Auto transfer case maintenance

[Cloud Strife]

So do I need to take my car to a stealership to get it serviced? or can I just get the fluid and take it elsewhere. I just crossed 124k miles and it has never been changed so I am prolly in deep doo doo.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Moser97

The manual calls for GM Part # 12378396. A tag on the TC says NP 236, and a seperate tag calls for the same product to be used in the transfer case. That part number is Dexron lll. The TC has a manufacture date of 1998. The vehicle went into service in Oct. 1998. I have to assume this is the original TC. I used GM part no. 12375808. I can't put my finger on an official document from GM saying I should have done this, but everything I've heard or read indicates that these TC's need to have this fluid in them. I think the point of this whole discussion is that if your automatic transfer case does not have this improved fluid in it you should get it in ASAP. I've read Bulletins calling for this fluid exchange on Asrtos, Caddies, Bravadas and other vehicles from model year 1999 to 2003. I think I've done the right thing. MT do you agree?

Yes 10-4 on the blue 12375808 GM transfer case fluid.
All of the info I have says to use the blue 12375808 GM fluid in a 236 auto transfer case. Even several years older.
Also it should be change on a regular basic.
There may have been some tsb out on it but not sure.
Good luck and drive it a while and see if it starts working better.
MT

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Cloud Strife

So do I need to take my car to a stealership to get it serviced? or can I just get the fluid and take it elsewhere. I just crossed 124k miles and it has never been changed so I am prolly in deep doo doo.

Ever hear of the magnusson-moss law?
Do some research on it.


How ever the dealer will have you over the barrel on the GM fluid 12375808 transfer case fluid. But you can buy it from the dealer parts department and put it in at a place of your choice or do it yourself.

The info below pertains to chips but holds true on aftermarket parts.

You won't void his warranty. Dealers try to pull that "void your warranty" crap all the time & they LOSE in court or arbitration unless they can PROVE that the particular modification or aftermarket part caused a covered part to fail. Check out the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act for specific info.
Also, according to Hypertech's Web site, the Power Programmer for the '04-'06 Silverado is CARB approved. The EPA recognizes CARB approval as meeting EPA standards as well, so you wouldn't be in violation of the Clean Air Act if you had reprogrammed his speedo to compensate for the big gears & big tires.
From Hypertech's Web Site:
All Hypertech Power Tuning products are legal for sale or use on California pollution-controlled motor vehicles according to CARB Executive Orders. Power Tuning products for 1998-2004 Ford and Chrysler gasoline, as well as Dodge Cummins diesel applications, are currently in approval-pending status, based on completion of required testing presently being conducted. All 2004 and prior Ford Power Stroke and all GM Duramax applications are legal for sale or use on California pollution-controlled motor vehicles under CARB E.O. D-260-10 and D-260-11, respectively.
In the interest of improved air quality, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires new vehicle and manufacturers of aftermarket parts to develop engine and emissions equipment that either reduce or maintain specific air pollutants affected by vehicle use. Both the California Vehicle Code (section 27156) and Federal Clean Air Act (administered by the Environmental Protection Agency) prohibit modifications that increase vehicle emissions. Aftermarket parts manufacturers, particularly in the high-performance segment, are required to obtain CARB approval in the form of executive Orders (E.O.s) for any product not qualifying as a direct replacement for an original equipment part. Hypertech includes meeting all E.O. requirements in its product development process. This guarantees that users of Hypertech "Power Tuning" products will meet certification requirements when registering, selling, or needing to pass various emissions tests or Inspection and Maintenance (I and M) programs administered by state or local enforcement agencies. Make sure that any emissions-related product you buy and install carries an E.O. number or is pending an E.O. Without this verification you are at risk, in potential violation of regulations and may incur unnecessary financial obligations during vehicle inspections or emissions tests.

[Moser97]

CS, this is a pretty straightforward process. I bought a pump for on a gallon jug at Advance Auto for $4. Go to the dealer and ask for 4 quarts of the 12375808 juice, it will run about $30. I ran the car up on ramps and crawled under and pulled out the bottom plug. The plugs are located on the lower back of the transfer case. Drain the TC into your oil change pan. I put 2 quarts of the new stuff into a clean antifreeze jug and put the pump on. I pulled the top plug and replaced the bottom plug. Stick the hose from the pump into the top hole in the TC, pump the juice in until it runs out the top and put the plug back in. On the ramps mine held almost exactly 2 quarts. Button everything up and drive around for a half hour or so. Go down some winding roads and into a parking lot or 2. Have the auto 4wd on and put it into and out of 4wd a few times in the parking lot. Don't really stress anything just work it out a little. Go back and drain out the fluid and replace it again. You are done. If you have blue in it when you pull the plug just change it once and take 2 quarts back to the dealer.

[Labpadre]

I believe that the Blue Smurf Oil does not stay blue when it is spent.

I have a '01 Suburban 3/4. Has AutoTrac II TC. The clutch burned up. Fluid was dark. Stealers replaced TC. 4 months later with approx 100 miles of 4x4 in the sand and a few miles on mountian terrian 4x4 does not pull in reverse and seems to not pull as much as it used to after the TC was replaced. Defective? I smell a slight odd burning odor. I'm about sick of this Autotrac Crap! Granted my Sub is Supercharged via Whipple. Do you think the whipple is eating the TC?