You don't drop the pan and replace the filters in these. There IS a filter but it's (more like just a screen) to keep out the big stuff and it only gets replaced at an overhaul. Some folks HAVE installed an in-line aftermarket filter in the line leading to the trans cooler though.

As far as only 4 qts of fluid, that's all the pan holds. The remainder of the fluid STAYS in the torque converter. The only way to renew ALL of the fluid is to have what some joints offer as a "power flush" where they pump the old stuff out, new stuff in during the process.

If you just do the 4 qt thing with regularity, you'll sweeten the entire oil charge enough to keep things in check.

 

dont use normal dextron III, it takes a semi synthetic..

Suzuki ATF 3317 or Mobil ATF 3309

 

Thanks for reply!

So, it sounds pretty simple. Just unscrew drain plug, drain whatever is possible, put back drain plug and fill up new fluid up to proper level?

I have to tell that I like that way comparing to other I had to do before.

Do you guys know what is procedure for checking level of fluid on dipstick. I know some mfrs recomend to check fluid level on parking shift position or neutral?

Regards.

 

And a new gasket / washer on the plug IF so equipped.

You'll have to use the owners manual on the correct fluid level checking parameters.

I'm stick and an older model any way, or I'd chime in there.

 

I've done 2 drain/refills on my 2007 GV. One at 15K miles and another at 30K miles. Yes, approx 4 quarts comes out via the drain plug. Simply measure the amount that comes out and replace it with same amount.

It is very important that you use the correct ATF. This Aisin-Warner automatic specs Mobil 3309 ATF or Toyota T-IV. Any version of Dextron or Mercon is NOT a suitable substitute.

 

Change Tranny fluid...how much ?


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It looks like everyone is saying that after you drain out the old fluid that you add 4 quarts of new fluid.

My owners manual says 5.2 pint which is only 2.75 quart.

Which is correct ?

Thanks.

 

you can get the ATF from the toyota dealer (type iv) if there is not a suzuki dealer close by

 

06-08 GV Transmissions

I thought that for the 06-08 model years that the Transmission was a sealed unit, ie you have to drop the full pan separating the pan seal etc. Is that correct or am I mistaken on that. If it is a sealed unit then it will most likely require a synthetic version of the fluid. However the interval to change the Trans fluid with a sealed transmission is usually around 60-80k miles depending on driving habits etc.
BTW a little side note in the owners manual under service intervals it requires a full differntial fluid change front and back for 4x4 at around 7-10k miles, just fyi if you want to keep your warranty in tact.

 

There is also a Dexron Mercon VI you can use....

 

Sorry, but that is incorrect. Neither is the correct fluid and it will damage the transmission.

 

I thought that for the 06-08 model years that the Transmission was a sealed unit, ie you have to drop the full pan separating the pan seal etc. Is that correct or am I mistaken on that

there is a drain bolt in the pan

 

Thanks for all info, now I feel more confortable to do it. I will get Suzuki ATF fluid from my local dealer. Luckly I got at least 3 of them in the area.
It seems to be easiest oil / fluid change in Grand Vitara.
I bought my GV with 35K miles on it. The dealer told me that they changed all oils and fluids, but somehow I can not believe in that statement, so I decide to change all of them and be sure they are new. I did differentials, transfer case (Mobil1 75W-90) and engine (Castrol Synth 5W-30) already. Only transmission left, because I was thinking it will be one big mess to do like with other cars I had. As far as I know not many car mfrs use drain plugs for tranny. It looks like Suzuki step up a bit? Nice suprise especially after reading thread about valves adjustment.
Thanks and have a great weekend.

 

I did differentials, transfer case (Mobil1 75W-90) and engine (Castrol Synth 5W-30) already. Only transmission left.

I wouldnt mind doing all this, are they all pretty easy to do? - just drain and refill??

Are those oils the correct ones to use according to the service manual?

Cheers

 

Purchase upfront more than enough fluid based on general info.

Then there is only one safe / correct way no know. Gauge what you remove to approximate your needs, then fill to the full line on the dipstick (trans up to temp, vehicle on level ground).

You can't go wrong.

