Recently, we’ve had several customers come to us with concerns about shuddering or vibrations during acceleration in their Holden Colorados and Isuzu D-Max vehicles. While many owners fear the worst and brace for the high cost of a transmission replacement, the good news is that there’s a relatively simple solution to this problem that can be incorporated into your routine maintenance.
By using our specialized transmission servicing tools, not only can we service the transmission, but we can also thoroughly clean its internals. This method has proven highly successful in resolving these shuddering issues.
Importance of Transmission Fluid Quality
Transmission oil is the lifeblood of any transmission system. It is not only essential for basic operation, but the quality of the oil also plays a significant role in how effectively it performs those operations.
A standard “pan drop” service isn’t sufficient when it comes to properly maintaining your transmission. These transmissions hold approximately 10.6 liters of fluid when dry, but dropping the pan typically removes only about 25% of the fluid. This leaves burnt, dirty oil inside the system, which can continue to cause issues. The only effective way to service a transmission is with a high-quality fluid exchange or flushing unit.
Technical Service Bulletin Reference
During our research, we came across a GM Technical Service Bulletin (18-NA-355), which directly addresses this issue: Technical Service Bulletin.
Preventive Maintenance: Key to Avoiding Costly Repairs
Preventive maintenance is crucial in avoiding expensive transmission issues. It’s interesting to note that manufacturers are aware of this problem, and it’s good to see that transmission servicing is included in the recommended service schedule, regardless of mileage. However, many other vehicles are marketed with the “fill for life” condition, meaning the manufacturers suggest that no transmission service is necessary, which we believe contributes to these issues.
According to available service information, GM recommend servicing the transmission every 150,000 km under normal conditions and every 75,000 km under adverse conditions. We find this interval to be quite excessive. At Radical Mechanical, we recommend servicing your transmission every 60,000 to 80,000 km for vehicles that do not tow. For vehicles that frequently tow, we suggest halving this distance.
For example, I personally tow regularly with my vehicle and have driven over 280,000 km with the original transmission, which I have serviced every 30,000 km.
Book Your Transmission Service Today!
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ensure the longevity of your vehicle’s transmission by scheduling a service today.
