2019 Malibu - Drain & FIll or Flush on CVT?

[R18Civic]

I'm coming up on 90k in my 2019 Malibu and I've already notified the service department that I plan on getting my transmission serviced at my next oil change. My reasoning being there is a limited lifetime warranty on the powertrain, and the transmission is already weak. I would like the dealership to do the routine maint on my CVT in case it does take a dump so I there are no questions asked in regards to fluid changes. I would have to pay to gaskets seals and fluids. I told them I wanted a drain and fill and they said they flush them if they're under 100k. I was under the impression that GM didn't recommend flushes on their CVT.

Someone educate me.

 

[JayhawkRoy]

I would not flush. I would however do a couple of drain and fills may be 5K apart.. I have been told some of these back flushes don't do older transmission well. I have never had back flushes done.

 

[doitmyself]

"Flush" is a misnomer. Look up "T-Tech transmission machine". Many dealers use BG products and exchange machines . These machines use the vehicle's transmission pump to gently exchange old fluid for new. No power flush. No reverse flush. It results in near 100% fluid replacement vs. only partial replacement with other methods (drain and fill).

Back in the dinosaur days here we used to discuss DIY methods to hook up hoses to the cooler lines, start the vehicle, let the tranny pump old fluid out while you carefully poured new in.

BG uses a "flush"additive prior to fluid exchange to clean the soft goo that accumulate on the internal surfaces (anyone that has done a pan drop knows what this is). THIS (additive) is controversial to some. People also argue "gentle" partial changes vs. "harsh" 100% fluid exchanges (the additives and/or new fluid detergents might knock big chunks off).

Drain/fill and exchange machines both work. Explore your lifetime warranty requirements to aid your decision.

 

[martinq]

If you're going to pay a dealer to do the service then I would follow their recommendation (good or bad). If you don't agree with their decision then find someone else.

If the fluid hasn't been changed before now then most of the wear damage has already been done. I would do three drains now and clean any magnets that are serviceable (transmission pan?). I would then drain again at the next engine oil service to see how it looks and what's on the magnets. From there you should be able to follow the "Severe" service recommendations.