2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Transfer Case Fluid Change

[@Dake21]

The undercarriage of your grand vitara looks mint. Where I bought mine they generously applied undercoating everywhere because we salt the roads. It's very sticky and dirty, they even sprayed the engine bay.

[@garychristian8297]

You were exactly right about the leaking around the drain plug. I checked mine and it was backing out also. I appreciate the video and the time you took to make it.

[@redonKiLaus]

Glad it helped you! Thanks for watching!

[@ambersdad1976]

Fantastic. Thanks so much for this. Your uploads have really helped me with servicing my 2006 2.0ltr. If you are ever doing your brake shoes I'd really appreciate a video of that. :)

[@redonKiLaus]

We used about 1.2 quarts of 75W-90 Full Synthetic, and hand tightened the plugs because we felt that 23nm seemed too high and did not feel right.

[@redonKiLaus]

Thanks for your feedback. I will keep it in mind.

[@JamesCurl_aka_RedonKiLaus]

We use Red Line because it is fully synthetic. I don't deviate from the manufacturers specifications because it may decrease the ability to lubricate critical areas and bearing surfaces. We just put on Pirelli Scorpion Verde all season tires - all road noise diminished to almost no noise at all.

[@elyhelton777]

quanto tempo deve ter de rodagem para fazer a troca desse oleo de transmissão ???

[@JuanMartinez-we2wo]

Hey great videos about the Suzuki although I have one question I've been replacing oils in mine but the plugs from the transfer case are super tight and I can't get them out and I'm afraid that they can get over turned and won't be able to take them out any advice?

[@redonKiLaus]

+Juan Martinez You will probably have to use a breaker bar to get them out, but if they were overtightened in the past you should replace them as well. Make sure that you take the fill plugs out first as well, because if you drain the fluid but cannot refill you are in a bit of a jam at that point. Thanks for watching!

[@nonstop1212]

Useful and good explaining skills, thanks!!

[@redonKiLaus]

Thanks for watching!

[@JamesCurl_aka_RedonKiLaus]

Please see our newest video on how to check your rear brake shoes ... changing them is pretty easy - they come with instructions. We did not change our since they had very little wear.

[@maxxonetwo3]

How many quarts did you use for rear & front & trasfer ?

[@marshellli8107]

Hi, great videos!! I have the exactly same car except different color. I have few questions: 1. how many litr of gear oil am I suppose to use for front/rear differential gears and the transfer case? 2. you used 75w90 red line, and one of my friend told me to use AMS 80w90 instead, he said the car will be more smooth, do you have any idea about that? Thanks

[@healthywithamanda]

I have a 2001 xl7 and am finding that my transmission fluid is turning brown/black within a day or so I just purchased it and was wondering is the color change possibly due to motor oil or gear box oil?? would hate to think I spent money on an oversized paperweight.....any suggestions would be great.....possibly worn tyranny burning fluid.....I'm lost

[@redonKiLaus]

If you're changing the fluid out for fresh red ATF, you probably have slipping clutch packs, which burn the fluid as well as deposit particulates into the fluid. You should feel the transmission slipping if that's the case. I typically see transmissions that were not rigorously maintained fail in this manner around 150-200k miles. You may potentially also have radiator fluid mixing with the transmission fluid, since the transmission cooler is built into the radiator. You could confirm or rule this out by simply checking your coolant - if it's normal, this is definitely not the issue, but if it's the same color as the transmission fluid, then it most certainly is. Your engine or transfer case oil will not contaminate your transmission, the way in which they interface with one another makes this impossible. If you are simply draining the transmission pan and refilling with ATF, then it may take a while for the fluid to return to a red color. Your pan may hold around 2 quarts, but the transmission as a unit may hold around 16, which makes getting rid of all old fluid a lengthy endeavor. You should see the fluid lighten every time you drain it, though - if not, you definitely have an issue. Hopefully this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@deanwicks3273]

Hey mate awesome videos on the vitaras done my front and rear diffs and transfer case yesterday . I have a 2006 suzuki grand vitara just wondering if u know how much fluids each area takes. My transfer case only took aprox a 1 litre thats all until it came out the fill point I just see you had three bottles there on the bench. How mls did your transfer case take ? 😊😊

[@redonKiLaus]

The owner's manual as well as service manual give fluid capacities, though I can't say for certain how much the transfer case took since I made the video ages ago. Thanks for watching!

[@ghazwankareem9688]

What is the type of that fluid? What it’s called?

