Car questions

[Kristi2k]

I have a 2002 Malibu and have ~ 88,000 miles right now. I regularly change the oil, air filter and rotate the tires. What else do you suggest that I should do?

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Drive it?

 

[j00fek]

check the tranny fluid. if it looks blackish/red and smells burnt its time for a flush and fill/filter for the tranny. dont let it go to long or youll regret it later

 

[CrackRabbit]

You should probably look into having the transmission fluid changed, maybe the spark plugs and wires also.

 

[Kristi2k]

I looked into changing the transmission fluid, but you cannot. Mechanics have said that it's seal and is ment to never be changed. Does that sound right?

 

[j00fek]

that does not sound right. bring it to a real GM dealership next time.

 

[jlee]

Do you have an owners' manual? It should list recommended service mileage.

 

[j00fek]

Originally posted by: CadetLee
Do you have an owners' manual? It should list recommended service mileage.

depending on the maker its good to service the (fluid, filter flush) tranny every 75-100k MI. change the fluid every 50-75K.

again depends on the maker

 

[Kristi2k]

The manual doesn't say. I can call the Dealership to see what they say. I looked into doing it at one point because I wanted to get a new filter and synthetic oil, but found out that I coudn't.

 

[alfa147x]

Get a HONDA!!!!

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by: Kristi2k
The manual doesn't say. I can call the Dealership to see what they say. I looked into doing it at one point because I wanted to get a new filter and synthetic oil, but found out that I coudn't.

It is a "sealed" tranny, but the fluid is replaceable, try the dealer or a knowledgeable shop.

But @ 88k, and if it's working well, you may be past the point of replacing the fluid. IF the interval is 50k, and you now have 88 on it, and have never replaced the fluid before, you may not want to know. At this point, some of the fluid has turned into a varnish-like substance, that may get dislodged and damage the tranny if you change the fluid now.

 

[Kristi2k]

Is there a way they can test the fluid first? I don't want to get screwed by a dealership on this... Also, does this mean the filter isn't replaceable?

 

[Drakkon]

how about brakes/brake fluid? relube the locks/hinges/weather stripping? give it a QUALITY waxing? changes any craked belts (serpentine belt)/hoses? fuel filter?

after reading some more the malibu has a sealed transmission so there is no dipstick...thus only a certified service center can check and change the transmission filter/oil or you can if your...daring it sounds like

http://www.faqfarm.com/Q/How_do_you_che...nsmission_fluid_in_a_2000_Chevy_Malibu

 

[Kristi2k]

Darkkon, thank you for the information. I have had my brakes repalced about 8 months ago, so I think I'm all set on that. But have not checked on the cracked belts. How much does that normally cost?

 

[Drakkon]

Originally posted by: Kristi2k
Darkkon, thank you for the information. I have had my brakes repalced about 8 months ago, so I think I'm all set on that. But have not checked on the cracked belts. How much does that normally cost?

the brakes sound good then the serpentine belt (the big one that runs most of the compoennts on the engine) can run anywhere from $60-80 installed depending on the shop and my experience.

 

[Kristi2k]

I have my manual now and I am actually at 81k miles. In the manual it says at 50,000 I should change the Transmission oil if I meet one of three driving conditions, I do not meet any of them so it says that I do not need to change it. So it looks like I'm all set until I hit 100,000 miles where I will have the plugs replaced, coolent replaced.

 

[Drakkon]

its still better to get it done now (before it exhibits any of the issues you probobly read there) and not wait. Once you start getting the issues is when its already too late and changing the fluid at that point is usually just a way of prolonging the death anyways...

 

[Kristi2k]

Sorry, I what I meant was that the manual stated that if I use my car in weather 90+ or tow things with my car or drive in hilly terrain than it reccommends changing the fluid. I drove 60k miles worth on the interstate for 2 years and now I live a mile from work and drive in city.

So do you think I am safe that way?

 

[Drakkon]

i wish someone else would chime in as I'm no car expert but I prefer to change my tansmission fluid every 60K reguardless of car...to me its just a preventive measure kinda like changing the oil.

 

[AmdEmAll]

PCV valve

 

[skimple]

Register your car for free at the GM Owner Center:

GM Owner Center

It will give you all of the recommended maintenance schedules for verything from oil & air filters to tires & tranny fluids. I use it for both of my Chevys and was surprised at a few maintenance items that I didn't know about (like internal cabin air filter)

 

[brtspears2]

I changed my transmission fluid on my Malibu at 100k miles. I do drive in hot summers (Riverside, CA) and heavy traffic (OC commute) and my transmission isn't roasted. The dealership does suggest not to flush the transmission, just the basic service of drop pan, new gasket, filter. Should be about $100.

If you do get coolant flush, do not mix dexcool with regular green coolant. Now I managed to get my hoses to last 100k miles.

Also, if you have the V6 engine, pay attention to the lower intake gasket. It is know to be junk and will leak sometime in it's lifetime.

At 100k, you could replace the spark plugs. I'm still on the original ones from the factory at 108k, no problems at all. I haven't seen a check engine light ever.