A/T service: Do I need a machine?

[daltron]

Is there anyway to do a transmission flush or service for these automatic transmissions at home, or is this a jiffy lube etc job with their machines?

2008 Aveo

[jayman]

i know on my 04 its about the same as changing the engine oil, pretty easy

[daltron]

Interesting... Know any guides?

[jayman]

(short write-up)- just take the drain plug out, measure how much comes out, reinstall the plug, refill same amount that came out. pour new fluid though the dipstick tube. Done!

[Aveo5_boy]

I have a 2008 Aveo as well and it is everything as Jayman has explained but you might want to go through pages 5-19 to 5-21 of your owners manual and read up on how to properly check the fluid level and how to properly add the automatic transmission fluid. I did this process 3 times with 1 day intervals to try and remove as much of the old fluid as possible but this method you will find a few will not agree with as it will not remove all of the old fluid.

BTW your vehicle uses T-IV Automatic Transmission Fluid as noted on Pg. 6-23 of your owners manual....Mobil 3309 is a good alternative. You may also want to pick up a few crush washers for the drain bolt at your GM parts section.

Here is a youtube tutorial if you want to try and do the complete full flush and fill: 10 Min Automatic Transmission Fluid Flush + Replacement (Most Cars) - YouTube

Good Luck!

[Thymeclock]

I have a 2008 Aveo as well and it is everything as Jayman has explained but you might want to go through pages 5-19 to 5-21 of your owners manual and read up on how to properly check the fluid level and how to properly add the automatic transmission fluid. I did this process 3 times with 1 day intervals to try and remove as much of the old fluid as possible but this method you will find a few will not agree with as it will not remove all of the old fluid.

All true, and here are a few more tips: On any car with an A/T you will never go wrong by draining your A/T fluid every 6 mos. (or at least yearly) when you change your oil. It doesn't need to be done in daily increments, but can be done with each oil change depending on how the fluid looked the last time you drained and refilled it. Degraded fluid hastens transmission failure, and it's one of the most expensive repairs for any car. Been there, done that.

True, you will only replenish about 1/3 of the A/T fluid capacity in doing a drain and refill yourself. But after a few times of doing it you should notice some improvement in color of the fluid. My fluid was brown after the first 10,000 miles and it's still not entirely red after 18,000 miles and several changes later. This has me concerned, but remember: it's better to change degraded fluid than not to change it and have it worsen.

Transmission fluid is relatively cheap compared to the cost of rebuilding a transmission.

[daltron]

Thank you for all the help guys. If I drain what I can and add that same amount, how much should I typically expect in terms of volume?

[Thymeclock]

Thank you for all the help guys. If I drain what I can and add that same amount, how much should I typically expect in terms of volume?

Eyeball the amount that you drain and that will give you some idea of how much you will need to refill. As I recall it is at least a quart. Be sure to read the dipstick to get the correct level.

[Aveo5_boy]

I think it is approximately 2-1/2 quarts that will drain from the pan.

[Daox]

For future reference, what is the recommended change interval?