Transmission Fluid

[fisherca22]

How do you check the transmission fluid levels in a 2007 suzuki XL7?

[Jeff L.]

Originally Posted by fisherca22

How do you check the transmission fluid levels in a 2007 suzuki XL7?

The dipstick - if you want to call it that, is down down down on the front of the transmission. It has a yeollow handle on it. You have to unscrew a 10mm bolt first that locks it in place, and then pull the stick out. The dipstick is maybe 8" long at best. It is very hard to see it but if you feel around a bit you'll find it.

Unless you have a leak the level is msot likely good. If it's never been serviced I recommend doing that. It takes the same Mobil1/Suzuki AT-O synthetic ATF in the white tin can at your dealership. I believe it is 3.1 liters you will need. You just drain it from the bottom plug and fill it through the dipstick hole. You will either need a long flex funnel or a transfer pump and fill it from under the car. (If you can't find the dipstick you will be able to easily see it under the vehicle).

[fisherca22]

Thanks for the reply, I looked all over trying to find the transmission dipstick. I only have 14,000 miles on my XL7, do I still need to get it serviced?

[Goaterguy]

This is great info. The tranny fluid is the only one I haven't been able to replace at 30k. Will do when I get home.

[Jeff L.]

I printed off the picture of where the dipstick is. Maybe it'll help reference where to look and feel.

From the 2007 manual. 2008 is the same...it is slightly different position for 2009 with the 6 speed transmission.

[Goaterguy]

With Jeff's information I was able to change the XL7 transmission oil. I used ramps to tilt the SUV and drain the most oil possible.

The bolt retaining my dipstick was a 12mm one and the drain plug is 24mm.

I marked the drain plug to make it easier to identify in the future.

Before you drain the oil, make sure you can remove the dipstick and your funnel will reach the filling hole. you don't want to drain your transmission and not be able to fill it!

The funnel I used has a hose that hardly reached. I had to remove the engine plastic cover (slightly pull and remove the engine oil filling plug) to get it to reach.

It took me 4 quarts, I checked how much I drained and added the same amount back, then warmed up the transmission by driving a few miles, came back to the garage and inside where it's level, I checked the dipstick as per the instructions.

This last check is very hard to do because everything is HOT! so wear leather gloves or something.

[twcamc]

I noticed that reading this forum and the manual that the transmission takes GM T/IV Transmission Fluid. Can anyone tell me if there are equivalent replacements that may be better/worst of if the GM product is the only acceptable fluid. I think I read somewhere that Mobil 3317 is also acceptable. What about products from Royal Purple, Amsoil, etc? Thanks

[Goaterguy]

Any T/IV compatible fluid will do. I used Royal Purple TMax ($12 per quart) but its fully synthetic.

You can see in the picture a sample of oil after 31k extremely well cared for miles vs. new.

To me it doesn't really look that bad but I have never towed anything and remember, this oil is supposed to last for the life of the vehicle. This coming from the same guys that told us that we should change our engine oil according to the on board monitor, and we all know how that worked out!

[twcamc]

Thanks a bunch. Can you tell me how many quarts I will need for a complete tranny drain? Also, is it worth getting it flushed?

[yeamac]

Originally Posted by Goaterguy

You can see in the picture a sample of oil after 31k extremely well cared for miles vs. new.

To me it doesn't really look that bad but I have never towed anything and remember, this oil is supposed to last for the life of the vehicle. This coming from the same guys that told us that we should change our engine oil according to the on board monitor, and we all know how that worked out!

My manual states to change the tranny fluid at 50K for severe conditions or 100K under normal conditions. No where does it indicate lifetime.

That said, I've had the trans fluid on my Dodge Caravan changed every 40K per dealer recommendation (that's more frequent than the book says). What I don't get is both the dealer and Firestone charged me over $100 each for a transmission flush. Just yesterday I received a val-pak coupon in the mail for a local shop that says $9.99 for a transmission fluid change (no flush), including fluid! Maybe there are hidden fees with that, but both other service shops charged over $50 for the fluid alone. I'm sure the quality of this local shop's trans fluid isn't top quality, but when my XL7 needs a transmission fluid change next time, it will be worth it to me to buy my own Royal Purple or the like and let a shop like this change it for me if they will do it for $10.

Car repairs is such a crap-shoot! I've always been able to change my own oil, but think I'll start to learn to do a few other things as well. Might even brave the tranny change when it comes to it. Think I'll do it about 50-60K on the XL7.