2007 Pontiac Wave - transmission service

Tiny
CHRISU91
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 PONTIAC WAVE
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
I have a 2007 Pontiac Wave which has about 84,000km on it (52,200mi). It is my understanding that it's basically the same as a Chevrolet Aveo. Now, here's my story:
I got an oil change done at the dealer about 6,000km ago. I was told at that point that my vehicle should get a transmission service done. Last week, I got an oil change done at another place and they checked my transmission fluid (it was brown). They recommended I have that changed. So, I book an appointment with a different local shop to get the transmission serviced. They told me that they cannot access it because it is a "closed transmission" and I should refer to my dealer. So, I finally book an appointment with the dealer.
I drive in, and they say, "Oh, your vehicle does not need a transmission service done". I asked if she was sure and she went to get the head technician, who confirmed it. Now I'm confused. When I first got my oil change at the dealer they tell me I should get my transmission serviced soon (and that the warranty depends on it), but when I actually go to get it done they say it's all internal so it's not required. Can anyone else confirm this with me and explain to me why this is the case? The dealership never explained why; just told me it didn't need to be done.
Upon looking through my owner's manual, it states nothing about a transmission service and nothing about checking the colour of the transmission fluid. It just says to check the dipstick and make sure there's either enough fluid or not too much fluid. Any help regarding this matter would be appreciated :)
Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 AT 7:11 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
As to the warranty, what is the term of said warranty? My understanding of GM products is that the recommended service intervals are indicated in the owners manual, and as you have read it, there is no interval. Is this correct? Now with that said, I would certainly encourage you to have the service done straightaway, but I am not at all sure what the conflicting information/stories are about and I do not wish to comment about that at this time. I also find it puzzling to hear that you set an appointment to have some customer funded work performed, and be told it does not need it when you arrived, very strange indeed.
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
CHRISU91
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It is my understanding that in order for the warranty to be valid, I need to keep up regular maintenance on the vehicle.
And yes, that is correct. I'm looking at every line of service intervals listed in the manual and there is nothing said about the transmission. I just find it strange that the head technician at the GM dealer said I didn't need the service done.
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
CHRISU91
  • MEMBER
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I sent an email to a different dealership and they responded to me with the following:
"37,500 Miles (60 000 km)

Change automatic transmission fluid if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid does not require changing."

This is not shown in my vehicle's manual, but here it is to anyone else that may be in the same confusing situation as me.
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 AT 9:19 PM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
Thank you for your reply. It is most kind of you to think of others, cheers mate!
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 AT 11:31 PM

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