it was worth it for the driver who didn't want to DIY.

Now, people pretty much have no choice, they have to pump their own. When was the last time you saw someone checking under their hood?

I did see a distressed woman at the local gas station looking for the spot to put in a quart of oil -- because her change oil message came on in her Cadillac.  :-[

Don't you know there's a app for that?  :D
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: john k on December 21, 2021, 09:25:58 PM
I also remember working in a full service station, 60s-70s.  Quick oil change with ice water dripping down your neck.   Running out in the sub-zero cold to pump  gas, then back inside, back out to  shut it off, back in, then out again to give out change.  Keep the office at 75 degrees so you can warm up, but keep the parka on, because another car pulls in.  Nose running all winter, hands froze, because it wasn't worth it to pull gloves off n on every 2 minutes.  And shovel the snow away from the pumps.  Then if you have a lull, jump in the boss's old Jeep CJ with the blade to clear off the white stuff, of course the heater in the old rig didnt work too well.  It was an education.
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: DeadNutz on December 22, 2021, 08:38:36 AM
I also remember working in a full service station, 60s-70s.  Quick oil change with ice water dripping down your neck.   Running out in the sub-zero cold to pump  gas, then back inside, back out to  shut it off, back in, then out again to give out change.  Keep the office at 75 degrees so you can warm up, but keep the parka on, because another car pulls in.  Nose running all winter, hands froze, because it wasn't worth it to pull gloves off n on every 2 minutes.  And shovel the snow away from the pumps.  Then if you have a lull, jump in the boss's old Jeep CJ with the blade to clear off the white stuff, of course the heater in the old rig didnt work too well.  It was an education.

I think I had it a bit easier in SoCal. My biggest problem was cleaning a hot windshield and leaving no streaks. A good part of cleaning the windshield was girls in short skirts.  :-\
Title: Re: Dealer trans service
Post by: torqueman2002 on December 22, 2021, 09:10:26 AM
I also remember working in a full service station, 60s-70s.  Quick oil change with ice water dripping down your neck.   Running out in the sub-zero cold to pump  gas, then back inside, back out to  shut it off, back in, then out again to give out change.  Keep the office at 75 degrees so you can warm up, but keep the parka on, because another car pulls in.  Nose running all winter, hands froze, because it wasn't worth it to pull gloves off n on every 2 minutes.  And shovel the snow away from the pumps.  Then if you have a lull, jump in the boss's old Jeep CJ with the blade to clear off the white stuff, of course the heater in the old rig didnt work too well.  It was an education.
That was my experience too! I worked in the busiest Mobil station in Buffalo - more gas and more tires than any other Mobil station.

But the snow! It would get so deep, it had to be trucked out and dumped in the river!  :-\

The snow and wind off of Lake Erie would close the Skyway. It was scary in good weather!
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