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Old 08-09-2015, 06:19 AM   #1
dpam
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Check your transmission fluid

Prior to making a 700 mile trip I took our GMC truck with a duramax transmission to a GM dealer for the major transmission service. After travelling 700 miles I noticed there was a delay and soft clunk when putting the tranny in drive. I checked the tranny fluid and didn't see anything on the dip stick. Took the truck to a GM dealer and they checked it out. They had to add 3 litres of fluid. The tranny holds 12 litres of fluid and there was only 9 litres in the tranny. The technician that added the 3 litres said that when a major service is done and after the fluid is added the technician needs to take the truck for a long ride and then top up the fluid. Apparently when the transmission was serviced the tech did not take the truck for a long ride and did not top up the fluid. I was lucky that the tranny had 9 litres of fluid which prevented any damage. If there was less than 9 litres I would have damaged the transmission. Lession learned is to check the technicians work.
 
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Old 08-09-2015, 09:16 AM   #2
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Another example why I do everything myself that I can.
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Old 08-09-2015, 09:31 AM   #3
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Years ago I brought my new car home from it's first "free" oil change and service. Parked the car on the street in front of the house and noticed oil dripping from under it. They never tightened the drain plug. Unfortunately service is done by humans and mistakes happen.
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Old 08-14-2015, 03:31 AM   #4
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It seems like to me the Dealerships come up with all kind of "needed" repairs and services on my 2007 when I take it in just for an oil change. Dirty coolant and a flush was suggested and after taking to a radiator shop all was needed was to top off the tank for the coolant. Leaking front hub, which wasn't after MY inspection and changing front and rear differential for over $100 per diff. Changed them myself for less than 1/2 price using Amsoil top rated oil. You have to watch these dealerships so you don't get screwed.
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Old 08-20-2015, 06:35 PM   #5
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dpam
Don't you mean Allison transmission/Duramax engine? What is a major transmission service on an Allison transmission? I have a 2012 Silverado 3500HD dually. I talked to my dealer a while back about getting my ally transmission serviced and what it entailed. He said all they do is replace the spin on filter and top off the fluid. I said that's it. That's all you do? He said that's all that is required by the manufacturer. I didn't believe him so I called an Allison transmission dealer in my area and asked them about getting it serviced and what they do. He said the same thing. I said you're kidding, you don't drop the pan or flush it out. He said no, you will cause problems and could damage it if you flush it. He said unless you are having problems with it there is no reason to mess with it. Just change the filter and top it off.

A lot of dealer service advisors will try to " up sell" you things you don't need because they get commission on it. A friend's son was a service writer for a dealership and quit after a few weeks because they kept pushing him to " up sell " especially to woman and elderly customers. He quit because he didn't want to do it..

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Old 08-20-2015, 08:15 PM   #6
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Yep just a spin on filter change and a drain and fill NOT flush is all you need for the Allison and you are good to go for this tough as nails transmission
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Old 08-21-2015, 04:37 AM   #7
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DmaxDully,

I assumed people that had a Duramax a Allison transmission came with it. Yes you are correct it is a Duramax engine and Allison transmission. I guess I called it major service
because the technician drained the pan, replaced the filter, cleaned and resealed the pan and replaced the fluid. The technician did not only change the filter and top off the fluid. I guess I feel after 50K kilometres the fluid should be drained and pan cleaned. I also spoke to the service manager of a very reputable GM dealership and he stated if you especially tow a heavy trailer it is wise to get a complete transmission service and not only change the spin on filter.
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Old 08-21-2015, 11:27 AM   #8
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If you get the transmission fluid tested (and it is Transynd) and the test comes back good, the fluid is good for life.
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Old 08-21-2015, 12:26 PM   #9
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I only trust my Allison Transmission to the Allison Dealer At 50,000 I had it changed out to Transynd Fluid.
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