 

Ive had a complete flush done with Amsoil Synthetic Multi Vehicle Trans Fluid which is approved for use with this transmission. Designation JWS3309. My opinion spend the money and put good fluid in there. Amsoil is the best as far as i am concerned!!!

 

In the service manual under Transmission it says

"NOTE
It is highly recommended to use API 75W-90 gear oil.

Gear oil specifications:

API GL-4 (For SAE classification, refer to viscosity chart [A] in figure.)

Transmission gear oil capacity (Reference) 1.9 liters (4.0 / 3.3 US / Imp. pt)"


So is it easy to find Amsoil API 75W-90 gear oil??

 

Just go to their website. AMSOIL - Synthetic Oil, Motor and Engine Oil, Lubricants, Air Filters, Oil Filters and Greases . Sign up as a preferred customer and you will get great pricing. Shipping charges are reasonable. I have priced products locally and they cant even touch their pricing and your dealing direct. In my area because im close to the distribution center i have everything in my hands next day!

 

Heres all the oils in the service manual!

(MANUAL TRANSMISSION)

 

they charge ya $10 every 6 months as a preferred customer.. Great oil, HORRIBLE sales practices that Amsoil. Thats why I NEVER will buy from them

 

Well worth it for the cost savings!!! It's already paid for itself on the very first order alone!

 

Can anyone shed some light on the drain bolt gasket?
I looked under the GV in preparation of a trans fluid change.
It's not obvious to me there's a gasket between the bolt and the drain pan although the manual says there is one.
If there is one, what is the replacement for it?

 

There is a gasket, you can reuse it, but probably a good idea to change it too, let me know if you need the suzuki part number

 

Thank you 94box; please provide the part number.

 

I have another question w/r to the trans oil change.
The 2007 USDM owners manual calls for the automatic transmission fluid to be changed at 105,000 miles. Is there any reason not to follow the recommended service interval under normal driving conditions? Thanks.

 

ok, the suzuki part number for the auto tranny drain plug gasket is: 24781-57B00, this gasket looks like a special crush washer, i paid $5.51 CAD for it, i don't know why it costs so much, also, BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERTIGHTEN THE PLUG, i only torqued mine to 120 inch pounds, that is, 10 foot pounds, the previous owner of my sidekick stripped it out, so please be careful, i strongly recommend hand tightening it, and then using the torque wrench,
in regards to the drain interval, you will have to use your judgement, the book does say 160,000km under normal driving conditions, i would recommend every 40 to 50,000km under normal service, also, a flush is the best way to get out all the fluid, a drain/refill three times is okay, but nothing beats the flush, also, using the recommended fluid is a must, Mobil ATF 3309 or fluid from the dealer, or something on the bottle stating it meets 3309 specifications,
hope this helps, BTW mine is a 2006 grand v, 2.7 liter V6, auto

 

Today I changed the front & reat diff fluid, transfer case & trans fluid.
I followed everyone's suggestions and all went smooth.
Both diffs had their share of stuff on the magnets.
I ended up using redline 75W90 synthetic gear oil and the Toyota T-IV for the trans.
Only thing that would've made this job easier would be doing it in the warmer weather.

 

So, to complete the story how many miles (or Kms) are on it? Did you do a drain-and-fill on the tranny or a complete change?

There is a scheduled diff change-out at 15,000 km if I recall. I think that's a good idea as the built-in drain plug magnet seems pathetically weak and loads-up easily. Same deal with my last two Suzukis, a first-gen GV and a Swift Sport. Loose ferrous debris floating around cannot be good for rolling element bearings.

I have only 5,000 km on my '11 but I will be removing diff plugs shortly to clear break-in debris off the magnets. And rather than toss clean oil I'll just quickly swap the fill and drain plugs temporarily and top it off afterwards.

 

The 07 GV has 60K miles on it. Just a drain and fill on the trans (approx 2.7 qts).
We bought the GV with 11K miles on it.
I have no records to prove that any fluid change service was done @ 7.5 K miles.
The GV has been flawless up to this point. Hopefully, it will continue to be so.
Going forward, I'll do a drain & fill on the trans every 15K to 20K.

 

Thanks for the info, I think that's a good plan on the drain and fill.