How to Replace Transmission Fluid for Chevrolet Cruze?

[DelAmelia]

Here is the method for replacing transmission fluid for Chevrolet Cruze: 1. First, lift the Chevrolet Cruze and place a large container underneath to catch the waste fluid. Use a screwdriver to remove the inner and outer shells of the transmission, at which point some transmission fluid will flow out—be careful to avoid it. 2. After a few minutes, when some of the fluid has nearly drained, remove the last oil pan, carefully supporting it by hand. After removing the oil pan, you will notice a significant amount of residue at the bottom. 3. Carefully remove the transmission fluid filter, at which point you can clearly see the solenoid valve used for gear shifting. 4. Remove the oil pan gasket and clean the surrounding residue. If the gaps are not clean enough, use tools to assist. Over time, the rubber on the gasket may stick to the machine edges, making it difficult to clean. Use a small scraper to remove it, and spray some carburetor cleaner for a more thorough cleaning. 5. Wipe all cleaned transmission fluid filter components with cotton cloth and install them one by one. Note that the filter is generally a disposable item, so when replacing the transmission fluid, you also need to replace the filter and gasket. 6. Wipe the surfaces of the replaced components clean, ensuring there are no water or oil stains, as these can cause leaks. Install the cleaned oil pan and gasket together, making sure they fit tightly to prevent leaks. Clean the filter housing and wipe it dry, then install the cleaned housing, first securing two diagonal screws before tightening all of them. 7. Add the original Chevrolet Cruze transmission fluid. Check the fluid level through the fill hole; if the fluid is full, it will flow out from the observation hole.

[EverlyAnn]

My old Cruze just had its transmission fluid changed last year, so I know a thing or two about this. For automatic transmissions, it's recommended to change around 60,000 kilometers - don't push it beyond that. There are two common methods at repair shops: The gravity method is like changing aquarium water - just remove the drain plug to release 4-5 liters of old fluid and pour in new fluid. But I'd recommend the flush machine method more. It connects two tubes to the transmission cooler lines, using 12 liters of new fluid to push out the old fluid. Watching the liquid in the transparent tube change from soy sauce color to wine red is oddly satisfying. If doing it yourself, get Dexron VI certified fluid - I used Valvoline full synthetic. Remember to check dipstick levels when the engine is warm. Always wear safety goggles before starting - hot fluid splashing into your eyes is no joke. For older cars, have the mechanic check the transmission filter too. The snap-ring structure is tricky to remove but affects shifting when dirty.