Transmission Fluid Change = Void Warranty?

Lifetaken · 10-15-2020, 05:13 PM

Hey guys, I've done a bit of searching but can't seem to find anything concrete, and I don't have access to my manual ATM. The question is bugging me so instead of waiting I figured I'd ask here

I have a 2018 SS 1LE (4500 miles) and my 1-2 shifts were/are a bit rough in terms of being clunky/notchy. I read almost everywhere on all forums that changing the transmission fluid would make a world of difference in the smoothness of the transmission and make it shift "like butter". I decided to swap the stock fluid for some Royal Purple Synchromax which people swore by left and right.

Unfortunately for me, it didn't seem to make any difference in the problem with shifting from 1-2. I was able to put about 3.6L of fluid in (following GM instructions on fluid replacement), but perhaps I didn't put enough in? I am going to get it on a lift again ASAP and check. Aside from 1-2, all upshifts/downshifts in/out of the other gears are fine as they were before. Temps don't appear to rise above 110ish after spirited/hard driving.

Anyway, does changing the transmission fluid to RP Synchromax void the warranty for any transmission-related issues? I'd assume it does but I'm not sure. Perhaps it's dealer-dependent? At this point, if I can get it on a lift and confirm I put enough fluid in, I think the next stop will be the dealer.

In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter to me if it's under warranty or not, because I'd still like to get it fixed. I just would like to know if I am looking spending a couple grand on a repair before I take it in

kropscamaro16 · 10-15-2020, 05:18 PM

yes and no i run all oem fluids except brake fluid motul 660 and oil torco sr1 5w40

Mark114 · 10-15-2020, 05:37 PM

If RP meets the OEM specs then it shouldn’t cause GM to deny a warranty claim.

Lifetaken · 10-15-2020, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark114

If RP meets the OEM specs then it shouldn’t cause GM to deny a warranty claim.

I'd have to assume it does, or is somewhat close. I'd need to check. According to this spreadsheet from Royal Purple, Synchromax is their recommended replacement for GM 88861800 which is what is used in our vehicles.

Venomcustom · 10-15-2020, 06:29 PM

Drain it and go back to factory. Run that awhile and do a fresh change and then bring it in to the dealer if it worries you.

Thechef1981 · 11-20-2020, 09:56 PM

Yes it will!!! The only fluid GM and tremec certify and advise you use, if your not using the cottonseed oil AC Delco brand, is Mobil 1 ATF dexron 3 weight, don’t use anything else. The tremecs gears are made of soft metals such as brass and copper and if you use the wrong fluid with some patent additive it could eat away the teeth on the synchros in the the transmission. Also if something goes wrong and a dealer sees your transmission fluid is purple, instant void of warranty!!

Thechef1981 · 11-20-2020, 10:00 PM

I spoke to an engineer at tremec and they DO NOT and never have tested royal purple in there transmissions. He very clearly stated the only Fluid to use if not the dealers is Mobil 1 ATF dexron lll weight

nancygrl · 11-22-2020, 07:21 AM

Used their fluids on other vehicles and only had problems afterwards, so since then I never even consider using anything from RP.
Flush it out and refill with GM trans fluid or the correct Mobil 1 ATF

Coded4SS · 11-22-2020, 10:29 AM

Tremec has their own fluid for our manual trans as well

avalonandl · 11-25-2020, 03:47 PM

RP and Amsoil....snake oil IMHO....

UnknownJinX · 11-25-2020, 04:06 PM

According to TREMEC themself, TR-6060 needs a Dexron III ATF. Anything that meets this specification should be good.

https://www.tremec.com/anexos/TREMEC_TR-6060_1017.pdf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thechef1981

Yes it will!!! The only fluid GM and tremec certify and advise you use, if your not using the cottonseed oil AC Delco brand, is Mobil 1 ATF dexron 3 weight, don’t use anything else. The tremecs gears are made of soft metals such as brass and copper and if you use the wrong fluid with some patent additive it could eat away the teeth on the synchros in the the transmission. Also if something goes wrong and a dealer sees your transmission fluid is purple, instant void of warranty!!

Every modern manual transmission has brass in it. Synchros are made of brass. I have never heard of anyone making actual gears in the transmission with brass or copper. It's as stupid as it sounds.

As for the warranty, I think it will probably depend on your dealer just like with a lot of mods. Worst comes worst, get some OEM fluid and change it out if you have issues. A bit scummy, I know, but I doubt you'd have issues with any proper fluid to begin with assuming you don't suck at driving a manual.

BTW I don't like RP but Amsoil seems okay. I used it in my beater Accord 5-speed before and it shifted butter smooth(in -20F/-30C, I might add) and got rid of the occasional 3rd gear grind I had with the old fluid. Using the Signature Multi ATF now myself and I don't have any issues with it so far, though I don't think it made a huge difference compared to OEM.

