What kind of oil is in the automatic transmission of a Chevrolet Cruze. Do-it-yourself oil change in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission

Regularly replacing transmission fluid is the key to efficient operation of your vehicle's gearbox. This procedure does not require professional skills and is practically doable on any modern car. For example, such as the Chevrolet Cruze with a 1.8-liter engine. This is one of the top versions of Cruze on the Russian market. Such cars can now be found on the secondary market, so the topic of changing the oil yourself is more than relevant, given the lack of warranty service for such used cars. Let's take a closer look at how to properly change the oil in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission, and what you need to know for this.

Oil change intervals

The transmission fluid in the Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 automatic transmission, according to official data, is replaced every 80 thousand kilometers. But unfortunately, in practice the situation is different. If you are lucky, it is possible that the owner will be able to reach 80 thousand km and change the factory oil without breaking the gearbox. But in this case, he should undergo a comprehensive oil flush, but this will have to be done at an expensive service. A much safer, more reliable and affordable option is a partial oil change, which is carried out every 20-30 thousand kilometers. In Russian operating conditions, partial replacement is most preferable - it is less expensive and allows you to regularly monitor the quality of the oil in the box.

What kind of oil should I put in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic?

Please note that Chevrolet Cruze in different times rolled off the assembly line with automatic transmissions of the 6T30, 6T40, 6T45 and 6T50 series. They are similar in design, so it is recommended to fill them with the same type of liquid.

For the version of Chevrolet Cruze in question (with automatic transmission), it is better to fill in the original Dexron VI fluid, or a similar Opel ATF Dexron VI oil will do. As an option, we can also recommend Petro-Canada Dexron VI and Liqui Moly ATF Top Tec 1200.

How much to fill

The recommended volume of oil to be poured into the Chevrolet Criuze automatic transmission is about 8.5 liters. To be more precise, the volume depends on the version of the gearbox. For example, a box with the factory index 6T30 requires 7.6 liters, and 6T40/45/50 transmissions require 8-8.5 liters of oil.
Sequence of work for a partial oil change

It is advisable to change the oil only after the engine has warmed up. It is enough to drive 5-10 kilometers for the internal combustion engine and oil in the box to warm up to operating temperature. This is necessary so that as much old fluid, mud deposits and metal shavings can pour out of the gearbox.

List of materials and accessories for replacement

  • Prepare a set of tools
  • At least 5 liters of new oil will be required
  • Prepare a container to drain the old oil
  • You will need carburetor cleaner
  • Wet rags, rubber gloves
  • Funnel with hose
  • Sealant
  • New oil

Let's get started

  1. We drive the car onto the overpass. Alternatively, you can use a viewing hole
  2. Find the drain plug under the bottom of the car, get to it and unscrew it. However, in some cases this simply cannot be done, since you will first have to unscrew the additional motor protection
  3. As soon as the cap is unscrewed, black waste liquid will pour out of it into a previously prepared container
  4. After draining the old oil, carefully tighten the drain hole. You can do this by hand. It is not advisable to use the tool, as it can damage the thread
  5. Remove the transmission pan to gain access to oil filter. First, unscrew the pan, remove it, and clean it of residual liquid, dirt deposits and metal shavings
  6. Access to the oil filter is open. If it is damaged, it should be replaced with a new one. Then you can install the clean pan back, having first placed a rubber gasket on it
  7. The next step is pouring new oil into the gearbox. The liquid is poured through the hole in which the dipstick is located.
  8. After filling the fluid, start the engine and operate the gearbox. It is very important that the box works in different positions and speeds to allow the new oil to spread through all channels and components of the transmission.
  9. Put the transmission in park mode, turn off the engine
  10. Check the oil level in the box, add fluid if necessary

What to do if your Cruze does not have a dipstick

In this case, oil change work is carried out in the sequence indicated above. The only difference is in the method of filling in new oil. Here the liquid must be poured not through the dipstick hole, but through the control plug. A special syringe is inserted into it, with which the oil is injected. Liquid is introduced until it begins to flow out of the hole.

Changing the oil using the example of a similar car

Good day everyone! Today we will talk about automatic transmission oil in Chevrolet Cruze. And as we write the article, we will also analyze all aspects of changing the automatic transmission oil of a Chevrolet Cruze with our own hands. Let's not pull the cat by the tail and get down to business right away.

Automatic transmission oil for Chevrolet Cruze

Every car owner must understand that the automatic transmission of any car is a rather complex and expensive part that is constantly under load. Therefore, extending the life of an automatic transmission as much as possible is almost the primary task of every car owner. The maximum service life is ensured not only by timely oil changes in the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission, but also right choice Cruz automatic transmission oil itself. The Chevrolet Cruze is equipped with automatic transmission types 6T30/40/45/50. These are very similar boxes in design, so it is recommended to use the same type of fluid for all Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmissions.

