Author Topic: Transmission Check-Up?  (Read 375 times)

Offline RunsinLight

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Transmission Check-Up?
« on: August 25, 2011, 08:45:35 pm »
06 Pontiac Pursuit
68,000 KM
5 spd manual

I was thinking of getting a transmission check-up.  No particular reason, I haven't  noticed any problems with my transmission. Is this a good idea? At what age\KM is it recommended?

Offline articsteve

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Re: Transmission Check-Up?
« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2011, 09:14:11 pm »
No such thing.  Only fluid dump and fill.  Use Royal Purple MaxGear.  Probably 1.4 litres.
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Offline RunsinLight

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Re: Transmission Check-Up?
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2011, 09:30:19 pm »
No such thing.  Only fluid dump and fill.  Use Royal Purple MaxGear.  Probably 1.4 litres.

Not sure if my fluid has been checked or not. I'll look into that though.

Offline Gardiner Westbound

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Re: Transmission Check-Up?
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2011, 09:40:59 pm »
The automatic transmissions in many newer vehicles are sealed, the fluid intended for lifetime use in normal operation. Unlike motor oil Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) does not have to contend with byproducts of combustion, condensation or nasty gases. It simply lubricates and cools. A filter traps and renders microscopic gear particles harmless.

Change ATF only if it has been overheated, contaminated or the carmaker calls for it. There is a real risk a well intentioned ATF change will be bungled. Transmission fluid is strictly car make and model specific. It must adhere precisely to the automaker's formula. The manufacturer's branded ATF is best. Never put multi-vehicle ATF into your car. Franchised lube, repair and tire shops are notorious for it. Correct fill level is critical. Transmissions are unforgiving of fill errors.
« Last Edit: August 26, 2011, 12:27:43 am by Gardiner Westbound »
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Offline rrocket

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Re: Transmission Check-Up?
« Reply #4 on: August 25, 2011, 09:52:44 pm »
The automatic transmissions in many newer vehicles are sealed, the fluid intended for lifetime use in normal operation. Unlike motor oil Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) does not have to contend with byproducts of combustion, condensation or nasty gases. It simply lubricates and cools. A filter traps and renders microscopic gear particles harmless.

Change ATF only if it has been overheated, contaminated or the carmaker calls for it. There is a real risk a well intentioned ATF change will be bungled. Transmission fluid is strictly car make and model specific. It must adhere precisely to the automaker's formula. The manufacturer's branded ATF is best. Never put multi-vehicle ATF into your car. Franchised lube, repair and tire shops are notorious for it. Correct fill level is critical. Transmissions are not forgiving of fill errors.


Ummm...did you miss the part where he said he had a 5 speed MANUAL??
How fast is my Supra?  I sh*t on Cessnas from a roll....

Offline Gardiner Westbound

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Re: Transmission Check-Up?
« Reply #5 on: August 25, 2011, 09:55:51 pm »
The automatic transmissions in many newer vehicles are sealed, the fluid intended for lifetime use in normal operation. Unlike motor oil Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) does not have to contend with byproducts of combustion, condensation or nasty gases. It simply lubricates and cools. A filter traps and renders microscopic gear particles harmless.

Change ATF only if it has been overheated, contaminated or the carmaker calls for it. There is a real risk a well intentioned ATF change will be bungled. Transmission fluid is strictly car make and model specific. It must adhere precisely to the automaker's formula. The manufacturer's branded ATF is best. Never put multi-vehicle ATF into your car. Franchised lube, repair and tire shops are notorious for it. Correct fill level is critical. Transmissions are not forgiving of fill errors.

Ummm...did you miss the part where he said he had a 5 speed MANUAL??

Yes, I did. My bad.

The 2006 Pontiac Pursuit Maintenance Schedule is attached. It calls for periodic manual transaxle checks including clutch pivot points and linkage. If topping up is required DEXRON III Automatic Transmission Fluid H-Specification Approved is specified.

Excessive servicing is needlessly costly and increases the prospect of catastrophic error, like forgetting to refill the engine with oil or installing an incorrect fluid. If there is no evidence of a real problem and fixing the “problem” will not improve anything don't waste your time, energy and money on it. Tip: A good mechanic can often determine if a fluid change is due by looking, smelling and touching the fluid.
« Last Edit: August 26, 2011, 03:59:22 pm by Gardiner Westbound »

Offline rrocket

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Re: Transmission Check-Up?
« Reply #6 on: August 25, 2011, 10:52:02 pm »

Change ATF only if it has been overheated, contaminated or the carmaker calls for it. There is a real risk a well intentioned ATF change will be bungled. Transmission fluid is strictly car make and model specific. It must adhere precisely to the automaker's formula. The manufacturer's branded ATF is best. Never put multi-vehicle ATF into your car. Franchised lube, repair and tire shops are notorious for it. Correct fill level is critical. Transmissions are not forgiving of fill errors.

I disagree with this.  There are several transmission fluids that exceed manufacturers OEM specifications by a long shot.   
« Last Edit: August 25, 2011, 10:54:20 pm by rrocket »

Offline articsteve

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Re: Transmission Check-Up?
« Reply #7 on: August 26, 2011, 12:31:16 am »
Ok, it uses AFT so go with Royal Purple Synchromax.  You will notice an immediate difference.  In 64k km the Dextron will be toast.  Don't follow the lame GM recomendations. They are still using Dexcool for facks sakes.  :P