Should I follow the factory transmisison fluid change interval?

[Appleboy84]

According to the owner's manual in my 2013 Silverado 1500, they recommend a transmission fluid change at 97,500 miles for normal use (The truck is mostly daily driven with light towing a few times a year and heavier loads in the bed more than a few times a year) The truck has the 5.3 with the 6 speed auto and is also 2WD only. It has 66K miles and the transmission fluid has never been touched since the truck was manufactured in 2012. I've heard some people say it is best to change transmission fluid between 40-60K miles regardless of brand, model, or type of vehicle. I was wondering if anyone who has followed GM's recommended transmission fluid change intervals has had issues with their transmissions afterward. To be clear, I am talking about a transmission fluid and filter change, and not a transmission flush.

[swathdiver]

I did a fluid exchange and backflush on mine at 117K with ill effects.  Don't think it had ever been done before according to all the records found for it.  Will do it again at 50k intervals and since there is a 2-piece y-pipe now, will probably drop the pan next time.

 

You can have a someone with a good scan tool read to you the internal transmission oil life monitor percentage, out of curiosity.

[Mikebtte]

If you do a fluid and filter change regularly you will most likely never need a flush. As every time you do a filter your having to add a gallon or so of new ATF. If you do this every so often in sure you would be equivalent to a 100k flush. I flushed mine at 100K and now I just change the filter and fluid once a year.

[redwngr]

Just decide if the OM definition of regular or the severe maintenance schedule fits your usage and change accordingly. 

 

Regular = 97,500 mi

Severe = 45,000 mi

 

 

Some split the difference 'just because'.

[Grumpy Bear]

Factory fluid is Group III. IMHO that is severe service.  GM filter is first rate.

I do them all on 50 K intervals. For what an opinion is worth.  

[redsled2007]

I did mine at 50000 miles. I've been a believer that all new mechanical items have a break-in period and will find the sweet spot by removing the "high spots". and those metal pieces go some where.  Flushing the system removes the "break-in fluid" .  I've had 5 vehicles and NEVER had any issues of any kind with over 250000 miles on all of them.

[Z45]

Contrary to consumer perception, OEM factory fill lubes often are equal to the performance quality of the cheapest aftermarket oils on store shelves.   

[Hillwood]

Contrary to consumer perception, OEM factory fill lubes often are equal to the performance quality of the cheapest aftermarket oils on store shelves.   

Where did you come up with this?

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[diyer2]

Sorry, I have to be brutally honest here.

I just don't get this type of post.

Fluids and filters are cheap.

 

If I understand this question you want to know if following the regular service interval for your trans of 97500 miles will be OK?

If that suits you, do it.

I would do it more than the recommended service times.

Yes, you will see people ignoring the service times and getting away with it.

 

How about this, would you brush you're teeth twice a day or once a week?

 

[Hillwood]

Sorry, I have to be brutally honest here.
I just don't get this type of post.
Fluids and filters are cheap.
 
If I understand this question you want to know if following the regular service interval for your trans of 97500 miles will be OK?
If that suits you, do it.
I would do it more than the recommended service times.
Yes, you will see people ignoring the service times and getting away with it.
 
How about this, would you brush you're teeth twice a day or once a week?
 
[emoji4]

Toothpaste is expensive [emoji23]

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[Mikebtte]

1 hour ago, Hillwood said:

Where did you come up with this?

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This is very true, I have been to a few training classes with Valvoline and Allison and both have shown charts of OEM spec fluids and how they are not of a good quality. I personally run Allison fuild in my 4L60 ext. Transmission's and when I perform oil analysis on the fluids they always come out better than GM spec fuild (dextron).

Story on OEM suppliers. Valvoline designed an oil for Harley Davidson that was better than any other oil tested. HD went with a different oil because Valvoline would not remove the Valvoline emblem from the bottle. OEM suppliers are not worried about your best interest.