TurboFour

So after doing some research I found that the F35 transmission fluid never needs changed. Say what?

1. Does anyone actually follow this?
2. Did anyone notice a difference when they changed their fluid (less whine, smoother shifting action, etc)?
3. Would there be a reason not to change the fluid?


Sources are Wikipedia and the 2009 Cobalt SS owner's manual.

exninja

iTrader: (1)

I changed mine at like 60k miles (I'd have to look up the exact number). It may have been a little smoother after, but if so it was negligible. There's no reason NOT to change it. Fluids wear out. VW also had said lifetime fill on my tiguan, but then they said jk, you should change it. Except only some people noticed, including dealers. It's a mess.

Sl0wbaltSS

If you don't race and or grind gear I'd say yeah it will stay good for the life of the car. But I would still change it whenever.

calo247

i personally did notice a difference when i changed mine, i used to get locked out of gear the odd time before, but after it is smooth as silk. for the 10 mins it takes to change i will be doing mine on a regular basis

06blackg85ss

iTrader: (1)

I changed it at 100k and about to do it again at 195k shifts a little smoother (also due to the new fluid they use) and I beat the hell out of my trans (563whp on low boost lol)

Staged07SS

iTrader: (25)

Never changed my trans fluid. Added some after installing the drivers side axle, but that's it.

No noise or whine from my transmission. 65k miles.

I follow all recommended maintenance intervals, and will abide to GM's recommendation for the trans fluid.

southal cobalt

iTrader: (3)

youll probably lose some when changing axles as staged mentioned or when changing out a clutch, unless you leave the axle and axle shaft in place. that can be slightly difficult to do though.

I only had trans issues when I developed an axle seal leak, but I didn't diagnose it quick enough, because I had an oil leak from the rear main seal that I knew about. I put 160k miles on the car up until that point

Kolt

It serves two purposes to say "filled for life", one people will not change the fluid with the wrong kind and cause damage, and it will keep the life of the part within a designated interval so that
it will be out of warranty to the point you are more inclined to go and buy a new car. its a greed thing really. honestly from a gm tech perspective, change it regularly because it does wear out. it will increase the life of the trans so long as you use the correct fluid. For the stock trans the gm fluid is the best out there. I recommend changing it every 40-50k or 4-5years. Change it hot too after driving at 50-60 for 20-30 miles.

Snail_SS

iTrader: (3)

I changed mine and I did feel a difference at first no problems at all

TurboFour

I think I will go ahead and change it since I have the fluid. Thanks for the feedback everyone!

Viperoni

I would never not change a fluid, even if it's labelled as a "lifetime fluid".

goeckeritz123

iTrader: (10)

Is the gm the fluid you guys are still using, or is there something better

exninja

iTrader: (1)

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/driv...thread-230048/

Enjoy!

TL;DR, some people used the redline fluid without *immediate* issues but the stock stuff works great with zero issues.

Staged07SS

iTrader: (25)

Use the GM fluid.