Audible Click When coming to Stop After ATF Fluid Change

[panthermike]

Recently acquired 2005 Pontiac Vibe. Has a history of P0741 code, which comes and goes intermittently. Previous owner had transmission rebuilt a few years ago and then the torque converter in the last two years.

Since purchase, transmission shifts really well and fluid was only slightly dirty. Two days ago, I changed the transmissionmission fluid with Valvoline Restore and Protect ATF. The initial fill was 0.5qt low (as it was 0.5qt overfilled) and I was being cautious. On the first drive, I noticed that I can hear what appears to be the 2-1 downshift. It is not loud, but I can hear it. I believe it's the downshift(TC lockup?) as immediately after, I notice a mild spike in RPM.

The level is now spot on, and noise is still present. Transmission is shifting perfectly up and down the gears. No lurching at all.

Any ideas? I only did a spill and fill, no filter change or pan drop. Not overly concerned, but thought it was a bit odd.

 

[ClutchDisc]

If I remember correctly that fluid is quite thin. Perhaps that transmission doesn’t like that thin of a fluid?

 

[panthermike]

If I remember correctly that fluid is quite thin. Perhaps that transmission doesn’t like that thin of a fluid?

That's a good thought; although it was at around 40% total capacity. Still though, perhaps it is. I've also used Maxlife on these transmissions (at near 100% capacity) without anything like this.

 

[UGASpike]

That's a good thought; although it was at around 40% total capacity. Still though, perhaps it is. I've also used Maxlife on these transmissions (at near 100% capacity) without anything like this.

Something in the Valvoline Restore and Protect ATF is giving this fluid a ULV spec nod. Maxlife does not. Could that play a part in it? I am unsure..

I believe that you are the first on BITOG to use this ATF fluid, so thanks for the update!

 

[panthermike]

Something in the Valvoline Restore and Protect ATF is giving this fluid a ULV spec nod. Maxlife does not. Could that play a part in it? I am unsure..

I believe that you are the first on BITOG to use this ATF fluid, so thanks for the update!

Definitely something to consider! If it persists; a drain and fill or 2 with proper viscosity fluid should rule it out or solve it. For reference; this fluid is 5.9cSt and the proper spec would be around 7-7.3.

There's a few using it with positive experiences so far if you check out the thread in the ATF section

 

[Hall]

Something in the Valvoline Restore and Protect ATF is giving this fluid a ULV spec nod.

It's definitely in the LV category, if not ULV. I wouldn't use it in a 20-25 year old spec transmission, especially one that "shifts really well and fluid was only slightly dirty". I'd stick to Toyota T-IV or a conventional multi-vehicle ATF.

 

[panthermike]

It's definitely in the LV category, if not ULV. I wouldn't use it in a 20-25 year old spec transmission, especially one that "shifts really well and fluid was only slightly dirty". I'd stick to Toyota T-IV or a conventional multi-vehicle ATF.

Never had a problem before, but perhaps this is the "one". I will likely get some T-IV, and see what happens.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

When did Toyota switch to WS? Wasn't it around that time? The thinner WS type ATF should be fine with no problem

Perhaps you could ass Lubegard to it, and see if that helps.

 

[ClutchDisc]

I personally wouldn’t use the Valvoline Restore and Protect ATF because it is so thin.

Anyway I would try a thicker ATF and see if it solves the issue.

@slacktide_bitog They switched to WS in 2007 for the Sienna so probably around that time for most of their transmissions.

 

[panthermike]

Update:

Did a drain and fill and used Toyota T-IV. Also dropped pan and replaced filter, 4 qts total were replaced. After a couple hundred miles, the noise persists. I'm not concerned that it's an "issue", transmission shifts very well. Wasted $30 on perfectly good Valvoline Restore and Protect ATF, but an easy experiment.

We actually gifted the car to a family member in need (he has been using my Corolla). He is super excited and it feels good knowing he has a vehicle that is good to go.