Automatic Transmission Fluid drain, filter and refill.
12-28-2005, 11:11 AM
#1
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Automatic Transmission Fluid drain, filter and refill.
WHY won't the dealer do this when asked?
I want the 120K tranny fluid changed and the filter replaced?
"Its a lifetime fluid, I wouldn't recommend it"...
WTF
Its ~$400 in preventive maintenance or a $7000 tranny later. The dealer leans towards the tranny in EITHER way: Chnage or No change fluid.
HELP!
-Scott by BOSTON
I want the 120K tranny fluid changed and the filter replaced?
"Its a lifetime fluid, I wouldn't recommend it"...
WTF
Its ~$400 in preventive maintenance or a $7000 tranny later. The dealer leans towards the tranny in EITHER way: Chnage or No change fluid.
HELP!
-Scott by BOSTON
12-28-2005, 01:45 PM
#3
Dealers are afraid that if they mess with the trany and it then dies, they owe you a new tranny. If
they don't touch it and it dies, you pay for the new tranny. Besides, there is likely very little demand for people wanting the fluid changed that they figure it isn't worth the risk. I had the same experience - two dealers wouldn't touch my tranny - saying their policy was to only touch it if it was leaking. I wnet the DIY route.
12-28-2005, 03:09 PM
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Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid drain, filter and refill.
I contacted the trans manufacturer about this issue and talked to the engineer. He said that it is correct, the oil is lifetime and should not be changed. I was not comfortable with the dealer but have accepted the info from the manufacturer since they do not have an axe to grind. I have elected to follow his advice. If anyone should know its them. Hope this helps.
12-28-2005, 03:45 PM
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I find that hard to believe. Who did you speak with and at what location?
There's no way a ZF employee would say that on the record.
You absolutely have to change the fluid if you're going to keep the car for the long haul. Find another dealer or have a knowledgeable indy shop do it.
Cheers,
You absolutely have to change the fluid if you're going to keep the car for the long haul. Find another dealer or have a knowledgeable indy shop do it.
Cheers,
12-29-2005, 10:15 AM
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Re: Dealers are afraid that if they mess with the trany and it then dies, they owe you a new tranny.
I believe this is true.
While they don't suggest doing the drain, filter and refill.
When pressed, the service manager said they'd do it with every disclaimer / at your own risk.............etc......
-Scott by BOSTON
While they don't suggest doing the drain, filter and refill.
When pressed, the service manager said they'd do it with every disclaimer / at your own risk.............etc......
-Scott by BOSTON
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12-29-2005, 07:01 PM
#8
Sorry, but I have to call BS on this! I talked to 2 separate distributors/authorized rebuilders of
the ZF trannys and they suggested 30k - 50k for fluid change. Said it definitely wasn't lifetime if you wanted your tranny to last more than 90k miles...why would this guy lie - he would get more business if my tranny died from no fluid changes.
There is no such thing as lifetime fluid if you want to maximize your vehicle's life. Yeah, its lifetime if you consider your tranny dead once the fluid loses its original properties. Using this logic, engine oil could be considered lifetime, since if you never change it, the oil will last the lifetime of the engine (except you'll need a new engine every 25k miles or so). The clutch packs wear and contaminate the fluid, also heat causes it to oxidize. It needs to be changed!
There is no such thing as lifetime fluid if you want to maximize your vehicle's life. Yeah, its lifetime if you consider your tranny dead once the fluid loses its original properties. Using this logic, engine oil could be considered lifetime, since if you never change it, the oil will last the lifetime of the engine (except you'll need a new engine every 25k miles or so). The clutch packs wear and contaminate the fluid, also heat causes it to oxidize. It needs to be changed!
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