CVT fluid change - info?

**Blacksheepdj** · Jan 16, 2008, 09:24 PM

OK, it occurred to that given how the CVT tranny works, it might be more like an MT than a standard AT when it comes to fluid changes. Anyone know for sure? I have yet to see any service info for the 2008 on AllData and haven't been able to locate an FSM yet.

If it's a simple "dump out old, dump in new" change like the MT cars, I'd be in heaven. If it's a "you gotta pay for a full tranny flush" like the AT cars, well, that would suck. Unless you're still able to do a "dump out a couple quarts, dump in a couple quarts, repeat frequently" in which case it ain't too bad.

In any case, someone help!

evo_soul · Jan 16, 2008, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacksheepdj

OK, it occurred to that given how the CVT tranny works, it might be more like an MT than a standard AT when it comes to fluid changes. Anyone know for sure? I have yet to see any service info for the 2008 on AllData and haven't been able to locate an FSM yet.

If it's a simple "dump out old, dump in new" change like the MT cars, I'd be in heaven. If it's a "you gotta pay for a full tranny flush" like the AT cars, well, that would suck. Unless you're still able to do a "dump out a couple quarts, dump in a couple quarts, repeat frequently" in which case it ain't too bad.

In any case, someone help!

i dont know, pulleys hydrolics its voodoo i say. blood might start oozing out . lol but i am going to the dealership first thing in the morning to meet with the GM there so i will ask the tech guys

nj_08_gts · Jan 16, 2008, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacksheepdj

OK, it occurred to that given how the CVT tranny works, it might be more like an MT than a standard AT when it comes to fluid changes. Anyone know for sure? I have yet to see any service info for the 2008 on AllData and haven't been able to locate an FSM yet.

If it's a simple "dump out old, dump in new" change like the MT cars, I'd be in heaven. If it's a "you gotta pay for a full tranny flush" like the AT cars, well, that would suck. Unless you're still able to do a "dump out a couple quarts, dump in a couple quarts, repeat frequently" in which case it ain't too bad.

In any case, someone help!

You can dump it or flush it. But a simple drain would be largely ineffective, as there is a LOT of fluid in the CVT that hides in the tranny cooler and it's piping.

I was talking to a tech at my local dealership (who's a personal friend of mine, so I know when he's BSing me) and was informed that the CVT holds.........14 QUARTS of fluid at $18 per quart (from the dealership).

So going by that, DIY wouldn't be the best idea since you'd have to sell a kidney on the Chinese organ market to pay for all the "dump out a couple quarts, dump in a couple quarts, repeat frequently"

Slekd · Jan 16, 2008, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nj_08_gts

You can dump it or flush it. But a simple drain would be largely ineffective, as there is a LOT of fluid in the CVT that hides in the tranny cooler and it's piping.

I was talking to a tech at my local dealership (who's a personal friend of mine, so I know when he's BSing me) and was informed that the CVT holds.........14 QUARTS of fluid at $18 per quart (from the dealership).

So going by that, DIY wouldn't be the best idea since you'd have to sell a kidney on the Chinese organ market to pay for all the "dump out a couple quarts, dump in a couple quarts, repeat frequently"

OMG !!! 14 Quarts....
at what mileage do i have to do that change ?????

evo_soul · Jan 16, 2008, 09:56 PM

i think the book said 100,000, i will check it again when its brighter out,

**Blacksheepdj** · Jan 17, 2008, 12:52 AM

Wowzers. Thanks for the info, nj_08_gts. I guess I'm in no hurry to deal with it then!

Jamie@WORKS · Jan 17, 2008, 12:36 PM

The CVT holds 8.2 quarts of DiaQueen CVTF-J1 fluid. Drainage occurs through a bolt (similar to the engine oil) sealed by a crush washer. You should be able to get 6.8 qts out by simply draining it. Filling occurs through the dipstick hole and should be checked when warm. Fluid levels that are too high/low can cause air to enter the hydraulic system, which may cause overheating/failure of certain components. There's no recommended service interval for "Regular" driving mentioned in the FSM, but "Severe" suggests a 15K mi level check with a 30K mi fluid change.

DJ, check your Inbox later this afternoon

SLVROZ_03 · Jan 17, 2008, 02:29 PM

^Sounds exactly like my auto! Good work!

nj_08_gts · Jan 17, 2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamie@WORKS

The CVT holds 8.2 quarts of DiaQueen CVTF-J1 fluid. Drainage occurs through a bolt (similar to the engine oil) sealed by a crush washer. You should be able to get 6.8 qts out by simply draining it. Filling occurs through the dipstick hole and should be checked when warm. Fluid levels that are too high/low can cause air to enter the hydraulic system, which may cause overheating/failure of certain components. There's no recommended service interval for "Regular" driving mentioned in the FSM, but "Severe" suggests a 15K mi level check with a 30K mi fluid change.

DJ, check your Inbox later this afternoon

Thanks for the fact checking, Jamie.

**Blacksheepdj** · Jan 18, 2008, 11:22 AM

Thank you!

So does that mean I can just DIY it and get 80% of the fluid? I'd gladly do it more often if so.

You the man, Jamie.

Now I gotta install my brand new drop-in filter.

**krnkimchi702** · Jan 18, 2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacksheepdj

Thank you!

So does that mean I can just DIY it and get 80% of the fluid? I'd gladly do it more often if so.

You the man, Jamie.

Now I gotta install my brand new drop-in filter.

u sold ur sri?!

**Blacksheepdj** · Jan 18, 2008, 06:27 PM

No, I have it.

It's a good SRI, it does it's job. But it seems to only add topend power. And since I own a CVT Lancer that has crappy lowend power, I want something that'll help lowend. Since I'm using the stock airbox and since the Works filter got good reviews, I figured I'd try it. Worst case, after buying the filter and cleaning kit, I'll never have to buy another air filter again.

**krnkimchi702** · Jan 19, 2008, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacksheepdj

No, I have it.

It's a good SRI, it does it's job. But it seems to only add topend power. And since I own a CVT Lancer that has crappy lowend power, I want something that'll help lowend. Since I'm using the stock airbox and since the Works filter got good reviews, I figured I'd try it. Worst case, after buying the filter and cleaning kit, I'll never have to buy another air filter again.

hmm interesting.. thats a lot of money...

**Blacksheepdj** · Jan 20, 2008, 02:22 PM

What's a lot of money? The filter? When you consider that it's the last filter you'll ever buy, it gets easier. Especially when you're like me (I often change out stuff early).

**krnkimchi702** · Jan 20, 2008, 02:29 PM

yeah forgot about it being reusable... now im curious in whether i should sell my sri and get the works.. lol... im new at this so could you explain how you would clean/charge the filter?