Transmission Flush at 32000km?

[Ris]

Hey all,

I know nothing about cars so I need your help on figuring whether a transmission flush is needed or not.

I took my 2010 Forte Koup SX Automatic to dealership for an oil change yesterday. As usual, the service guy tell me I need to do a lot more than just an oil change (things that are not listed on the maintenance schedule).

He said he checked my air filters and it looks very dirty, needs to change that. (This one i have no problem, I can change it myself)...but he also said my transmission fluid looks super dark and highly recommended me to do a flush on it, or at least do a drain and fill. He quoted me $2xx to do a flush at his place...

I came home...forgot to check the dip stick...until 30 minutes later, i went out and pulled the dip stick out. The first time I wipe it on the paper towel, I see a bit of black dirt on the stick and some very clear light brown fluid...then i dip it again the next time, i only see clear light brown liquid and no dirt. No burnt smell at all.

Do you guys think a transmission flush at 32000km is too early? I don't mind doing it, I just want to know whether they are playing trick one me or not....

I'll check the dip stick again right after I drove to work tomorrow.

[fas93]

Yeah, I had to get mine flushed at 32K miles.

Its supposed to be a bright marroon color... and mine was dark dark brown. But I trusted my mechanic to do what was needed. It ended up costing me 275 bucks, but my gears shift so smoothly now. Its like I had just picked her up from the dealership. You can wait a lil bit longer, its up to you. But mine was way over due.

[SketchedOut]

yeah, 32 000 miles is a bit more than 32 000 km. I'd say it should probably be done before 50K km

[FEARtheFOX]

I had mine done as well on a regular service.

[wan2run]

Interesting...the 2012's require no maintenance. The normal maintenance schedule says "No check, No service required".

[n1ghtsh1ft]

I had mine done at 42000kms. I figured it wasnt a bad idea since I had to get my camshaft position sensor replaced under warranty anyways...

[Ris]

Thanks guys! Just checked the fluid again after driving to work today. Color is still very clean light brown, but this time it smells a bit burnt...@.@

[Tebore]

The 2010 5spd auto is based on a Mitsubishi design. It's not exactly a super robust transmission. Servicing it once every 18 months or 32-40k KM isn't a bad idea. I'm going to do mine after the winter.

[Slyman]

Originally Posted by wan2run

Interesting...the 2012's require no maintenance. The normal maintenance schedule says "No check, No service required".

Are you able to scan or give us a picture of the user manual of your 2012 Forte ? Cause I have an 2011 Koup SX and I should replace the fluid at 32000 km (not miles) and I know it's the same transmission.

[shmilymann]

noob question...

where is the dipstick? I check all fluids in my car except for tranny because I just couldn't find the dipstick :s I have the 6 speed AT.

[mog320]

Oh wait you have the six speed auto. . .Not sure if yours is flipped to the opposite side. . .But it shoudl be the red one.

[Tebore]

The new 6 Speeds are so called sealed transmissions. There's no dipstick.

They still have a drain plug though. They're filled a different way.

[duncanville1]

Follow factory recommended service intervals, the ones listed in your service manual. Dealers will "recommend" unneeded service. These services have little parts cost so the markup is high..

[demonsavatar]

Originally Posted by Tebore

The new 6 Speeds are so called sealed transmissions. There's no dipstick.

They still have a drain plug though. They're filled a different way.

Yeah, the service schedule says you basically never have to replace it. Since all manufacturer recommendations are designed to get it through the warranty period, I will probably get it flushed after warranty runs out. At the rate I'm going, I'll hit 100K miles in ~4.5 years.

[OrAnGekoupSX]

chevy has been using the "sealed" transmissions for along time in their cars. under "normal" use, having the fluid changed at 40 miles wouldn't be a bad idea. the burnt smell can come with brand new transmission fluid as well. most oe are/ have moved to using synthetic fluid which always smells burnt. the best way to judge is with colour and whether or not there are suspended particles(dirt and other contaminants) in the fluid. it should look kinda like this colour. if it looks more like this or darker it would be a good idea to change it....