Trans Fluid Change Time

[Bige4u]

My current vehicle is a 2009 Aveo LT with the 1.6L engine and AW81-40LE transmission with just over 50k miles... i've already purchased the correct trans filter and pan gasket locally, now im just confused on what brand fluid to use.

The manual calls for T-IV fluid and im not sure if i should use the delco T-IV, the toyota T-IV fluid or the valvoline max-life synthetic fluid that compatable with dex3/dex6/t-iv/merc/etc, granted im not to fond on finding out the only place around here i can get the delco brand is from the dealership, can you say price gouge?

So how should do this(luckily theres a factory drain plug)... 1. Drain the fluid, then change the filter first and do a flush or 2. leave the old filter in, do the flush, then change the filter?

EDIT - Figure i'll go ahead and drain the fluid and replace the filter first, then go with the valvoline max life synthetic trans fluid and proceed like so and do a flush like this individual to thoroughly get all of the old fluid out. Worked great, flushed with 7qts with the new fluid and used the last remaining 1qt to top it off, i also used engine degreaser to cleanup any mess afterwards so any potential leaks will be easier to spot and fix right away.

Link - http://down2thenutsandbolts.blogspot.com/2014/07/chevrolet-aveo-transmission-flush-aw81.html

[xintersecty]

Nice blog post and I like the pictures. That scissor lift is cool; alas I can't afford one myself.