GM DCT tranny maintenance

[weq92f]

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Learned today GM requires an aggressive maintenance schedule for its DCT currently in the C8 Corvette. There are two items that have different schedules: the fluid and the filter.

Fluid: 3 years or 45k 1200US
Filter: 7.5k, 22.5k and at 45k miles etc 770US
Fluid and Filter 1400US
Prices are dealer charge for service.
Parts are expensive: fluid=500, filter=200 (retail)

The fluid has a 3 year shelf life! However once installed, it’s good for 3 years regardless of its current shelf age!

I find that fascinating indeed.

EDIT: what brought my attention to this is that GM sent corvette owners a letter reminding them of the importance of keeping up with the schedule and that future warranty claims require adherence.

Things that make ya go hmmmm.

If anyone buys one of these used, now or over the next few years…

-Kevin

[Palf70Step]

I agree, makes you wonder. I myself can not do the every other change of a filter when doing any fluid change. I remember that as a youngster with regular engine oil. Made no sense to keep the dirty filter with all the crud in it and add fresh fluid to it. Change filter every time.

[70STOVEBOLT]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I agree, makes you wonder. I myself can not do the every other change of a filter when doing any fluid change. I remember that as a youngster with regular engine oil. Made no sense to keep the dirty filter with all the crud in it and add fresh fluid to it. Change filter every time.

In this case, the filter gets changed twice before the fluid! WTH?

[Palf70Step]

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

In this case, the filter gets changed twice before the fluid! WTH?

Wow I misread that, still make little sense to me.

[Steeveedee]

I'd say that the filter can be changed without draining the fluid.

[Accelo]

$38 a quart for AC Delco fluid. Some places charge up to $43.
The fluid needed to fill the transmission is (11.62 quarts)
$456 dollars for the fluid @ $38.


DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION FLUID
Transmission fluid and external filter should be changed after every 24 hours of track usage. If prompted by the transmission fluid life monitor that remaining fluid life is low, the fluid and filter should be changed as soon as possible.Add an additional 2 qt (2 L) of DCT transmission fluid prior to track usage. It is not required to remove the additional 2 qt (2 L) of DCT fluid.Any transmission level set or change should be performed at your dealer. The transmission fluid used in the dual clutch transmission is a specific transmission fluid. Use of unapproved fluid may cause damage to the transmission. See your dealer for the proper transmission fluid.

[Tom]

Its an auto trans in a vette. So I am negative 1 bizillion on my chances of owning one.

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

In this case, the filter gets changed twice before the fluid! WTH?

.

Not necessarily. These cars don't get driven much as the owners typically do not daily drive them. It's more likely the fluid will age out (3 years) before the miles are reached to require a filter or fluid change and so, the fluid changes will need to occur between filter changes. Either that, or the filter gets unnecessarily changed at fluid change time just for convenience (to avoid multiple service visits).

Chevrolet must know these trannys are failing prematurely and it's costing them in the warranty space to repair/replace them. This service bulletin about the importance of keeping up with transmission maintenance along with the warning that not doing so will result in no warranty coverage, is indicative of the kind of long game they're willing to play here. Either that OR this is all just an elaborate money grab and scare tactics to drive it home.

Imagine a 20 something dude who purchases one of these cars in the 60-70k range off the used market while it's still under warranty. If he is unaware of this stuff, he could end up with a very expensive repair bill on that "supercar" purchase of his.

Records of maintenance or other proof the work was done on schedule is going to become very important indeed.

-Kevin

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by Tom

Its an auto trans in a vette. So I am negative 1 bizillion on my chances of owning one.

.

At least it's not the slush box type of auto tranny eh? I mean it's got two real manual style clutches and actual gears that make up the ratios. I don't believe there is a torque converter or clutch packs like in the traditional auto tranny.

While I've not driven GMs version, I have driven other makes of DualClutchTransmissions and SequentialManualGearboxs and will say they are definitely NOT akin to a th400 or 4speed auto but rather more like a real manual transmission.

Agree though that GM should be offering the traditional stick shift in this car!

-Kevin

[Dead Parrot]

And I thought I was getting ripped off by the $9/quart for Walmart brand Mercon LV fluid that my 09 Escape takes.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by weq92f

.

At least it's not the slush box type of auto tranny eh? I mean it's got two real manual style clutches and actual gears that make up the ratios. I don't believe there is a torque converter or clutch packs like in the traditional auto tranny.

While I've not driven GMs version, I have driven other makes of DualClutchTransmissions and SequentialManualGearboxs and will say they are definitely NOT akin to a th400 or 4speed auto but rather more like a real manual transmission.

Agree though that GM should be offering the traditional stick shift in this car!

-Kevin

The internals matter not, if I can't control a clutch pedal then its an auto. Some shift faster then others, some have more gears, but they all do the same thing. And I'm pretty sure I've driven all of them even the exotics.