Should you change the oil in a lifetime sealed transmission? | Auto Expert John Cadogan

[@MemeBurger]

It's like someone sealing you in an airtight box and you say "how long is the air in here gonna last," then the person outside says, "for the rest of your life."

[@guccimane5752]

You deserve more likes😄 👍

[@Kevin19700]

I know my 2008 Camry probably needs a change out of filter and fluid. It just turned 30K miles. I know the mileage isn’t very high but the car is exactly 22 years old.

[@CocoChanelle-1]

@@Kevin19700change it if you want it to last even longer.

[@allbeit582]

Sealed for life should also mean warranty for life.

[@tcrysty595]

which life ? ...smart guy ;)

[@silsahchne7236]

@@tcrysty595 transmission life, what, what are we talking about?

[@charlesgentry3758]

Some dealers have lifetime warranty for trans.

[@calebniederhofer6529]

@@charlesgentry3758 I have never seen that before, and find that very hard to believe. I have been to probably a 100 dealerships.

[@exxr]

Sealed for life (a.k.a. until the warranty is out), yes definitely change fluid.

[@smdanny1]

imagine if cars were made like iPhones where everything is actually sealed shut

[@bentaylor8817]

They are doing the same with some domestic garden lawnmowers made by Briggs and Stratton saying you never ever have to change the oil, just top it up when need be, what a bloody joke. I suppose it does benifit Briggs by selling more engines, well atleast untill the majority of the public wakes up.

[@dynamo3059]

its a lifetime fluid because once the fluid wears out your transmissions lifetime is up!

[@junsalas9143]

Wahaha!

[@GrowingUpWithTheMacks]

I went to the Lexus dealership complained about the codes and harsh shifting. The dealership head manager told me "when the fluid wears out, your supposed to purchase another Lexus".

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Great video, John. I remember when Mercedes Benz came out with their lifetime fluid. Those transmissions began shitting the bed at about 90,000 miles. Some lifetime! Most people agree on 60K for fluid change; lots of others think 30K is a lot safer for the life of the transmission. Keep up the good work.

[@Jerry-me1fy]

Sounds like a junky transmission if it's wearing out at 90,000 miles I don't think changing the fluid would make any difference

[@Bulletz4Breakfast13]

@@Jerry-me1fy planned obsolescence! They probably put the wrong motor oil weight in, drove it crazy in a city, stop and go abd the fluid got dirty quick from unnecessary wear and gears wear till they slip beyond repair = end of life ($7000-$14000 diy replacement) or ($15,000-$25000) and you can buy a 2022 Toyota Corolla Nightshade Edition SE for $24,000-$27,000! I'm buying a 2014 Toyota Corolla for $10,000 under 70k miles. If it's a hybrid you are talking $14,000 for a battery every 150K miles and 2x the price for a replacement trans, or if you rebuild the transmission there is a ⅓ chance it will fail with no warranty coverage. Or they built the engine to have failures without a change and then advised owners to never change fluid, made "lifetime transmission fluid" and didn't cover anything on warranty. Which is very common since 2016-present

[@NoName-gv6nm]

​@@Jerry-me1fy exactly. Or people running them to the ground having fun.

[@Jerry-me1fy]

@@NoName-gv6nm Probably but they should still hold up

[@FunkmeisterOfSedgley]

Hi John, I'm fortunate enough to drive an older Jaguar with a 'sealed for life' ZF automatic transmission. I had the transmission fluid changed, sump pan (plastic with integral filter) replaced, along with new sump pan bolts and a new sleeve where the electronics plu in. This was done rather late at approximately 90,000 miles, and cost £400. The specific ZF oil has to be used and this is extremely expensive. The transmission has worked perfectly since, and I'm now coming up to 140,000 miles on the odeometer.

[@sirsweetness8332]

Yes change the fluids. NO fluid is a lifetime fluid.

[@AutoExpertJC]

...said the bishop to the aspiring starlet.

[@TC-yx2ss]

Should I get my blood changed at 50? ;)

[@DashCamSerbia]

@@TC-yx2ss :D

[@matthillsscalemodels7067]

Beer is a lifetime fluid ...

[@kkhang8617]

@@TC-yx2ss we are actually changing our blood. Our body is amazing.

[@pablojones5613]

I have always been a big believer in the concept of changing your oil more often than the manufacturer specifies being cheaper than an engine rebuild. Transmissions are no different. Ultimately, a manufacturer will make more money out of you in replacement parts than they ever will in fluid changes. That's something worth thinking about.

[@RICHOCHANGO]

Aisin, the company that makes transmissions for many different manufacturers, recommends changing auto trans/cvt oil every 20,000 km..

[@TheNortheastAl]

Changed our “sealed transmission” fluid at 50k miles. Wasn’t cheap ($500 US) but we did not want a $6-7k repair bill if it can be avoided by a fluid change.

[@TheNortheastAl]

Equnoxe they’re all going to be sealed transmissions soon enough. It guarantees work for the dealership and makes it hard for DIYers. Mine is a VW with a Toyota Aisin transmission.

