DIY 50k service ('04 Vue AWD VTi)

[stripethree]

Hey guys and gals. I've lurked and searched around on these forums various times since my girlfriend bought an '04 Vue a little more than a year ago with the dreaded VTi transmission. Thankfully, knock on wood, there haven't been any problems with it yet. The info here has helped me figure out some quirks about the Vue to get many things accomplished, so thanks for that.

Anyway, the time has come for the 50k service on the Vue and I am looking for a detailed walk through on what needs to be done to see if I can do it rather than pay for and wait on the dealership. The local dealership describes it as a transmission service and what I've read here is that is a transmission fluid change with an additive included. What does it entail on the Vue? While I know it's very different, I've had to perform AWD service on my late model Volkswagen with a fluid and filter change at the rear transaxle and I was wondering if the Vue has to have something similar. Unfortunately Bentley doesn't publish manuals for Saturns as they have been extremely helpful with both of my VWs. I'm also not sure that we have the owner's manual for the Vue laying around or not.

Thanks!

[SaturnTech122]

Here is the process directly from GM dealerworld, i have omitted the part about check trans internal temperature, as it always requires 3/4 quart after you let it drain. Note if you have an AWD vue dont forget to service the rear diff.
Also first remove the entire plug to drain, after you fill it only remove the hex plug located inside the larger drain plug.

Transmission Fluid Replacement:

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Place a drain pan under the transmission.
Remove the lower tube assembly drain plug .



Remove the lower tube assembly from the transmission. Allow the fluid to completely drain.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Install the lower tube assembly into the transmission.
Tighten
Tighten the assembly to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).





Temporarily install the original lower tube plug. Do not tighten.
Lower the vehicle.
Important: Do not use ATF P/N 21005966 or P/N 21019223. These fluids are not compatible with this transmission.

Fill the transmission to the proper level with Saturn DEX-CVT® Fluid P/N 22688912 . 1 Gallon and 1 quart .
Install a scan tool.
With the vehicle on a flat and level surface, start the vehicle.
Circulate the fluid through the transmission using the following procedure:
11.1. With the brake applied, shift the transmission from the PARK (P) to REVERSE (R) for 10 seconds.

11.2. Shift the transmission to DRIVE (D) for 10 seconds.

11.3. Shift the transmission to PARK (P), allowing the engine to remain running.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the lower tube assembly drain plug and discard.
Perform the following procedure to assure proper fluid level:
• If the fluid drains down at a steady stream from the opening, allow the fluid to drain until it stops.

• If no fluid or a very small amount of fluid drains, add fluid to the transmission until a steady stream starts to drain. Stop adding fluid immediately. Allow the fluid to drain until it stops.

Install a new lower tube assembly plug and clean any excess fluid from the transmission.
Tighten
Tighten the plug to 11 N·m (97 lb in).


Now Add 3/4 quart of DEX-CVT fluid.

Turn OFF the ignition.
Add Saturn DEX-CVT® additive P/N 22697447 to the transmission using the provided applicator. Inject the entire contents into the transmission.

[VTchemist]

The manual calls for servicing the rear drive module (RDM) at 90,000 miles. Several posters have had good luck doing a DIY. The fluid of the RDM is pricey.

The automatic tranny in the 2004 V6 shares its fluid with the power takeoff unit (PTU). I am not sure if the VTi does this or it is separate (like the 02 and 03 Aisin trannies in the V6 VUEs). Again the fluid is pricey. The manual calls for a PTU service for the 02 and 03 Aisin trannies at 90,000 miles.