[EagleRS]

So, question being, what is the recommendation for changing the transmission fluid?

I don't trust the dealer for reasons I don't have enough time to bring up. One trusted shop that I take my car to, he doesn't have the "tool" to refill the transmission properly?

Last but not least, how much pain in the ass would it be to change it myself?

2016 2.0L Turbo A8

[PolynesianPowerhouse]

in the book its around 45k miles.

I just did a filter change and pan drop, and replaced the fluid at 25k.


to refill it, its a plug, and any fluid transfer device, like the motive powerfill, or something to pump the fluid in will be advantageous.

theres also a fluid level vs temp procedure to follow as well. its in a post around here, so if I run across it again, i'll post it here.

relatively simple job.

[ev_santillano]

Depends on how you drive the car. If youre fairly easy going with the car you should be good going by the book and you could probably get away with going over the 45k a little. Fluids now a days can take a long ways. I had about 44k on my 2015 with the 6l50 before I traded it in and I did not touch the transmission once. I have not seen any 8 speeds in person as they are too new for people to be bringing them into the shop for repairs but the process to change the oil in the pan should be pretty easy. unbolt the pan, drop the fluid, change the filter, and bolt it back up. A lift does help . Any good transmission shop should have the "Tool" to fill it up. I used to use, and still do sometimes, a big gatorade bottle with a tube and a hole for an air nozzle to fill up transmissions with fill plugs.

[PolynesianPowerhouse]

Originally Posted by ev_santillano

Depends on how you drive the car. If youre fairly easy going with the car you should be good going by the book and you could probably get away with going over the 45k a little. Fluids now a days can take a long ways. I had about 44k on my 2015 with the 6l50 before I traded it in and I did not touch the transmission once. I have not seen any 8 speeds in person as they are too new for people to be bringing them into the shop for repairs but the process to change the oil in the pan should be pretty easy. unbolt the pan, drop the fluid, change the filter, and bolt it back up. A lift does help . Any good transmission shop should have the "Tool" to fill it up. I used to use, and still do sometimes, a big gatorade bottle with a tube and a hole for an air nozzle to fill up transmissions with fill plugs.

Agree on the "how it's driven" thing. Granted temps stayed under 220, and mostly around 180 on daily driving. My fluid had darkened a bit.

Being that there's no dipstick, the fluid level has to be set by temp vs level. That's important. There's also a slight overfill method for track use, described in the book.

On my 2013 with 6l50 with sporty driving the stock fluid was done at 30k.


this pdf should have the info about the fluid level. http://www.atra.com/Webinars/GM/8L90_Introduction.pdf

Fluid Level & Condition Check

This procedure checks both the transmission fluid level and the condition of the fluid.
Note: The 8L90 transmission is NOT equipped with a fill tube and dipstick. A tube attached to the inside of the transmission fluid pan, called a stand pipe, is used to set the fluid level.

Caution: The transmission fluid level must be checked when the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) is between 35–45°C (95–113°F) on scan tool data. If the TFT is not within this range, operate the vehicle or allow the fluid to cool as required.

Setting the fluid level with a TFT outside this range will result in either an under or over-filled transmission. TFT>45°C = under-filled, TFT<35°C=overfilled. An under-filled transmission will cause premature component wear or damage.

An over-filled transmission will cause fluid to discharge out the vent tube, fluid foaming, or pump cavitation.

Fluid Level & Condition Check
1. Observe the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) using the Driver Information Center (DIC), or a scan tool.
2. Start and idle the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through each gear range. Pause for at least 3 seconds in each range.
4. Move the shift lever back to PARK.
5. Ensure the engine RPM is low at 500 to 800 RPM.
6. Allow the engine to idle for at least 1 minute.
7. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range.

Caution: THE ENGINE MUST BE RUNNING when the trans oil level check plug is removed or excessive fluid loss will occur, resulting in an under-filled condition. An under-filled transmission will cause premature component wear or damage.

Note: Continue to monitor the TFT. If the TFT is not within the specified values, reinstall the trans oil level check plug and repeat the previous steps.

Fluid Level & Condition Check

Without the Factory Service Tool

1. Based on accessibility, transmission fluid may be added through the fluid fill tube plug assembly (1) hole or through the oil level check plug (2) hole in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan.
2. Clean around the fluid fill tube plug (1).
3. Unlock the fill tube plug by lifting the plunger. Once the plunger is lifted, remove the entire plug assembly (1).
Use Dexron HP Fluid

[EagleRS]

I appreciate the info and advice you guys have posted. I will keep all this in mind and print that PDF.


Thanks guys,

EagleRS