[@leemrhandyman8601]

Hi I really enjoy your videos and are really helpful. I have same frand vitara v6 2.7 in Australia. I have a small question for you. My car got esp and 4wd switching light on and flashing same time and plus constant clicking sound from passenger side dash board. I’ve been to 5 different mechanics and they couldn’t find reason behind it. I’m pretty sure that the reason is leaking from the trasnfer case. Do you have any different idea? Please let me know. Thank you

[@redonKiLaus]

I've not heard of a problem as you describe before, but with the clicking coming from behind the dash, I'd be inclined to think that there may be an issue with a relay which controls some portion of the 4WD system. If the vehicle drives normally and isn't stuck in low range or high range locked, then I'd assume that the actuator is good. If your transfer case has been leaking, then you definitely need to ensure that the fluid is topped up to the proper level before diagnosing any further as well. Thanks for watching!

[@RobertAnema]

at approx 2'28", you mentioned you were advised to check for leaks towards the front drive shaft from the transfer case. Apparently this is a common leak on 2008 Grand Vitara? Do you have a part number for the appropriate seal from transfer case to front drive shaft? Thanks.

[@redonKiLaus]

This is indeed a common leak on the Grand Vitaras from what I've heard through forums. I used to have one of the seals on hand, but my GV was totaled several years ago so I no longer have it or the service manual from which I got the P/N, so I don't have that part number on hand. Sorry about that. I would try sourcing the seal through AutoZone or any other online parts depot, and you may be able to cross reference back to the OEM number (or use an aftermarket part). Hope that helps point you in the right direction, and thanks for watching!

[@luishoracioperezvalladares3634]

buenas tares una pregunta, cuantos litros lleva el transfer de una grand vitara 4x4 xl7 6 cilindros

[@adkrick5331]

Good video...Thank you.

[@antonis8872]

dear sir i have a problem with GV 2006.The bulbs 4wd lock low is blinking often .Do you know what is the problem?I had changed all the oils and i put redline

[@redonKiLaus]

That type of issue is often indicative of a failing transfer case actuation motor, so that is the first item I'd check. Hope that helps, and thanks for watching!

[@zmanvideo1]

thanks for the video, i have one question (as i have a 2006 grand vitara), did you use gl-4 or gl-5? my owners manual says to use gl-5 but the factory service manual says gl-4? thank you.

[@JA-rn5qv]

Transfer case and differential are GL-5. Manual Trans is GL-4

[@zmanvideo1]

@@JA-rn5qv thank you!

[@JA-rn5qv]

@@zmanvideo1 The reason the factory service manual makes reference to GL-4 in regards to the T-Case is because at the time when the factory service manual was created the GL-5's had a type of Sulphur which was reactive and under prolonged heat would cause acidic conditions which would then attack the yellow metals that are present in many manual transmissions and some T-Cases such as in some of the older gen Grand Vitara's. GL-5 formulations have evolved since then which is why the owners manual which was more up to date changed the specification to GL-5 for the T-Case since newer GL-5 formulations use the newer NON-reactive sulfur compounds and also have enhanced acid buffering agents. The newer formulations of GL-5 will state "Safe For Yellow Metals" so that is the version you want to use. The newer GL-5 costs more to manufacture so be aware that there are still some of the older generation GL-5's available usually at a lower price so read the labels. lt would have been nice if there had been a footnote in the owners manual that mentions the change in specification from the factory service manual so as to avoid the confusion but that would have made too much sense.

[@zmanvideo1]

@@JA-rn5qv wow, thanks for the detailed response and info!!! I will check my bottle (I used GL-5) and see if it is compatible with the yellow metals you are referring too. On a side note, my 2011 Suzuki SX4 is a 6 speed manual and their I used Amsoil GL-4.

[@JA-rn5qv]

@@zmanvideo1 Yes for the manual transmissions which gearing operates under different conditions (vs t-case/diff) GL-4 is still what's called for since even the new "yellow metal safe" GL-5 does not have the correct attributes for the specialized gear mesh in the transmission and even though the new GL-5 wouldn't attack the yellow metals in the manual transmission, the gears would not mesh properly and you would get lots of crunch. Amsoil or Red Line GL-4 are both great choices for the manual trans.

[@mattyb7736]

NEVER use a 3/8 drive, its a 10 mm square. 3/8 will strip a tight plug as soon as you apply force. Ask any Suzuki owner thats had it happen.

[@RafaelLSM]

Hey, you have awesome videos here. Congrats e thanks for sharing. Fell sorry for you GV getting totaled. By any chance, do you have the service manual for theses GVIII? I have a GVIII 3.2 V6 2009 here in Brazil and it is being a pain to get the Service Manual. Please let me know if you can send it by email. Thanks!

