The F23 is a manual trans only. no such bananas as an automatic F23.

 

The F23 is the 5 speed Manual in the LS/LT/ SS/NA Cobalts.

I also have a VERY IMPORTANT
UPDATE
You MUST use DEXRON III ATF ONLY

NOT Dexron III COMPATIBLE it WILL cause problems and is what I believe to have taken out my 2nd gear about 5000 miles ago but didn't realize it until now.

ALSO in response to the above quote I will explain the reasoning for ATF in the F23.
Since the oil sump is at the bottom of the transmission in the F23, ATF is lighter in comparison to standard gear oils therefore ATF is able to be carried from the bottom of the transmission up, lubricatiing all the gears more efficiently.

 

Ok so just to be safe....This write up is for the MANUAL transmissions right?

Im going to do this when i get paid next so i just want to make sure its for the manual not the automatic.

 

Yes, it is the MANUAL transmission.

 

this is a good write up, but i don't understand why you didn't just use the little plastic fill cap on the top of the trans

 

I don't see pics.....

 

same here

 

I would like to see pics because i am about to do this, I have the Royal purple stuff in my trunk and the car in the garage waiting for me to go change the fluid.

 

pics?

 

 

yeah, I just checked this and realized the pics are missing, I'm trying to find them again but worse comes to worse I may just do this again soon(or maybe not depends on if I can find Dexron III). Last I recall they were on a server of mine somewhere. Let me see what I can do about getting them back.

 

so i have an 2006 2.2L 5spd tranny. The way i read is that i have the F23. So exactly what do i need when i change my tranny fluid?

 

I am actually about to go get some fluid to do this. I will probably make a new thread since I no longer have the option of editing this one since it is so old. I also see you are in the Quad Cities(?) I am about 45 mins east of you so if you need help let me know.

 

This thread seems a little confusing with respect to the transmissions installed in our cobalts.

From GM Powertrain:

The Cobalt SS 2.0L has the GME 35-5 manual transmission
The other Cobalt models have the Getrag F23-5 manual transmission

So the question I have at this point, does the GME 35 transmission call for DexronIII, or GL-4 gear oil?????

 

somebody have some pics of this????

 

i have looked all over and dexron III ATF comes in automatic only i have found, i have a 2006 ls, what shoud i use for transmission fluid, thanks for your help, and great write up, props

 

i used the synthetic stuff for the 2.0 transmission. worked great in my cobalt ss/na

 

I was at the dealer and they told me to use Dexron VI ATF (6 for those that dont know lol) so thats wat i bought. i did some research on it and wat i read is its basically Dexron III but with a longer life. It was designed to withstand the harsher abuse of clutch on clutch action (or watever) from Chevy's newer more fuel efficient automatic transmissions. Basically wat i was told at the dealer is its a wise decision to upgrade to Dex VI for anyone thats using Dex III cuz it will greatly extend the life of the trans compared to using the Dex III.
So am i safe to use it in my 2008 sport? its the 2.4L SS/na 5-speed manual for those that dont know.

 

so after looking and looking idk why gm puts atf3 in it. It really doesn't have much for lubrication property's like Royal Purple synchromax. i put it in my car and it shifts way way way better. so i am going to be brave and go for it.. atf just doesn't seem right.. since i have put the same oil in my fiero getrag 282 trans..

 

The fact that it's named ATF doesn't matter. Regular gear oil is too thin for the F23. ATF despite the name is a bit thicker.

Does anyone else know for sure if it's ok to use Dexron VI in place of Dexron III?

 

I have a 2006 SS 2.4. I had to get the automatic trans. Now I want to change the fluid, but the good 'ole Hanes tells me to take off the pan, replace a gasket, etc. Is it poosible just top drain and change?
Thanks! Diltune

 

OP how did you trim your 8mm allen wrench to fit between the subframe and trans? i cant find an allen that will fit and idk how to trim mine

 

I am copying this over from another Forum I posted it on since it has the pictures in it. Maybe a Mod can move this into the first post?
Updated 3/14/2009

Let me start off with the normal disclaimer:If something breaks by your following this how to guide I cannot in anyway be held responsible for any failures, injuries, or fatalies arising from use of this guide.

On with the fun

Tools

1 Jack and a set of Jackstands(not shown, I assume we all know how to jack up a car and use jackstands)
8mm Allen Key(Trimmed to fit between Engine Subframe and Drain Plug)
2 qts Dexron 3 Compatible ATF(I went with Royal Purple Max ATF this time, you will use 1.8qts or 57.6oz)
Oil Catch Pan
Long Funnel
Haynes Manual(not required but helpful if you've never done this)

Here is the recommended Jackstand setup:


First find the drain plug on bottom of the tranny between the Engine Subrame and the Transmission, it is a 8mm Allen bolt.


Using your 8mm Allen wrench and a small cheater bar crack open the drain plug and then thread it the rest of the way out by hand




Let the fluid run into the oil catch pan or a coffee can if your ghetto then let it drip for a few mins. Then with the engine off shift through every gear to knock any remaining fluid loose then replace the drain plug as tightly as possible

Go back up top and find the plastic fill cap located under the web of wiring on the drivers side, remove it.


Take your funnel(mine has a long hose on it.) and run the hose or funnel down into the hole.




When your sure the funnel is in, start pouring in your ATF. You want to put 1.8 quarts in which is one full quart(32oz) and 25.6oz from the other one. So you want to pour one full quart in then stop between halfway between 8 and 4oz left on the second bottle




When you have emptied your 1.8 quarts into the fill hole replace the cap and tighten.

Pat yourself on the back and go take her for a spin, I noticed a slightly better transition between gears and it took less clutch engagement in reverse to keep it going. In all the main advantage to synthetic transmission fluid is prolonging the life of your transmission but there are few if any performance gains from it.

 

again, how did you trim your allen?

 

with a pair of really good scissors...lol.. using a belt sander is the easiest way