Originally Posted By: Jeffy_D
So we bought a 07 Pontiac torrent with the 3400 v6 and AWD. No owners Manual. Was wondering what other torrent/ equinox owners had been doing for maitenance.
It has 97k , I figure spark plugs and tranny need serviced. Its a 5 speed Aisin AF33 transmission.
Im pretty sure this engine doesnt have the infamous LIM gasket problem. Is there anything else I should be aware of?
Awd transfer case drain and fill scedule?
Im really hoping this engine has a timing chain, I hate worrying about belts.
What kind of oil would you guys recommend, the current pyb seems to be doing good, but im always up for advice.
Does this tranny take dex vi ?
This is the family vehicle, so Im willing to pamper with top shelf fluids and parts.Dont hold back on suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
Here is a link to a PDF 2007 Torrent owner's manual. Save it as it contains all the info you need.
NOTE - If you go to E-Bay you can always find owner's manuals as well so you can have a hard copy in your glovebox( I personally feel this is a must have item in any vehicle - just a quirk of mine ).
http://www.pontiac.com/content/dam/ponti...ners-manual.pdf
I had a 2008 Equinox( 3.4L AWD )so same basic animal. Decent little rig.
Your 3.4L actually is still at risk for the infamous intake gasket issue. Supposed to be fixed by 2007 models but still happens a lot even with the updated gasket set. Keep an eye out for coolant leaks. Head gasket issues too sadly( neighbor across the street lost a HG on his 08 Equinox just last summer ).
No, the tranny does not use Dex VI. The Aisin tranny in the Equinox and Torrent( at least through 08 when I had mine ), calls for T-IV fluid. Hard to find T-IV specific fluids these days although they are still out there. Pretty much look for a quality universal ATF that covers the T-IV spec. Castrol Transmax Import ATF is a popular one to replace T-IV although any brand will be fine as T-IV is nothing super special. RP and Amsoil's universal ATF offerings would be excellent choices. Normal scheduled service is 100K and that is WAY too long for T-IV to be in service. 50K is as long as I would go. It is one of those sealed units as another member said so just a fluid drain and swap gets done( there is a filter but tranny needs to come out to service it ). Many people with these vehicles add a Magnafine inline ATF filter that can be serviced if that interests you.
NOTE - to change the ATF in these tranny's you remove a drain plug. Only about 4- 4.5 qts comes out. Unless you have it flushed you won't be replacing much fluid. Really needs a flush to get it all.
The transfer case(PTU) uses a GM only fluid. It is called Versatrak. It has no real aftermarket replacement and it is very expensive( $35 +/- list - can be ordered online for mid $20's but shipping just takes it back up ). RP Synchromax has replaced it in some applications such as Saturn AWD t-cases and done the job well yet it has not done the job in other applications calling for that fluid such as the rear diff's in some GM AWD systems. So you really should just stick with the GM stuff despite the cost( JMHO ).
Don't forget the rear diff( RDM ) in your AWD Torrent. It too has fluid service needs. The RDM uses 75W90 GL5 synthetic gear oil. From GM you want the Grape Juice( yes it is actually grape scented or it was anyway - I think that fluid has been replaced with a new one - still scented? ). Again however, just as with the Versatrak fluid, the OE gear oil is way over priced. RP MaxGear 75W90, Amsoil Severe Gear 75W90, or any other 75W90 GL5 fluid will replace the GM stuff for a fraction of the cost. Expect to pay anywhere from $25-$30+ a bottle for the GM stuff. You can get any number of quality, high end, aftermarket replacements for $15-$20 +/-. Less with sales and coupons/rebates.
NOTE - If you got RP Maxgear at AAP for example they always have discount codes available when you order online( you can order online and do store pickup to save shipping )that will lower it way down. If you bought everything you needed there, and you order online using a code, you will save a TON of cash.
At 100K, yes, the plugs need replacing. The good news is they are Iridium plugs and are good for 100K so you don't have coppers in there that are 70K past due( unless someone else changed them out before ). The AC Delco OEM plugs( 41-101 as I recall )are excellent plugs. I would use them without hesitation.
PYB 5W30 is fine. I would personally swap it over to a High Mileage oil. I personally feel Valvoline MaxLife is the best HM oil. My 2nd choice would be Kendall HM but that is really hard to find. If you like Pennzoil they offer an HM oil as well. The oem AC Delco oil filters( PF47 as I recall )will be fine.
Check and replace the air filter. Also, I believe your Torrent has a Cabin Air filter as well that after 97K is ready to be replaced.
One other HUGE item I would do. That is a flush of the coolant system. OE AF is Dexcool. As I recall my 08 Equinox showed either 100K or like 125K for a coolant system service. 100K is MAX I would run Dexcool or any similar modern ATF. Actually, IMO 75K is a better time frame. At 97K IMO you are definitely due to service the coolant system. I would personally get it flushed and not just drain and refill which leaves some old in there. Make sure you replace it with Dexcool or Dexcool compatible fluid. Valvoline's MaxLife anti freeze is an excellent one to use.
Hope this helps you out. Be sure and download that owner's manual before it is no longer available. The download is free. Just save it to your computer as a PDF document when it opens in a browser window. I looked on E-Bay and there are a couple OM's with sleeve for under $30. IMO that would be a wise purchase.