Trans fluid change

[beir]

I just purchased a 2018 equinox, it has just under 50k, want to change fluid and also filter. I can't seem to find anywhere that's shows how to access filter, I just find how to do fluid since there is no dipstick. Car has awd, is there a filter that is accessible? If it just has to have pan dropped and put new filter, no problem, if ya have to take tranny half apart we'll, I'll just change fluid. Anybody have any ideas?

 

[RIT333]

No easy access to filter. If there is one, then the case has to be split.

 

[beir]

Ok..I guess that answers my question...thank you...I know what to do noe

 

[PoManNox]

Yep, the main thing is getting fresh fluid in there. I would do 2 drain/fills now with a little bit of run time in between and a 3rd in the not so distant future. You will find the fluid to be almost black at 50K miles if it hasn't been changed.

I also added a Votex brand magnetic drain plug to the 6AT in my 2021 Equinox. It picks up metallic paste every time you pull it, but it's so tiny I doubt it does much other than lighten you wallet ~$20.

As far as I know there's two filters in the 6 and 9 speeds. The standard screen/felt type for the pump suction, then a small cartridge filter buried in there as well. No way to get them unless you tear the thing apart.

 

[beir]

Cool, again I know now it's just a fluid swap. Thank you for your help

 

[Autoworker 74]

I just purchased a 2018 equinox, it has just under 50k, want to change fluid and also filter. I can't seem to find anywhere that's shows how to access filter, I just find how to do fluid since there is no dipstick. Car has awd, is there a filter that is accessible? If it just has to have pan dropped and put new filter, no problem, if ya have to take tranny half apart we'll, I'll just change fluid. Anybody have any ideas?

I had the trans fluid in my 14 Nox changed twice and as far as I remember the power flush cleans the filter as it's flushing the fluid. At 50,000 and 7 years I would also consider a coolant flush. You could just go with a drain and fill but for myself I prefer the machine flush.

 

[beir]

Will keep that in mind...thanx

 

[PoManNox]

I had the trans fluid in my 14 Nox changed twice and as far as I remember the power flush cleans the filter as it's flushing the fluid. At 50,000 and 7 years I would also consider a coolant flush. You could just go with a drain and fill but for myself I prefer the machine flush.

Good advice in having these fluids changed, but the term flush is a misconception. You can't flow ATF backwards to backwash filters. Fluid wont flow that way in a transmission. These fluid exchanger machines are plugged inline into the cooler lines and use the transmission's own pump to do all the pumping normal flow path, while the engine idles. It is the most efficient way of getting the old fluid out and new fluid back in with minimal mixing of the two.

 

[beir]

Thanx

 

[TwoEquinoxDad]

I recently did a transmission flush by removing the cooler return line at the radiator and plugging a 3/8" plastic hose in its place. I drained the transmission and overfilled with fresh fluid by 3 quarts. I placed the open end of the plastic hose in a one-gallon milk jug. I started the engine and filled the jug. I did the overfill and drain about four times. The fluid changed from pitch black to cherry red. I used an Amsoil synthetic transmission fluid. I added sufficient fluid at the end to get a slight dribble out the level check port. I followed a YouTube video. Search Don Smith Flush for the video. I did this on daughter #1 2019 Equinox with 90K miles.

 

[PoManNox]

I recently did a transmission flush by removing the cooler return line at the radiator and plugging a 3/8" plastic hose in its place. I drained the transmission and overfilled with fresh fluid by 3 quarts. I placed the open end of the plastic hose in a one-gallon milk jug. I started the engine and filled the jug. I did the overfill and drain about four times. The fluid changed from pitch black to cherry red. I used an Amsoil synthetic transmission fluid. I added sufficient fluid at the end to get a slight dribble out the level check port. I followed a YouTube video. Search Don Smith Flush for the video. I did this on daughter #1 2019 Equinox with 90K miles.

Good deal! Was this it's first fluid change? Mine was so black with ~3yrs and 34K miles on it, I don't know how it would survive to 100K miles.

I haven't looked at how easy the access is to the cooler lines on my 2021. Assuming they use the circlip and "jiffy-tite" push lock connections, I hate messing with those darn things.

Nothing wrong with doing the overfill like you did. I just find it easier to disconnect the line. Add a section of hose so it routes nicely into a pan, jug, etc. Idle the engine until ATF flow stops/sputters. Add the amount that came out. Repeat.

 

[TwoEquinoxDad]

This was the first fluid change. Jiffy-clips are definitely a PITA. I found sources for these clips from Dorman or Amazon. Amazon clips are cheap, made in China but work just fine. I put a few of them into orbit