[@redonKiLaus]

I don't have any service manual for the GV...I was actually trying to track down a paper version when the truck was totalled, but never found one. It seems the electronic versions for the second generation GV have all been wiped off the internet, too. I'm sure if you continue your search you'll find one eventually. Thanks for watching!

[@kingludba]

Hi there, I've watched all your videos as I need to do the same to my Grand vitara. I have the 1.9 ddis model, I'm assuming the drivetrain is the same as yours?

[@redonKiLaus]

I believe the drivetrain was the same in all 06-08 models, but I am not 100% sure since the diesels were never sold in the USA where I am. The 09-13 models here used GM engines and transmissions, so they are not the same either. Thanks for watching!

[@JA-rn5qv]

@@redonKiLaus Only the V6 versions were GM engines in the U.S. (2.7 & 3.2) but the 4-cyl version is Suzuki engine.

[@redonKiLaus]

@@JA-rn5qv The 2.7 was also a Suzuki engine, H27A, but correct on the I4 variant. Thanks for watching!

[@matthewsteel4496]

Hi I wonder if you could help me I have a 2008 Suzuki GV and I am having problems with the 4wd when I switch to 4 h lock it doesn't engage or with the low gear ratio (4 low) I sont think the last owner has had it in 4 h lock or 4 low I was told it works on a vacuum pump could you tell me a rough location of it would be a great help or any other information of what it could be thanks Matt

[@redonKiLaus]

I no longer have my GV and I never had any 4WD system issues so I can't comment much, but as far as I was aware they were electronically actuated transfer cases, not vacuum. Narrowing that down would be your starting point for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@matthewsteel4496]

@@redonKiLaus thanks for the reply I know the vacuum should be located in the front bumper like old ones near the rad I think could the oil be gunged up in the diffs it is running fine in 4wheel dirve auto just doesn't want to lock the diffs to 50/50

[@MostafaMekkawy123]

I have 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara and it makes noise whenever I turn right or left and the mechanic changed the diff oil and the problem still there then he will change the transfer oil soon . I din't know that will work or not

[@redonKiLaus]

Mine used to make noise when turning very sharply due to the CV axles binding slightly - it's a design flaw that results in a creaking sound when cutting the wheel. If your truck has always had the sound it is likely normal, but if it just started then changing the fluids is a good start. Thanks for watching!

[@KevyMotorSport]

166k kms lucky im in process of changing all the oils Difs gearbox the transfer case was extremely low i was lucky if 500ml came out and saw no leaks as its meant to hold 1.7 L using 80w/90 in everything Transfer nuts were ok with a 3/8 ratchet as no lock tight but the gear box needed an extension bar as lock tight was used if anything use threading tape or small strip of paper as people who use lock tight are idiots as ive never in 30yrs of playing with cars have i ever had a leak

[@75Leopold]

Hello Sir, could you be more specific on three bond sealant and where did you buy this staff? Thank you.

[@redonKiLaus]

The ThreeBond sealant can be purchased on Amazon (just look for the bottle that looks like the one in the video). I believe DansComp (an online cycle shop) also carries the same one that I use. Honestly, though, I would just use low-strength Loctite (purple) to seal the plugs, as it is easier to find and much more consistent in its strength (I got a bottle of ThreeBond that locked the threads VERY tightly, and ended up having to throw it away).

[@75Leopold]

Thank you,Sir, yours videos very help me...

[@redonKiLaus]

Thanks for watching!

[@adkrick5331]

Do you add any additives to the new fluid ?

[@redonKiLaus]

Nope, the only fluid additive I ever use is CamGuard for the engine oil. Thanks for watching!

[@terryedward8515]

Hi again the 4wd light keeps blinking and it never goes back to 4h and its like its stuck in 4h lock.can u give me some advice on dealing with this plz

[@redonKiLaus]

That sounds like a transfer case motor gone bad (or maybe just stuck). I would pull the motor off (I've not done it on a GV, but it shouldn't be too difficult) and see if it is possible to disassemble and re-lubricate. I just had to do that job on my Mercedes ML320 (very comparable to a GV in terms of size and type of vehicle) and it fixed the problem without a hitch. Hope that helps get you pointed in the right direction, and thanks for watching!

[@terryedward8515]

redonKiLaus thanks alot!!

[@redonKiLaus]

I used GL-5.

[@terryedward8515]

is there a filter to replace when changing transmission fluid?

[@redonKiLaus]

There is likely going to be a filter screen inside the transmission that you may want to take care of at 150-250k miles, but otherwise during a normal fluid change, there is no filter for the transmission. Thanks for watching!

[@terryedward8515]

redonKiLaus ok thanks alot👍

[@francisokafor7774]

Dudu, i can't see what u are doing