Lifetaken · 12-23-2020, 01:12 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll end up emptying it out and going back to stock fluid ASAP.

10-15-2020, 05:13 PM	#1
Lifetaken Drives: 2018 SS Camaro 1LE Join Date: May 2019 Location: Maryland Posts: 8	Transmission Fluid Change = Void Warranty? Hey guys, I've done a bit of searching but can't seem to find anything concrete, and I don't have access to my manual ATM. The question is bugging me so instead of waiting I figured I'd ask here I have a 2018 SS 1LE (4500 miles) and my 1-2 shifts were/are a bit rough in terms of being clunky/notchy. I read almost everywhere on all forums that changing the transmission fluid would make a world of difference in the smoothness of the transmission and make it shift "like butter". I decided to swap the stock fluid for some Royal Purple Synchromax which people swore by left and right. Unfortunately for me, it didn't seem to make any difference in the problem with shifting from 1-2. I was able to put about 3.6L of fluid in (following GM instructions on fluid replacement), but perhaps I didn't put enough in? I am going to get it on a lift again ASAP and check. Aside from 1-2, all upshifts/downshifts in/out of the other gears are fine as they were before. Temps don't appear to rise above 110ish after spirited/hard driving. Anyway, does changing the transmission fluid to RP Synchromax void the warranty for any transmission-related issues? I'd assume it does but I'm not sure. Perhaps it's dealer-dependent? At this point, if I can get it on a lift and confirm I put enough fluid in, I think the next stop will be the dealer. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter to me if it's under warranty or not, because I'd still like to get it fixed. I just would like to know if I am looking spending a couple grand on a repair before I take it in

10-15-2020, 05:18 PM	#2
kropscamaro16 Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 909 Posts: 9,812	yes and no i run all oem fluids except brake fluid motul 660 and oil torco sr1 5w40 __________________ 16 1SS NIGHTFALL GRAY METALLIC WITH NPP #BECAUSERACECAR #SAVETHEMANUALS

11-25-2020, 03:47 PM	#10
avalonandl Drives: 2019 ZL-1 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Troy, MI & Naples, FL Posts: 2,019	RP and Amsoil....snake oil IMHO.... __________________ 2019 ZL-1 Acquired 4/23/21 at 6300 miles. Riverside Blue, A10, PDR. Traded in 2017 2SS with 6M and 32k miles. Continental Extreme Contact Sports. Now has 10,000 miles... 2012 Yukon XL Denali w/ 6.2 AWD

10-15-2020, 05:37 PM	#3
Mark114 Drives: 2016 2SS Convertible Join Date: May 2012 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,710 View My Garage	If RP meets the OEM specs then it shouldn’t cause GM to deny a warranty claim.

10-15-2020, 06:29 PM	#5
Venomcustom Hard to want. Drives: 2020 red hot 1SS 1LE Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Nashville Tennessee Posts: 527	Drain it and go back to factory. Run that awhile and do a fresh change and then bring it in to the dealer if it worries you.

11-20-2020, 09:56 PM	#6
Thechef1981 Drives: 2018 camaro ss 1le Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Northridge, CA Posts: 8 View My Garage	Yes it will!!! The only fluid GM and tremec certify and advise you use, if your not using the cottonseed oil AC Delco brand, is Mobil 1 ATF dexron 3 weight, don’t use anything else. The tremecs gears are made of soft metals such as brass and copper and if you use the wrong fluid with some patent additive it could eat away the teeth on the synchros in the the transmission. Also if something goes wrong and a dealer sees your transmission fluid is purple, instant void of warranty!!

11-20-2020, 10:00 PM	#7
Thechef1981 Drives: 2018 camaro ss 1le Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Northridge, CA Posts: 8 View My Garage	I spoke to an engineer at tremec and they DO NOT and never have tested royal purple in there transmissions. He very clearly stated the only Fluid to use if not the dealers is Mobil 1 ATF dexron lll weight

11-22-2020, 07:21 AM	#8
nancygrl 雪の玉 Drives: '22 Z71 RST Silverado Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: South Posts: 3,415	Used their fluids on other vehicles and only had problems afterwards, so since then I never even consider using anything from RP. Flush it out and refill with GM trans fluid or the correct Mobil 1 ATF

11-22-2020, 10:29 AM	#9
Coded4SS Drives: 2020 1SS 1le Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: SO CAL Posts: 440	Tremec has their own fluid for our manual trans as well

12-23-2020, 01:12 PM	#12
Lifetaken Drives: 2018 SS Camaro 1LE Join Date: May 2019 Location: Maryland Posts: 8	Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll end up emptying it out and going back to stock fluid ASAP.

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