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Old 02-08-2018, 06:53 PM   #1
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Auto transmission service schedule?

I have a 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD 2WD 6.0 gas engine with 3.73 rear. 32K miles with 20K of that towing a 6K (loaded) TT. I carefully monitor trans temps when towing and it runs in the 145 to 170 degree range almost all the time. I tow at 60 MPH in tow/haul with 6th gear locked out. It has only seen 200 degrees a handful of times (long grade on hot day). The trans fluid is pink and does not smell burnt.

I get free oil changes at the dealer, and they are telling me it's time to have the trans fluid and filter changed. My owners manual says not until 97K (45K with severe duty). I plan on keeping the truck a long time. I'm good with the 45K "severe duty" but 30K seems like overkill. What do you think?

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Old 02-08-2018, 07:09 PM   #2
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Go with what the owners manual says. I believe The dealer is giving you recommendations but not actual service intervals. When I worked in the dealership there’s always the dealer recommended services designed to bring in more money. Unless you are really thinking you are over working your trans ( which it sounds like you are not ) I would stick to the 45k. I would not go to the 97k. Most everyone I know lives in a severe duty climate for vehicles. Again if you stick with what the manual says you will be fine.
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Old 02-08-2018, 07:27 PM   #3
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I would wait until at least 45K. Severe duty is 100 percent towing. I multiply my towing miles by 2 and add the rest and go by the normal service interval. (Actually a bit earlier than what it in the manual on everything, but that is just me) From your description your fluid is fine.
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Old 02-08-2018, 07:46 PM   #4
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you will never be sorry by over-servicing the tranny... 45K is NOT too early to change fluid... neither is 30K... 97K is asking for trouble...

the dealership may not be the best place to get tranny service done, but probably IS the most expensive... find a good independent shop and start talking to them and explaining your needs... good ones are hard to find BUT good to be friends with

pink and NOT burnt smelling is good... keep an eye on that...
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Old 02-08-2018, 10:44 PM   #5
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Follow the owners manual for severe service transmission service intervals. My Sport Trac stated 150,000 miles, so that is when I had it done. I plan the same for my F150 and F250.

Only exception is if you have exceeded operations temps...then change trans oil/filter ASAP.
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Old 02-09-2018, 01:30 PM   #6
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If towing in hot weather or over a bunch of steep grades, I change the fluid at about 30K irregardless of what the manual says. The color is starting to change about then anyway. However, my new truck hasn't gotten hot in the tranny (max 197° so far) so I will watch it. I am a "better-safe-than-sorry" guy anyway. TVs run on oil and lubricants; they burn gasoline (or diesel). I like my lubes fresh and clean while towing. YMMV
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Old 02-09-2018, 02:04 PM   #7
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I recommend every 30 . Like said above you can't do any damage by changing it frequently. Damge happens when you don't change it enough.
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Old 02-09-2018, 02:11 PM   #8
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I have had the total opposite experience, My manual says every 15K (2014 RAM Cummins/W Aisin), I called the dealer and they said it doesn't need to be done util 30K if towing heavy what ever that means), I called another dealer to see if I got the same response and I did, i contacted RAM and they said the same thing. Not sure why the manual says 15K, The standard transmission is double what the AISIN transmission is.
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Old 02-09-2018, 02:20 PM   #9
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30K was the old school recommendation for trans service as 3000 was the oil change recommendation....... not sayin to do it at that is bad.....



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Old 02-09-2018, 02:36 PM   #10
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Don't worry about until you see 250 deg F, according to an old A/T instructor friend of mine. Change the fluid about every 25000 unless.you see over 250 deg F . Old school but good
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Old 02-09-2018, 08:26 PM   #11
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IMO regular fluid changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy. 45 years as an Auto/Light Truck Tech. Think of how much you spend on insuring your vehicle and house, hoping that you never have to make a claim. With fluid changes, you do actually get something for your money.

Be sure to use ONLY factory approved fluids.
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Old 02-09-2018, 08:43 PM   #12
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30k is the "normal" dealer recommended replacement. I change mine every year, just a drain and fill as I have a drain plug this makes it easy. So basically every year 7 1/2 quarts is changed, always been pink, no burnt smell, I like it that way. Hottest ours has been is 195*
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Old 02-09-2018, 10:25 PM   #13
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To get an unbiased and professional recommendation for your vehicle, have a sample of your transmission fluid analyzed by Blackstone Labs. They will tell you if you need to change it,and if it shows any abnormal wear. They give you a very comprehensive report. Be sure to tell them how you use the vehicle. The cost is less than $30. They will send you a sample bottle free.

I sent them a sample even though I was changing the fluid anyway on our Ford E450. We've traveled many miles in mountains and almost every mile on the E450 has been towing a 4,000 pound SUV. It was worth the price to me for peace of mind about the health of the transmission. The report I got was that at 40,000 miles the wear was what would be expected at 30,000 miles, but it was just reaching the condition where they recommended changing the fluid.

www.blackstone-labs.com

Be sure to include the hyphen in the website address.
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Old 02-10-2018, 08:22 AM   #14
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Trans Fluid

I am with Bluepill and others in this thread, I change the trans fluid around ~30K, it is the simplest & easiest thing to do to keep the transmission going. Same with the engine oil at ~3K as I do it myself, $30 - $40 depending on the deal I can find. Where, how, & what you tow also plays a role in all this, but the bottom line is that you won't ever be sorry you did some service early. I rotate tires every 6K, some don't do this, but rotation is maximizing, just like fluids above, instead of minimizing tire life span! If you plan to upgrade your vehicle soon as money is plenty for you, then it really doesn't matter, but for the long haulers hoping to get 200K + on a tow vehicle with limited repairs to the two big & expensive repair items on every vehicle, change the fluids often.

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Old 02-10-2018, 08:31 AM   #15
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I did a 2 gallon drain and fill (used a evac through the dipstick tube) at 30k and just did a 4 quart drain and fill at 42k and sent the sample to Blackstone. 28 dollars and tells you the health of your transmission. Going to change filter after I get the report. Cheap insurance.
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Old 02-10-2018, 07:34 PM   #16
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Fresh Oil is the way to go. Changing the oil is not a big ticket item compared to the cost of a transmission. Plus it gives you peace of mind.




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Old 02-10-2018, 07:48 PM   #17
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Not only do I change every 30K but I do a full fluid change.

1) Drop the pan.
2) change filter and refill with 3 qts ATF
3) Pull the return line off the radiator or tranny cooler and run a clear hose into a container marked for 2 qts.
4) Run engine until you hit the 2 qt line.
5) Add 2 qts fluid
6) Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the color of the fluid in ow new looking.

Replacing just the 3 qts in the pan is just going to allow you to dilute some of the 12 or more qts of fluid that is in the entire transmission.
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Old 02-10-2018, 08:15 PM   #18
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The big question here is how often is often enough to change the transmission fluid, but not so often you're just wasting money?

You could just change the transmission fluid every time you change the engine oil, but most of us wouldn't want to do it far more often than it is needed.

I believe the only way to make an informed judgment is to have the fluid analyzed. Otherwise, just follow the manufacturer's recommendation.
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Old 02-10-2018, 08:23 PM   #19
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Anyone keeping there vehicle for a long time, I agree go with severe schedule for maintenance, why not... additionally for me on the tranny I have a drain plug, so I do periodic drain and fills. ( one can argue that d
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Old 02-10-2018, 08:24 PM   #20
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Sorry pressed send
Dosnt remove all fluid. It doesn’t but I do it just cause it makes me feel good.
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