[@TheNortheastAl]

Michael Wilson on the VW transmission it’s has to be filled from the pan as there is an overflow tube in it and I would have had to buy a scanner to measure the transmission temperature that is required so that the exact amount overflows. I just didn’t feel like buying a pump and scanner to do it as the labor was $300 US to do the change. The rest )$200) was for the filter, pan gasket and such. I do oil changes and filters on it now and will do the next diff changes.

[@CocoChanelle-1]

A good certified mechanic can do it cheaper.

[@Pretzil43]

"Lifetime Warranty" I.e: You have a warranty as long as it's alive, once it's dead there is no warranty

[@malcolmduncan3047]

Friend brought me his out of warranty Peugeot 308, (?) with a growl in the gearbox. I reckoned it was a bearing, so he took it a dealer in Wollongong who agreed, he also took it a dealer in Southport and they came back with a similar diagnosis. Friend suggested draining the oil to get an analysis...dealer said replacement oil had to come from France at a cost of $600 (FFS). Friend asked about gearbox repair, dealer remarked it was a 'sealed for life' non servicable item and suggested a replacement would be required. Quote for complete replacement gearbox from France was $10000 plus fitting! My friend is now driving a Mazda.

[@NewGoldStandard]

Between the Kung Flu and the wildfires I'm just happy you're still posting quality content.

[@nordic5490]

@Review Master from wiki: "... As of 14 January 2020, fires this season have burnt an estimated 18.6 million hectares (46 million acres; 186,000 square kilometres; 72,000 square miles),[1] destroyed over 5,900 buildings (including 2,779 homes)[10] and killed at least 34 people.[11][12][13][14][15][b] An estimated one billion animals have been killed and some endangered species may be driven to extinction.[16][17][18] ..." en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Australian_bushfire_season Probably easily round that up to 20m hectare now, 2 weeks later.

[@droceretik]

@KEITH FLOYD'S FINAL INTERVIEW OOOOW, triggered.

[@NewGoldStandard]

@Review Master Did I offend you? I wasn't trying to.

[@michlsei]

Hi John, the 3 letter propeller team used to have the final drive oil of their R1200 motorcycles range as life time and without drainage plug. It was changed after 2 years with a minor facelift on all those models. Thanks for your channel, I have lots of fun watching it. Greets from the Netherlands

[@johnperry7534]

Good work I agree sealed for life is bullshi , I just changed a sealed for life fluid and it was not in great condition clearly it needs to be changed .

[@bigm383]

How many kms on the vehicle, if you don't mind me asking?

[@johnperry7534]

212000

[@bigm383]

@@johnperry7534 Thanks, long overdue!

[@svenomick5857]

Yes John you are spot on

[@michaelpell8321]

Thanks for covering this, ive been changing 4litres each 10k service on my auto since new and get oil test samples for peace of mind. Its prob too much, but oil is cheaper than gearboxes.

[@3800S1]

It certainly is, that's why I'm doing my new gearbox's fluid at 1000km for the fist service as the run in procedure, same with the diff. Engine was already done once at 20min to flush out the assembly lube and again to proper non run in oil at about 350-400km. Up to 850Km so far.

[@3800S1]

@@hairyscary8511 It's an old car that's been fully restored, new everything so that's what you need to do when running it in, it's not like new cars that you can just do a normal service after driving it off the show room. If I were to do that I would damage the engine and diff for sure. The diff must be serviced every 5000km at the most, best at 3000km. It's a high performance multi clutch 2 way locking LSD. The engine is also worked so it must be serviced often. Gearbox it's a good idea to do a run in oil change but is pretty forgiving on this car, every 20.000km is fine. Stock spec it's 500-1000km for run in depending on what part of the car and 10k for normal services after that for engine and diff and box is about 40k iirc.

[@garymills6702]

And easier to fit to boot!

[@bentaylor8817]

No need to be that fussy mate, 40 thousand is fussy enough and makesure your replace auto gearbox filter at same time.

[@michaelpell8321]

@@iamasmurf1122 You must have a roaring business given your skills as a twat.

[@Laz_Arus]

Just remember what Sol kept telling us in the late 80's ... "oils aint oils" ⚗

[@BadDriversOz]

Tell THAT to a GREEK! ;oP

[@gavinb9627]

Actually Sol was the one getting told, but that's another story

[@Laz_Arus]

@@gavinb9627 I recall it was Sol the mechanic who was recommending the oils to the Italian 'Boss', but after 30 odd years, the memory gets a bit hazy. I wonder if KZbin has some of those old ads?

[@gavinb9627]

@@Laz_Arus I stand corrected as shown kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWi3hpyDeMqcotU

[@BadDriversOz]

@Roger Rarebit LOL! Bluthenthal? American? LOL! You mean Australian Actor John Bluthal?

[@twiggy27111976]

Had a BMW 535D which had a “sealed for life” transmission. Fortunately, my mechanic had the same opinion as you and called BS. He changed the fluid and the sump/filter at 125000 miles. The difference in shifting was amazing. I’d recommend anyone with an automatic transmission to do this at 100,000 miles or sooner.

