Transmission Fluid change
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 22
From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
Transmission Fluid change
I have a 2009 automatic with 12,000 miles on her.
I just had changed the brake fluid, coolant and rear end oil --- but did not have the trans fluid changed.
Yes, low mileage but trans fluid now 16 years old.
Do I need to change the trans fluid even though only 12,000 easy miles on this car.
Fluid change and filter is change not cheap at dealer and I am now too old to be doing this stuff myself.
What's your advice?
I just had changed the brake fluid, coolant and rear end oil --- but did not have the trans fluid changed.
Yes, low mileage but trans fluid now 16 years old.
Do I need to change the trans fluid even though only 12,000 easy miles on this car.
Fluid change and filter is change not cheap at dealer and I am now too old to be doing this stuff myself.
What's your advice?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 603
Likes: 245
From: Indiana
I have a 2009 automatic with 12,000 miles on her.
I just had changed the brake fluid, coolant and rear end oil --- but did not have the trans fluid changed.
Yes, low mileage but trans fluid now 16 years old.
Do I need to change the trans fluid even though only 12,000 easy miles on this car.
Fluid change and filter is change not cheap at dealer and I am now too old to be doing this stuff myself.
What's your advice?
I just had changed the brake fluid, coolant and rear end oil --- but did not have the trans fluid changed.
Yes, low mileage but trans fluid now 16 years old.
Do I need to change the trans fluid even though only 12,000 easy miles on this car.
Fluid change and filter is change not cheap at dealer and I am now too old to be doing this stuff myself.
What's your advice?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,504
Likes: 717
From: Sausalito CA
My comment... make sure the shop does a drain and refill, with a new filter, not a flush 
Well, fresh oil is always good.
As I recall, other Vette maintenance guides (C4/C5) mention for severe duty to change at 20K mileage.
Maybe not inexpensive in your area, but as mentioned above, may offer you peace of mind.
I would consider draining the rear differential oil at the same time, for convenience.
There is also power steering fluid, which, even at your age (LOL), could be a DIY, with the "turkey baster as a tool" method, instead of a hose disconnect and drain.
Good luck.
Well, fresh oil is always good.
As I recall, other Vette maintenance guides (C4/C5) mention for severe duty to change at 20K mileage.
Maybe not inexpensive in your area, but as mentioned above, may offer you peace of mind.
I would consider draining the rear differential oil at the same time, for convenience.
There is also power steering fluid, which, even at your age (LOL), could be a DIY, with the "turkey baster as a tool" method, instead of a hose disconnect and drain.
Good luck.
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From: Ontario
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 22
From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
I'm 80 years old and I don't have a lift.
Too difficult --- jacking up the differential so you can get to all the bolts to drop the trans pan. leveling the car off, running the car so the fluid heats up to the right temp so the fluid level is correct.
Just too much for me at this age --- or maybe at any age without a lift
Too difficult --- jacking up the differential so you can get to all the bolts to drop the trans pan. leveling the car off, running the car so the fluid heats up to the right temp so the fluid level is correct.
Just too much for me at this age --- or maybe at any age without a lift
Advanced
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 67
Likes: 17
From: Ontario
I'm 80 years old and I don't have a lift.
Too difficult --- jacking up the differential so you can get to all the bolts to drop the trans pan. leveling the car off, running the car so the fluid heats up to the right temp so the fluid level is correct.
Just too much for me at this age --- or maybe at any age without a lift
Too difficult --- jacking up the differential so you can get to all the bolts to drop the trans pan. leveling the car off, running the car so the fluid heats up to the right temp so the fluid level is correct.
Just too much for me at this age --- or maybe at any age without a lift
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,782
Likes: 5,623
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
My car is in the shop now for a failed Harmonic Balancer and having them change rear end and transmission fluid done at the same time.