How to change transmission fluid in a sealed transmission

Q: When should you change transmission fluid in a sealed transmission?

Its a good idea to change fluids in a filled-for-life or sealed transmission or differential at least once during its lifetime, and more often if you tow or haul.

Table of Contents Show

Why Do We Replace Transmission Fluid?
How Do We Replace Sealed Transmission Fluid?
Can You Check the Transmission Fluid Yourself?
Signs Your Sealed Transmission Fluid Needs Attention
Can you change transmission fluid in a sealed transmission?
When should you change transmission fluid in a sealed transmission?
How much does it cost to flush a sealed transmission?

Over the last few decades, the automotive industry has seen some massive advancements, and at Master Mechanic, we’ve witnessed and worked on them all!

Most recently, automakers have focused on simplifying car maintenance in hopes of making life easier for their consumers. Car manufacturers have attempted to create “lifetime” parts, including sealed transmissions. What does this mean for maintaining your car? We asked a Master Mechanic what you need to know.

Why Do We Replace Transmission Fluid?

While you drive, friction materials from your transmissions clutches and bands will make their way into your transmission fluid. Traditionally, auto manufacturers suggested having the transmission fluid changed every 60,000 to 90,000 km. Modern cars, however, have extended service intervals for many reasons. They include:

Simplify vehicle ownership by asking the owner to do less maintenance

Reducing the amount of “used” transmission fluid in landfills
Increase maintenance intervals which reduce overall costs

How Do We Replace Sealed Transmission Fluid?

First off, you’ll know you have a sealed transmission if you don’t have a dipstick to check the fluid. That said, even a sealed transmission needs to have its fluid checked or replaced on occasion. Although this may seem to contradict the name, not having clean transmission fluid can lead to significant expenses down the road.

A sealed transmission doesn’t mean an inaccessible transmission. Your local Master Mechanic can check the fluid of a sealed transmission, however, the vehicle will likely need to be lifted off the ground to do so.

Can You Check the Transmission Fluid Yourself?

Even for seasoned DIY car owners, replacing the transmission fluid in a sealed transmission is not something you want to attempt. A minor mistake could lead to major costs, or worse, permanent damage to your vehicle. You may also risk voiding any warranty you have by attempting to service the transmission yourself. Either way, it’s best to contact your local Master Mechanic if you suspect something is up with your sealed transmission.

Signs Your Sealed Transmission Fluid Needs Attention

If your transmission is suffering from poor fluid quality, you’ll typically notice one of the following symptoms:

A grinding sound when driving or switching gears.
A delay when shifting

Since many drivers are holding on to cars for longer, the aftermarket is poised to service these vehicles and keep them ‘on the road’ for as long as possible. Automakers are aware of this and there is pressure on them to produce longer-lasting vehicles. There are other sealed components on your vehicle and we wouldn’t be surprised to see the number increase.

For now, it’s essential for you to understand what a sealed transmission is and how to recognize if there is an issue with yours. Remember anything in a vehicle can break down, even if the automakers claims it’s a “lifetime part”.

At Master Mechanic, we’re always here to help with transmission maintenance and questions. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

It used to be the case that if you owned a car, it needed either routine maintenance at the auto shop or a handy home mechanic constantly working on it to keep it in top shape. Those days are now behind us, however, as modern cars are meant to last on the road for much longer without as much maintenance. One of the aspects that makes this possible is a sealed transmission.

What is a sealed transmission in Everett, WA? This is a transmission system that is sealed and does not require a transmission fluid change. There is an easy and quick way to tell if you have a sealed transmission. When you look under the hood of the car, if you do not see a dipstick for transmission fluid (typically, this has a red handle), then you have a sealed transmission.

Benefits of sealed transmissions

One of the main reasons car manufacturers changed to using sealed transmissions is to make car maintenance easier for the consumer. This is part of the trend toward making “lifetime” parts that you don’t have to think about for maintenance. While experts previously recommended a fluid change every 50,000 to 60,000 miles, this is unnecessary with a sealed transmission in modern cars.

Aside from not having to worry about regularly checking and flushing the transmission fluid, a sealed transmission has other benefits. For example, because it is not necessary to change the transmission fluid on a regular basis, sealed transmissions help to reduce the amount of used transmission fluid in landfills.

Sealed transmission maintenance and repair

There is no need to check transmission fluid levels on a sealed transmission—there’s also no easy way for you to do it, either! But having a sealed transmission doesn’t guarantee there will never be a problem with the transmission fluid.

If you hear or feel grinding when driving, especially when switching gears, this may indicate your vehicle is suffering from poor fluid quality. A delay in shifting can also be an indicator of this. Even though car manufacturers’ goal is to create “lifetime parts,” it’s important to be aware of these issues and bring your vehicle to a qualified mechanic right away if you experience them.

It is possible to check and change transmission fluid on sealed transmissions in Everett, WA. This requires the vehicle to be placed on a lift and raised into the air. This is not advisable to attempt at home, as there are major problems that can arise from even the smallest mistakes in this process.

If you need to know more about sealed transmissions in Everett, WA, or if you need any transmission work done on your vehicle, contact Auto Truck Service Inc. today. Since 1978, we have been providing a complete range of auto services and repairs on all types of vehicles, and we know how to get the job done right the first time. Reach out to us to learn more or schedule an appointment—we look forward to serving you!

Categorised in: Vehicle Maintenance

Can you change transmission fluid in a sealed transmission?

When should you change transmission fluid in a sealed transmission?

It's a good idea to change fluids in a filled-for-life or sealed transmission or differential at least once during its lifetime, and more often if you tow or haul.

How much does it cost to flush a sealed transmission?

Your transmission flush cost can range anywhere from $150-$400, depending on vehicle size and whether you visit an independent mechanic or the dealership. Plus, every so often you see mechanics offering a transmission flush for around $100 to get you in the door, so keep your eyes open for deals.