[@justgjt]

Sealed for life . . . . . of the warranty. True story. XR6T ZF 6HP26 6 Speed Auto with OEM lifeguard 6 fluid. Car is a daily drive and not an abuse toy with x number of additional killa wasps. Trans started having some tell tail signs around 135K when cold on the first corner it would take more pedal /rpm's to get it to lock up and move of a corner. Ford dealer said to change the fluid and they did. At 161k whilst at 70-80 kph on cruise control the rpm was jumping around 250-300 rpm as if the lockup clutch was slipping. The engine coolant was still green with the normal amount of build up in the overflow tank. Dropped the pan to check the colour of the oil and its dark red and not the honey tan colour that lifeguard 6 is supposed to be. Called Ford dealer and quoted invoice number for trans fluid change and they said a red multi trans fully syn fluid was used and some conditioner. Asked what conditioner and they could not tell me. The charged me $436 to flush the trans out with non OEM fluid. The never dropped the pan, cleaned and checked the magnets or replaced the pan filter either. They were hunting for work and asked if there was anything wrong. I rang around and got phone quotes from two ZF rebuilders and ball park quotes were between $6K-$8K depending on what was found and if the mechatronics unit is not damaged by engine coolant if the heat exchanger has failed. I queried the conditioner that was used and was told by the ZF rebuilders that the conditioner is used to re-soften hard old rubber seals and o-rings. If the rubber is still in good condition the conditioner will actually over-soften the rubber causing them to swell and unseat from there locations. I decided to have the transmission rebuilt with all new seals and wear parts replaced. Lessons Learnt: Sealed for life is BS. Even ZF recommend changing the fluid at 80K and do it before you start having problems. Change your own fluid, pan filter. Its really not that hard and you will build knowledge and experience as you go. You dont have to use the uber expensive fluid that the smoke and mirrors fraternity 💩 generate. For the ZF there is two types of fully syn fluid an LV (low viscosity) type used in cold European climates 🥶 and a thicker type used in hotter Australian climates. Always use the thicker type here in the land of Oz 🥵 Get rid of the water heat exchanger and co with a air / fan oil cooler.

[@bruceparr1678]

These days, if you want to do a lot of miles in your car and you do not live in the city, you are probably better off with a manual. I remember back in the day when I was driving manual cars and trucks you could tell when the oil was worn out by the feel of the gearchange. Those old Borg Warner boxes would last at least two engines.

[@peterlempert6832]

Totally agree, it's designed to essentially self destruct due to lack of service. If it's sealed for life are car manufacturers giving a lifetime warranty on it? Lots of these cars will come onto the second hand market, so, the poor motorist will get get stung. Will the government do anything about this?

[@nbkolivas1]

I have had my 2011 Hilux since new and decided to get the A/T serviced every 50,000kms at an independent A/T specialist after Toyota told me there is no need to change it. "It's for life oil" I was told. It now has 230,000kms with some heavy towing for work and it has never missed a beat.

[@bentaylor8817]

Yes I have a 2010 3 litre turbo diesel hilux and they say never change the fuel filter, what a joke, diesel hilux filters of 2010 vintage need a replacement fuel filter every 10k, after 10 k there chockers with shit and modern common rail fuel systems are too damn expensive not to look after.

[@mazdaman1286]

When i was at BMW, the 90's 5 series had Chrysler auto box if i remember correctly, they were sealed for life ie 130,000 miles before they ate themselves. A mate in the states said these boxes had a 2 year or 30,000 mile oil and filter change and whilst not the fastest change they would outlast the rest of the car. Also in the uk if you have an older vw sealed for life gearbox ask the parts guy for the US service kit, filter gaskets O rings and fluid ! Strange that....Lemon Laws spring to mind.

[@seumasmackinlay]

Really appreciate this one. 😁

[@busboy262]

There is certainly a good argument to be made for ensuring that a trans can be serviced. But I can tell you why they do this. I'll limit it to automatics. Over my 30 years in the business, I can't count how many trans failures that are followed with the words "I just had it serviced". There are quite a few things that can be done improperly in a service. Opening the trans to a dirty environment can be another hazard. Wear to components unprimed with oil can also be bad even during a proper service. I along with others could probably come up with a few other likely causes for damage during the process of servicing an auto trans. IMO, all auto transmissions should be built to service like the engine. With a drain plug and external filter. There's little reason to drop the pan. The internal filter is little more than a screen. If you clog that thing, it's too late anyway. And did I mention how many of these that I've found sitting in the pan along with the pickup tube? Oh yeah.....that's a thing too. Oil can't defy gravity to feed the trans. You should service the transmission based on miles/kilometers and according to the conditions of operation. But damn it.....it should be as easy as an engine oil change.

[@busboy262]

@chris younts Sounds about right. Some autos had a filter mount screw directly into a metal valve body. The bolt had threads to grip onto on the entire length. The worst are often the transmissions with a deepish pan. In some cases, They'll just have a stamped sheet metal bracket with or without a sheet metal insert for the filter support. This setup is similar to how some fender wells are attached. A little too tight, it deforms and jumps the only thread holding it. Too loose and the result is the same as the first scenario. I'm always impressed that they survive their initial manufacturing.

