My Cruze recently rolled over the 30,000 mile mark and I would like to change out the trans fluid for the first time along with my normal oil change. I have read a few threads on the topic of how to change it, no filter just drain and fill, 4.2 qts. I would like some clarification as to if the factory fluid is a semi-synthetic blend like the factory oil is. I would assume it is Dextron IV which is supposed to be full synthetic. For those who have change the trans fluid themselves, which fluid are you using and is it a full synthetic? Amsoil, Castrol, etc. Thank you.
TopazRS87
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
My Cruze recently rolled over the 30,000 mile mark and I would like to change out the trans fluid for the first time along with my normal oil change. I have read a few threads on the topic of how to change it, no filter just drain and fill, 4.2 qts. I would like some clarification as to if the factory fluid is a semi-synthetic blend like the factory oil is. I would assume it is Dextron IV which is supposed to be full synthetic. For those who have change the trans fluid themselves, which fluid are you using and is it a full synthetic? Amsoil, Castrol, etc. Thank you.
2012 Cruze LTZ RS 1.4 6A, Autumn Metallic with Cocoa/Light Neutral
Joined
·
5,367 Posts
Amsoil fuel efficiency fluid is what I used, and I'm quite happy with it. Not sure what the factory fill is, but I'm pretty sure cranberry juice could lubricate it better.
2012 Cruze LTZ RS 1.4 6A, Autumn Metallic with Cocoa/Light Neutral
Joined
·
5,367 Posts
It's important to remember that any trans service done can void your warranty if they can prove it. Andrei will go into more detail, but if GM were to deny you a warranty repair due to using Amsoil in it, I believe Amsoil will cover the repair cost. I doubt many other manufacturers would do that, they'd just reimburse you for the fluid.
You could try to have a dealer change it with more dexos, but they will probably really question you as to why you want to change it. I know mine did.
You could try to have a dealer change it with more dexos, but they will probably really question you as to why you want to change it. I know mine did.
Joined
·
14,823 Posts
Here's the clarification, with a bit of added info.
The factory fluid is a synthetic blend. Rated for 45k miles severe service. 90% of people drive severe service or somewhere between that and 90k miles (normal service).
The "synthetic" ATF you get on the market is all group 3 based. Effectively a purified petroleum. I can elaborate if needed.
Our Signature Series ATF is a group 4/5 true synthetic. Rated (and guaranteed with a warranty) for 2x the severe service interval. That's 90k miles guaranteed with a warranty. If anything happens to your transmission during that time and GM doesn't repair it, AMSOIL will repair or replace the transmission and the fluid at their expense.
Our fluid shifts better and flows better in the cold, which alone will improve fuel economy on short trips enough to make up for the extra cost of the fluid over the 90k mile interval. If you're interested, I can send you a PM. I can't post prices publicly, but I can tell you that ordering this fluid and having an independent shop perform the change will cost you about as much as taking it to the dealer to have their crap put in.
Joined
·
3,162 Posts
I read that as I'm drinking cranberry juice...oh boy! Thanks Jon!
I have a drive on lift at home so I'm sure as **** not going to pay the dealer to do it for me if it's just drain and refill. XtremeRevolution, send me a PM with what you recommend. I drive about 450-500 miles a week so I think I qualify as severe duty. Thanks guys.
Joined
·
14,823 Posts
PM sent.
Joined
·
2,210 Posts
Amsoil. Get a case and do 2 drain and fills approx. 1k miles apart.
Joined
·
739 Posts
Just wondering since I have seen a lot of posts on the transmission fluid on both sides of it, I'm coming up to 25k and pretty sure I'm going to give the Amsoil a try. Is there a full write up on the Automatic trans fluid swap with photos and all. I have done a lot of other transmission but it is always nice to know what you are getting into. I learned one time on a friends KIA that they have a closed system. This was of course after all the fluid was drained that this new concept was discovered. So I make sure now to read up a little more on things before just jumping into it. If anyone has a link that would be great and hopefully there is one already on the Auto trans so I don't have to be the one to do the right up.
Joined
·
14,823 Posts
I don't think there is a writeup. Just general info.
Requires two drains and refills. Drain, refill 4.5 quarts, and on level ground, let car run to warm up trans fluid, pull drain level plug from driver side near CV shaft. Let excess pour out, once it stops pouring, put it back in, go out for a drive for a few miles to mix all the fluid together. Then, repeat the above a second time. This process replaces 75% of the old ATF.
We sell a 2.5 gallon jug that is just the right amount for this. Alternately, a 12-quart case is available at a lower per-quart cost in case you want to have a couple of spare quarts available.
Joined
·
14,823 Posts
No benefit to dropping the pan. Not even sure if you can. The filter is not serviceable, and even if you did drop the pan, you wouldn't get any consequential amount more fluid out of it.
Joined
·
316 Posts
old thread but a good one, Just drained my ATF yesterday at 30,000 miles, and man was it dirty and burnt smelling, Drained 4.2 Quarts out and put back the same...My shield is unmolested so normally you would have to take it off to get to the 11mm drain bolt, I instead drilled a 1 1/2' hole under the bolt in the shield to make future changes a snap... Really is just as easy as changing your oil...I plan on changing my ATF out at every oil change now until it looks nice and red... Also Was at Autozone to buy Synthetic ATF and wow, what a cluster of different ATF's on the Market, Its actutually really Hard to find a Fully synthetic Dexron VI.My intentions were to buy Mobil1 as I have had very good luck with that in my 2000 Silverado, going 200,000 miles on that trans,...But As I read the bottle, Mobil1 specificly states not for Dexron VI! My only two Choices were Castrol Fully Sythetic for Dexron VI and Vavoline Max life.. I chose the Castrol and man the shifts are butter now....
Where can I get this I'm in Tulsa Oklahoma
Joined
·
14,823 Posts
I can have the AMSOIL fluid shipped to you. Just shoot me a PM with how many quarts you need and your email address and I'll send you an invoice for it. I can get it drop shipped out of our Wichita KS distribution center.
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
