Transmission fluid?

[cmd]

looking for input on recommended tranny fluid to use, and if the filter is only available from gm or are there optional filters available on the market that are recommended. I understand that some members have noticed a differance in the performance of the transmission once performing the service. I have 45k on my 2003 h2, I checked the fluid and i believe it smells a bit on the burnt side.
Thanks

[f5fstop]

Your owner's manual probably recommends Dexron III, but the new Dexron VI, is the best and can be used to replace Dexron III. As for a filter, I never recommend just changing a filter, since 25-40 percent of the fluid remains in the trans and torque converter (depends on the size of the converter). I recommend a total trans back flush, but only with the Kent Moore machine that GM and other manufacturers use. I do not recommend the local oil change shop that uses a cheap back flush machine that is worthless.
Doesn't actually cost much more, but it will flush out all the old fluid, in the trans and the converter, and flush out contaminants, and fill with fresh fluid.
I had it done on my Vette, and it was $109.00; whereas a fluid change and filter was $70.00+.

[o2man98]

AMSOIL makes an excellent ATF that has been working great in GM transmissions. It is a full synthetic ATF that meets all the requirements for the H2 trans.

http://www.modernoils.com/ATF_Amsoil...hetic_ATF.html

[f5fstop]

Originally Posted by o2man98

AMSOIL makes an excellent ATF that has been working great in GM transmissions. It is a full synthetic ATF that meets all the requirements for the H2 trans.

http://www.modernoils.com/ATF_Amsoil...hetic_ATF.html

Why does this appear to be an ad for Amsoil? The 4L60E does not require synthetic fluid.

[o2man98]

That is correct the 4L60E does not require synthetic but does need a Dexron-III fluid. 11 quarts for a full exchange to be accurate.

[f5fstop]

Actually, I would recommend Dexron VI, which is replacing Dexron III at all locations.

[wilfred]

Originally Posted by cmd

looking for input on recommended tranny fluid to use, and if the filter is only available from gm or are there optional filters available on the market that are recommended. I understand that some members have noticed a differance in the performance of the transmission once performing the service. I have 45k on my 2003 h2, I checked the fluid and i believe it smells a bit on the burnt side.
Thanks

Yeap, I am one of those that had the transmission flushed by the dealer and definitely noticed the improvement. (And I had less than 20K on my '03 when I had it done.) I don't know what ATF they used but for around 100 bucks, it's well worth it. As stated above, only half of the fluid can be changed if you just drain and refill. So in order to do it right, a machine is necessary.

[tomp]

I would suggest a complete flush if the oil is burnt. I suspect your tranny may be running on the high side at some periods.

If you can spare the coin, try the PML tranny pan for added cooling due to it being aluminum and holding more fluid. www.trailduty.com has them in stock.

Since your '03 requires DIII ATF you could also try Syn ATF, or just upgrade to the new GM D6 (Dexron VI) ATF.

Originally Posted by cmd

looking for input on recommended tranny fluid to use, and if the filter is only available from gm or are there optional filters available on the market that are recommended. I understand that some members have noticed a differance in the performance of the transmission once performing the service. I have 45k on my 2003 h2, I checked the fluid and i believe it smells a bit on the burnt side.
Thanks

[cmd]

Thanks Guys, i was aiming towards synthetic, however anyone know what the difference in the dextron fluid change is ? can the pan be removed to be cleaned without disconnecting the exhaust. Im just thinkin that would possibly be sludge of some sort sitting in the pan.