[@tazzitiger8171]

I do change a part of the trans oil every 70,000kms and install new trans filter on my 6 speed trans

[@adamclarke7394]

"Touching each other and rubbing." That doesn't always end badly. Just saying.

[@Forexfox99]

Or date my kind of girl.....

[@harveysmith100]

If the rubber seal fails, it can end up very expensive.

[@supatipanno]

I supply ATF for many service centres. Between 1997 and 2004, as only one example, the ZF filled for life transmissions on Benz's, BMW's and Audi's kept A&B Transmissions flat out doing rebuilds on transmissions that exceeded 60K. They made a fortune!, As a lube formulator, there can be no such thing as filled for life. It is necessary to drain and refill every 50K, and at the first 20-30K from new with removing the pan and replacing the filter & gasket. Since oil gets hung up in the torque converter it is good practice to drain what you can every 30K with an engine oil change. This is cheap insurance as old contaminated fluid will destroy all your precision valving surfaces in the valve body .

[@MrSlowAZZ]

The DSG in my Jetta was supposed to be sealed for life, until the megatronics failed. Unfortunately I forked our thousands to replace it. I wish this video was available with the purchase of every new car.

[@K-carbon]

What mileage did the megatronics fail at?

[@MrSlowAZZ]

130k, funny thing was when the car was at the workshop. A golf came in for the same problem! This is my second VW with gearbox problems. Time to bin this brand and it’s affiliated brands.

[@tezza8717]

i own a mazda bravo ute 2005 model petrol auto transmission . bought it brand new .i have never serviced or toped up the transmission ever still working well at 260 thou kms.

[@SonnetGomes]

Thank you so much for posting this. I wonder why manufacturers don't include a dipstick with transmission these days. It probably saves them few quids! Yet, Transmission is such a critical and expensive component to fix or replace. I think my Hyundai also has lifetime sealed transmission, if the vehicle is for normal use, but they dont really clarify what normal driving is. If you drive over a small hill or ever stuck in traffic, it will no longer be considered normal driving condition...lol.

[@SteveAlpine]

Well done Roger. Great effort!

[@iberiksoderblom]

I know a man, that drives an Austin 7 from before the war. The transmission has never had any kind of service or work done, except frequent oil changes for decades. I wonder if Subaru or any other modern car maker makes car that are able to function for that long, without more or less rebuilding the car along the way? Modern cars are made with a planned limited lifespan. Sometimes the carmaker fumbles and have some components that doesnt live as long as planned. "Blame it on the customer". My old 70's cars have bearings that lasts twice as long as my cars from the 90's. To day they have learned to tune in the longevity of bearings and other stuff, to match service intervals, quite precise for most carbuyers. It brings extra cash and makes the carmaker look like they care about you. Rather clever.

[@guysoceanharmonics]

I am a ex mechanic and I get my auto transmission oil completely flushed every 50kms (31k miles), oil as with any oil under pressure and contamination breaks down and needs to be changed to ensure long component life, this includes power steering fluid. All persons who I recommended this to have all commented how their transmission shifted smoother.

[@TheNortheastAl]

guysoceanharmonics yes, they do.

[@carltonlane8931]

I’m so pleased you bring this subject up, I say car makers now fit sealed till death gearbox’s,change the -ucking oil,3lts oil,30 minutes labour,every 2 years,or 2000 bill every 6/7 years, no brained,but hey ,I just mend um,good topic,but the I just do a fluid service every 2 years,and I cannot think of 1 customer having a gear fail,it’s really is a no brain,thanks again, Jc for mals.

[@jackejr74]

LOL, I agree 100% with Mr. Cadogan! I an the happy owner of a 2002 Dodge Caravan (Yes Really!). I travel a lot so my Caravan does not get a lot of miles on it (currently around 65K miles on the odometer in 18 years). I change the oil every 5K miles without fail and perform a dipstick check on my Caravan standard automatic transmission's fluid. At the point of my last check, my transmission fluid looked like it was BRAND NEW. Still the same color as new and still the same clarity as new.... Am I lucky or what.... maybe but this is one reference point that a decently (assumed) manufactured and assembled automatic transmission CAN run flawlessly, not degrade the fluid for 65K miles AND sit for a majority of the 18 years) and not require changing. However, John has a valid point! Sealed for Life requires a DEFINED measure to use in determination if the transmission met its intended life/function for which we pay dearly. I love John's narrative and the industry should be called out to come out from behind their marketing BS and tell the truth!

[@mickmiljevic9135]

Years ago I was looking at a cheap Nissan Murano with a damaged CVT trans. So before checking the car out I do my homework into the trans repair and found no one in in OZ to repair it with warranty but did find one in NZ that would attempt it with a quote of almost $10,000 plus oil of over $100 a litre and requires at least 9 for a replacement trans. I now only look at manual or conventional automatics.

