Trans service

[wteebo]

I have a 2003 Vue, 4cyl, auto, and was going to get the transmission serviced but was told from a couple of shops that that was a dealer-only service. One shop even told me that it was a complicated job. Really? I looked in the Chilton manual and it sure looks straight forward to me. I know it's one of those new-fangled trannys that has no shift points but is it really that difficult to change the fluid and filter?

[Chazberry]

Check this thread . . .
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=171553

[VTchemist]

Originally Posted by wteebo

I have a 2003 Vue, 4cyl, auto, and was going to get the transmission serviced but was told from a couple of shops that that was a dealer-only service. One shop even told me that it was a complicated job. Really? I looked in the Chilton manual and it sure looks straight forward to me. I know it's one of those new-fangled trannys that has no shift points but is it really that difficult to change the fluid and filter?

You have a VTi transmission. Search the site here, and you will find out the problems with the VTi.

IMO, I would not do anything to the transmission. If it works, drive it.

As a precaution, you need to know the VTi will fail at some point in time. You may be getting near the end of the VTi's life.

I don't mean to be a downer, but there are a lot of people that have had real problems with the VTi. Please read the posts here before you spend a lot of coin on servicing the transmission.

[wteebo]

wow, didn't realize it would be so bleak. I had a feeling that when we bought the Vue new in '03 it might be a problem down the road since it was still a new trans design. Ok, well I guess we'll just drive it and see what happens. It's been running fine and has for over 100K, but the manual says to change the trans fluid at 100K that's why I started looking into the service. Thanks for the input.

[far2grumpy]

Originally Posted by wteebo

wow, didn't realize it would be so bleak. I had a feeling that when we bought the Vue new in '03 it might be a problem down the road since it was still a new trans design. Ok, well I guess we'll just drive it and see what happens. It's been running fine and has for over 100K, but the manual says to change the trans fluid at 100K that's why I started looking into the service. Thanks for the input.

wteebo ... you are way ahead of power-curve with 100,000 trouble-free miles.

One school of thought suggests not trying any service and see how long it lasts ... I'm inclined to think your family's driving style has a lot to do with longevity of a shaky transmission.

Therefore, I'll email you as many service manual extracts as you need to proceed with a fluid change - use PM function to forward an address.

[sideup66]

Just a question as i am also a fellow CVT owner... Did the failures OCCUR on vehicles that had the fluid changed or vehicles that DID NOT have the fluid changed? Might be a good place to base the problem off of. I ask as Im also not far off from my 100,000 mi ritual with 86,000 currently on my clock and have been debating the issue of trans service for some time as well. Mine still seems solid for the time being...

[Chazberry]

Originally Posted by wteebo

I had a feeling that when we bought the Vue new in '03 it might be a problem down the road since it was still a new trans design.

When I started looking at the VUE in '03 I was thinking 4 cyl. As soon as I heard it had this new fluffnik CVT tranny I opted for the V6. (Former GM guinea pig - been there - done that - got the T-shirt.) I also took a pass on the AWD. Older and wiser sometimes pays off.