[@kenoliver8913]

The operative part of this is "Years ago". Reliability of CVTs made in the 1990s was radically different from that of later ones, mainly because of - surprise surprise - far better (and expensive) lubricants developed for them since then. CVTs have got their shit together - they're now at least as reliable as torque converters, and certainly more reliable than DSGs.

[@mickmiljevic9135]

@@kenoliver8913 If this was the case then why are we seeing 8 speed autos. CVTs have their place but not where torque is needed.

[@andregreen8040]

I’ve got a 2002 UZJ100 SERIES LAND CRUISER with an A750F 5 speed auto with 212,000 klm, which I’ve had since new. It has a dipstick, and regular inspections show that the fluid is as red and clear as fresh ATF. Gear shifts from 1st to 5th are seamless. Apart from regular service items, I’ve only ever had to replace 1 indicator bulb, 1 interior dome light and 2 blown blade fuses.

[@droceretik]

Do you go bush frequently or tow?

[@andregreen8040]

@@droceretik no, I don’t tow and rarely go off road. I always warm the engine before driving. Never drive it hard. I look after it, it’s looked after me.

[@CleverFix]

GREAT VIDEO. I will link you from my video because of the trolls that maintain you don't need to change the fluid. I really hope they don't change their own fluid, but at least let the other people do the right thing. In fact Toyota never even mentions their CVT fluid is lifetime and people still want to believe so.

[@eurika7655]

I agree 100%. Spring a leak in a sealed diesel truck transmission while deep in the woods hunting and can't add fluid to limp home is total bullshit.

[@DanWallis86]

I haven’t watched this yet but I just wanted to say John. I thoroughly enjoyed all of your responses to wheels magazine on Facebook. Unfortunately I was blocked from. Typing anything on there because I told them more people watch your reviews than buy their crap magazines. Love your work. Fingers crossed they get a mention in the nutbag this week.

[@williamshanasy2288]

Something I agree with That's kind of nice

[@BarryMaskell]

My former BMW 1999 318 (4 speed auto) had a sealed auto did 330,000 kms

[@svshootingstar]

Mazda calls it "lifetime" but doesn't use the word sealed. Thankfully they have included not only a bolted-in dipstick/fill hole, but an actual drain plug. In addition they make it relatively easy to unbolt the pan to change the filter, even for the DYIer. I used the Mazda recommended fluid at 55k miles and will do another change at 60k since you'll only get about 1/2 to 2/3 of the fluid out with a single drain.

[@ferndog1461]

I saw the hat, I subscribed. Thx. Got a new to me car with 99K miles on the odo. Considering changing ATF fluid.

[@Badgertronix]

The Nulon Oil website has a handy transmission fluid change guide for lots of different vehicles. Just add your vehicle to the 'My Garage' and the instructions will show up 👍

[@firstname7780]

thank you, I was seeking such answers for a Bavarian

[@jamesjunqingli6400]

You are an honest person, John. I loves your videos. But I assume some car dealerships absolutely hate you🙂

[@charlesgentry3758]

140k miles 2018 forester with no issues but one front strut leaking and a leaky tail pipe. And subaru inspected cvt trans fluid and looks like new and feels like new.

[@blairguinea6811]

Great presentation John...........telling us the WAY IT IS !

[@thomasmiller1364]

I agree John, I recommend changing the fluid every 60,000 miles. If there’s a drain plug, just drain it and refill it, drive it for a little bit, about 30 miles, drain it once again and refill it, and your done. Always use the correct fluid type for the vehicle.

[@alexgrant1979]

I wonder how our lovely Scottish climate affects transmission fluids with the 40 degree heat here as well...... ooohh well that figure may be in Fahrenheit not to mention perpetual rain all the time.

[@derekdalton5658]

Hee Hee. Alex. We had 42 here the other day in Adelaide. It was EVIL. I often wonder what our heat does to the transmission fluid. Can't be good.

[@brettreaby]

i just had my MB CLS500 gearbox done at 70,000klm/ 5 years. Cost $1500 from an indy repairer because you need extra parts in addition to the oil. i love this car so decided it was a good investmen for me or indeed whoever i sell the car to down the track.

[@Olbucko]

Ford claimed that that The ZF transmissions that were Fitted to Falcons and Territorys were sealed for life, however ZF only guaranteed the ZF oil that they were filled with for 100,000 kms in normal use or 50,000 if used for towing or HD use.I had the oil changed In my Territory for the first time at 150,000 km and was told by the mechanic that the oil was contaminated, slightly burnt, and was at the end of it's life. It has been changed twice since then at 100,000 intervals and I am told that the transmission is still working perfectly.I am sure that if the trans. oil and the pan filter screen had not been changed, the gearbox would be sitting in a scrapyard long before now.

[@nordic5490]

Same here. I had my FG XR6T flushed and filter changed @ 180 000kms when it started shifting oddy. Works perfectly now, but I shouldve done ot sooner.

[@pca1235]

'Sealed For Life' means that if you don't change the fluid, your transmission will last until about 100,000 kms (in a Toyota), and then the transmission will need replacing.

[@robertking3130]

My 2004 BA Falcon has one of these auto boxes. At 300,000 km it was a bit doughy to say the least. An overhaul cost me $2,800 and it works as good as new.

[@bubblehead78]

@3:42 Yank here, listening from Georgia, USA and LMAO! Nice video. Subscribed.

[@sammolloy1]

Agreed. A simple drain and refill every 30,000 miles if there’s a plug or dropping the pan and replacing the filter every 60,000 should negate the need for a flush. Different cars are like, different, so find advice you can trust for your specific case.

[@sandybutt9898]

I've got an old BF falcon with about 250000 km's on it that has a sealed transmission. The gearbox was slipping a bit and the local mechanic change the auto trans fluid which has really improved the gearbox no end.

[@alisonsmith2949]

I agree 100 % but actually buying the oil I Australia can be difficult.After market oil companies say “refer dealer”and often the dealers don’t stock it because they never change it !!!

[@nordic5490]

Ahh, those genuine trans oils all have alternatives at 1/4 the price.

[@_bodgie]

Sealed for the design life of the transmission, not the life you expect from the vehicle.

[@II-yd6gx]

Good one John - Sealed for Life transmissions - “oh dear my transmission has reached end of life” at - think of a number! The ZF 6 speed is one of them, anyone in the know will tell you to perform re-purification no later than 100,000 kms. The torque converter is difficult to drain - hence re-purification - so only around 5 litres can be changed at a time. Preference thereafter is to re-purify every 50,000 kms.

[@airlinesecrets]

One of the biggest problems is that the car maker wont actually tell you what is the correct replacement oil and/or wont tell you how it can be changed

[@partymanau]

Google or Hot Rodders are ur friends.

[@EddyWoon]

Thanks for another great episode of common sense. I however lacked some and had bought some sealed for life underpants...

[@EscapeAcres]

I went to get some ATF from Toyota yesturday. A service specialist, parts specialist and mechanic all recommended the wrong oil. Lucky I am a skeptic and refered to my service book.

[@amazoidal]

Don't use the "WS" fluid again. It's not Synthetic and good fro only 30k. Go to Amazon and get REDLINE D6. It's a Group 4 real Synthetic, not the $25 Group 3 not real synthetic you find in auto parts store calling itself "Synthetic" NOT! I have D6 in my 3 Priuses. Shifts better, quieter and lasts at least 60k.

[@EscapeAcres]

@@amazoidal they recommended type WS. I used type T-IV as per user manual

[@stevemather7434]

I had a great lube job performed by my local transmission shop for under $200, including BMW specific oil.Here's the guts of it. Oil doesn't wear out, unless run at extremely high temperatures, the problem is the wear debri circulating in your extremely fine tolerance Auto transmission hydraulic valves. It can be difficult to actually drain the torque converter but you can drain about five litres by removing the pan . Doing a service every 30,000Km would allow you to change five litres of oil and the filter and by doing this you are keeping the wear debri down to a reasonable level.

[@WhyWouldYouDrawThat]

Under typical domestic driving conditions, Isuzu recommends inspecting automatic transmission fluid every 40K and replace at 80K (2018 model). Toyota uses the same transmissions. I interested to know if they call it "lifetime".

[@Ramjet257]

My LC200 series is near on 180K and has had four transmission fluid changes due to it always towing our large van. Hauling almost constantly across the Nullarbor is going to torture the fluids, and having a failure out there in the never never is NEVER worth the risk of massive inconvenience and costs, not to mention there are NO WORKSHOPS out there. And I have to add, I never get the trans service done by Toyota, otherwise everything has to be heli-coiled afterwards.

[@jasonnielsen2125]

Congratulations on 250K subscribers John.

[@Brian-ie2un]

I asked the dealer when to service my sealed for life automatic transmission on my 2017 Suzuki Vitra and they had no idea. After 10 minutes and the serviced person asking several mechanics they said about 150,000 kms. But they had no idea. I am it at 100,000 km.

[@NihilistSolitude]

Yes, I do it every 50k since I drive it like I stole it

[@DashCamSerbia]

Me too.

[@ChristopherTaylorTheTaylorClan]

I have a 2014 Forester and it has a schedule for CVT oil changes! Must be the early versions of Subaru CVT that are sealed for life. 🤷

[@lefty5349]

Yeah, it's possible they had a few too many fail inside the warranty period...

[@desert_jin6281]

Having had a 2015 Forester xt and three other Subarus (post-2013) living in the family having the, as mentioned, excellent Lineartronic CVT, I can assure you that here in Switzerland, there is a service interval of 60'000km for the transmission. Then the oil needs to be changed.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

The Asin Warner 55-50sn was a classic 5 speed auto from 2000-2009 approx that was used by Saab, Renault, and Volvo. The Car manufacturers said it was sealed for Life.... Asin Warner said change at 60k miles with correct Esso 3309 / AS1 type fluid. Consequently lots of Volvo D5 cars ended up with scrap gearboxes. Saab owners were a bit smarter in thinking no way will the oil last the life of the car.

[@peterkowlessar7823]

Just had a drain & fill done on my 2005 XC70 @ 200k miles. Fluid was was very dark and thick. No idea if the previous owner ever did it (if not this is the first time!).

[@dj_paultuk7052]

@@peterkowlessar7823 Hope it was the right fluid. Most garages just throw in DextronII or something. It has to be Synthetic Esso 3309. OR Toyota Type IV, or AS1 specified fluid. My wifes little 2006 GM Astra also has a Asin Warner box. Smaller than the one Volvo use, but it still has the same fluid requirements and changes about every 60k miles.

[@peterkowlessar7823]

@@dj_paultuk7052 It was the Toyota fluid as the garage is a combined Toyota/Volvo specialist.

[@ultravern]

Here in the UK many VW dealers still insist that the "Dry Clutch" DSG gearboxes do not need oil changes despite VW itself admitting that the transmission oil originally used became electrically conductive and that the replacement oil would need replacing at regular intervals. Then, when the gearbox fails, they refuse the warranty claim because the oil has not been changed.

[@rogerpearson9081]

My KIA doesn't have a dipstick for the trans. Apparently this prevent owners from overfilling and other sins like just using ATF of the wrong spec. I will be asking some probing questions next service. Update: I changed the fluid myself at about 140k which is specified as for Heavy duty use which was not really my car but 9 years of churning around was a pretty good innings IMHO. The oil was quite dirty and barely able to see through when draining. Replaced with Penrite LV synthetic fluid which meets the Kia SP IV spec. Hardest part was getting the under tray off. Allowing for bias , it does seem to be a tad smoother and no slip with diesel torque trying its best. One thing that is noticeable nowadays is the convergence of synthetic oil specs for auto trans with a few notable exceptions. The Penrite oil is Dexron 5 and Ford Mercon compatible too excepting ZF and Mercedes fluids. Not like the old days where every trans had a different oil spec and every car had a dipstick. Go figure. Because it only cost me about $80 for the fluid, I can do it every couple of years vs about $300 to get it done and still come out miles in front. The transmission specialist also told me that the biggest reason so many Cruze/Captiva trannies have a bad rep is because they are never serviced till they crap out.

[@jimdavis762]

Y62 Patrol ,service transmission here in NZ $520.00 , I was quoted yesterday.my truck has done 100,000 kms

[@billrehm3590]

I guess when the transmission starts going bad right after the warranty goes out and the price to fix is about what the car is worth, you will trade it in .

[@GrowingUpWithTheMacks]

I went to the Lexus dealership complained about the codes and harsh shifting. The dealership head manager told me "when the fluid wears out, your supposed to purchase another Lexus".

[@fred9044]

I have 2013 Toyota Tundra SR5 91,000 miles never changed it/Flush. But after watching this I will. I was told not too by many mechanics, they say it can cause other issues seals to leak and so forth. I want give my Truck my Son in next Few years. But ridiculous price they want to do it then I have worry is it done right ✅ 🤔 I need learn how do it myself if possible but idk. But Thank you for such Great info. I knew these "Lifetime" Transmission was Just Bs

[@onetwo3706]

Damn, you really owned those Wheels wankers in that last video, that was fantastic 👍

[@emty9668]

The Ford Powershift gear box oil and filter change is 38,000 miles or three years. After 25,000 miles and three years the oil that drained out really did need to be changed. Yet in the service book no mention is made of this as a service item. Instead the subject is brought up at the service as a 'oh by the way' and then the fleecing begins....

[@dingledooley9283]

Torque converter- gets the oil hot Planetary gears- require extreme pressure film lubrication Gear lock up discs- dump metal in the oil. Three conflicting systems in one pot of stewed up oil with a pathetic filter. I buy early 00's mercs because they're cheap, fresh oil in when I get them then another change 100 miles later once the sediment has been loosened off with a new filter each time too.

[@Slazmoservicing4209]

Just bought my car with 50k-kms and they couldn't tell me the service history as to what they did when they got it... So drove it home and dumped the manual g-box oil and put fresh stuff in. Otherwise the booklet says change at 140k-kms... Absolutely insane to expect oil to last that long! Changing oils is the cheapest engineering insurance you can ever do for your car...

[@wax333]

in my 2016 impreza cvt the booklet said at 100 thousand kmhs to replace the cvt

[@lesliedsouza4077]

You Got It, John :) Lifetime = Warranty. Lots of relevant comments before me. Yes, planned obsolescence/ Or dealer service? A possible + to this, is prevention of backyard mechanics, from using the wrong fluid? Fluids can be very trans specific? As you said, there is a way. Dealers & specialist workshops have a machine that connects into a trans oil cooling pipe, disconnected from the bottom of the "radiator" ? [See? It IS a Heat Exchanger ;) ] Then the engine is run. Then, it's measured oil volume out / Measured volume in - kinda thing? Cycling thru' gears & holding a bit, in each, would be intuitive, commonsense? Each oil passage & solenoid would need to be flushed? The machine has transparent tube sections on the console. The technician can see the colour of dirty fluid out v/s clean fluid in. The process continues until the flushed out fluid is as good as new (8 - 12 L?) Lab oil sample could be taken at first drain? Backyard mechanics could do this, if they know exactly how to do volume for volume - Like a litre each time? & see the fluid colour? I would think there'd need be a level check plug in the trans casing?

[@jimmysomethin5878]

Thank you for the transmission of information! Jimmy

[@vtv8man]

I have a XT Forester and M135i. Both have gearboxes sealed for life. Both have had oil replaced at 80,000kms and oil cane out black and dirty...

[@nottodaybuddy370]

Be interesting to see someone with the money to do so, argue the definition of 'life' in legal proceedings. No use bothering ACCC/FairTrading as they're as useful as a screen door on a submarine!

[@JimboXX78]

I would argue that it's the usual life of the car. As far as I'm aware the gearbox is not something that should cause a statutory inspection failure. So unless the car is condemned based on the engine, maybe for emissions or an unsafe amount of corrosion, or a huge list of things the gearbox should be good to go.

[@andyowens5494]

Its not just gearboxes; don't forget differentials have gears too. Lots of grief on BMW diffs - some are made from cheese, so change the oil on those too. Also, I seem to remember (might have been the Lord JC our saviour himself on this very channel) that gearboxes aren't "sealed" at all - they have a vent hole to allow for thermal expansion, so don't drive it, get it hot, and then drive though or park it in a flood zone and expect it not to suck in water as it cools - and if you do, then definitely change the friggin transmission fluid if you want to keep the car.

[@thewholls7176]

Good video John In part - same can be said for engine oil and the definition of “harsh operating conditions” I live in Canberra it’s very cold lots of cold starts lots of short trips several engineers have said to me that Canberra is definitely harsh operating conditions So for Canberra don’t change your oil every 15,000 do it every 7.5.... or whatever the relevant interim schedule is but unfortunately when people talk harsh operating conditions they have visions of driving across the Nullarbor at 110 km an hour for 14 hours a day every day and....... as you know that would be a lot better than five cold starts a day...... So I guess the point is yes transmission and sealed for life is BS but a lot more people should also be doing interim engine oil changes who actually don’t realise they ought to....... The difficulty is when the salesman shoves the car down their throat......... one of the pitches they use is we have 12 months or 15,000 interval and they don’t want to turn people off by then saying ...... but here in Canberra because it’s harsh you better bring it in every six months or 7.5....... kind of kills the sale even though they would make some money down the track...... Having said all that good luck trying to sell them a 60 or 100,000 K automatic flush

[@JohnWilliamsGTS]

I drive a 615kw HSV VF GTS. I do a trans service every 10,000 km along with a diff oil change, brake fluid and coolant change.

[@zaq2938]

I own a ba falcon what i did was swap the auto casing from a ef falcon so now i have dip stick and a sump plug as well ,

[@hammeredhemi1223]

If it has a drain plug-sump - pan, you change the oil.

[@johnyoung468]

@nunya business I have a 14 Malibu and it has a drain plug. The fill plug is on the drivers side.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Tone. Some new transmissions are filled and measured from the bottom! Yes you pull the bung like your engine oil pan, and that is where you measure from and fill it. Its so stupid. What will they think of next?

[@robertastk]

I may be wrong about the particular brand or model. But I believe it was Mercedes E class. It had sealed for life AT. And no service interval. BUT - since there are a lot of taxis and they have different warranty conditions - there are special maintenance schedule for taxi vehicles and there was AT service interval as well. THAT'S how well it is sealed for life.

[@cobrin6437]

Mine is said to be sealed for life yet has a fill plug and oil level plug and drain plug. Total Oils full synthetic 20L specific to my vehicle is $170. Yeah I'm changing it. The 1st time I did three flushes, then every 2nd engine service (15K intervals) the trans gets pan drain (~3L) 20L drum gives plenty of changes and is imo worth it. Takes about 15mins to get it up to temp and change. '09 Mondeo TDCi - 6spd sports auto (ie.slushbox).

[@morthren]

My 2012 UK spec Ford Fiesta has a so called sealed for life manual transmission. It even states this is the service schedule. I don't like the idea of not being able to change the oil in the gearbox but like you say, there's no drain plug or even any spec for the oil! There is a filler plug so the only way I think it's possible to drain is pop out a driveshaft, which could then lead to other issues. I will find a way though.

[@acky91]

I changed it trough detent pin under refill plug. It is bulshit what they engineered!

[@andrewdomenitzdmd]

My 2006 Mini Cooper S has a "sealed" Aisin transmission and I changed the fluid.

[@ChristianTJ9]

I agree with what was said in this video... but I would like to hear some hard science to back it up. Will change my transmission fluid but need a skilled mechanic to do the job!

[@cme2cau]

I always have fresh fluid in my VW's DSG. It keeps getting changed every recall!

[@adoreslaurel]

Well some people think diff oil lasts for ever, but not if you have an LSD, Ford Falcons with old worn oil LSD oil make dreadful clanging noises when the additives have died. Makes me think Scottie is right when he said change oil in a CVT on time, I suspect it has additives like LSD oil that break down and then the steel belt craps itself.