Original oils in automatic transmission Chevrolet Cruze

So, The oil in the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission must meet the DEXRON VI standard. It doesn’t matter whether the oil is selected for a Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 automatic transmission or a Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 automatic transmission. In all cases, there must be oil with Dexron 6 approval. The factory oil in the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission is produced by GM and has an article number 93744589 .

There are several opinions about changing the oil in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission. Many people believe that the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission is maintenance-free, i.e. does not require oil changes. The rest understand that miracles do not happen and any liquid sooner or later loses its properties.
But due to the fact that the majority are still inclined to the first option, or change the oil in the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission at very long intervals, the original GM oil is not very common in ordinary car shops. You understand that if there is no demand, then there is no supply. But the original oil for the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission can be ordered in online stores, for example from us.
There is also the closest analogue of GM automatic transmission oil. This is gear oil Opel ATF DEXRON VI(article 1940184 ). Its characteristics are very close to GM Dexron VI, but it costs a little less.

Analogues of original oils in Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission

In addition to the original Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission oils there are also analogues. They are much cheaper, but their properties are not inferior to the original ones. One of the most budget analogues is the transmission Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission oil. This oil can be purchased in our online store. We sell Petro-Canada in volumes of 1l and 4l. The oil is produced in Canada. To date, the product has gained popularity and trust among tens of thousands of car owners. In fact, this is a very high quality product at a reasonable price. Yes, and you can buy it at any normal auto store.

The next analogue of the original Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission oils is Liqui Moly ATF Top Tec 1200(article 7502, 1l). Liquid Moly is a German company that has reliably hooked our motorists on its products. This is German quality and reliability, but the price of this product can be a bit steep. However, decide for yourself. If you want to get real quality and spare no expense, then the product Liqui Moly ATF Top Tec 1200 just for you!

The last option in our article, but far from the only one, is transmission fluid for an automatic transmission in a Chevrolet Cruze. Mobil ATF Dexron VI. This is one of the most high-quality analogues, but widespread enough and not very expensive. Article - 071924252233 .

Oil volume in automatic transmission Chevrolet Cruze

For complete Changing the oil in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission will require 7.6 - 8.5 liters transmission oil. The required amount of oil depends on the type of automatic transmission installed. For example, a 6T30 automatic transmission requires 7.6 liters, and a 6T40 (45, 50) automatic transmission will require from 8 to 8.5 liters of oil. Therefore, before buying oil, find out what automatic transmission is installed in your car. This is quite easy to do. It is enough to carefully study the manual for the car. If you don’t have one at hand, you can look up the information in the original catalogue, indicating the VIN number or car body number. If difficulties arise with this, it is better to consult a specialist.


How long does it take to change the oil in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission?


There are two ways Changing the oil in an automatic transmission Chevrolet Cruze. These are full replacement and partial replacement. The first method is performed in a service environment using a special installation. In this case, approximately 1-2 liters of oil more than the full volume is required. The essence of the method is to pass the oil through a special installation under pressure until the old fluid is completely replaced with a new one. We will not consider this method of changing the oil in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission in detail, since the procedure is performed only at a service center and only by people who know what they are doing. But it is quite possible to perform a partial oil change under service conditions.

Do-it-yourself partial automatic transmission oil change for a Chevrolet Cruze

It is recommended to perform a partial replacement of transmission fluid in a pit, but if there is no such pit, then it is quite possible to do without it.

What is required to change the oil in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission?

1. For a partial replacement we will need about 5 liters of new transmission fluid
2. Container for old transmission fluid
3. Tool set
4. Carburetor cleaner
5. Napkin
6. Funnel with hose
7. Sealant

New transmission fluid must be filled through the dipstick hole. Please note that some Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmissions are not equipped with a dipstick, so some difficulties may arise. Let's consider both options.

Partial oil change for a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission equipped with a dipstick.

1. The first thing you need to do is get to the drain plug. In some cases, this will require removing additional engine protection.
2. After this, unscrew the drain plug and pour the old liquid into the prepared container.
3. Tighten the drain hole by hand.
4. And loosen the pallet bolts. Unscrew the bolts and carefully drain the remaining liquid.
5. Wash the pan with carburetor cleaner.
6. Remove the automatic transmission filter. If the filter is not very dirty, it can be washed. If it is possible to install a new one, then it is better to do so.
7. Install the filter in place. We install a new pan gasket, having previously coated the joints with sealant.
8. Reassemble everything in reverse order and tighten the drain plug.
9. Fill in new transmission fluid through the dipstick hole.
10. Start the engine and use the automatic transmission selector to move through each speed with a slight delay. After this, put the box in position “P” and let the liquid warm up to operating temperature. This may take 5-15 minutes.
11. Turn off the engine and check the oil level in the automatic transmission. If necessary, add to the required volume or drain the excess through the drain plug.

How to independently change the oil in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission that is not equipped with a dipstick

Works on changing the oil in an automatic transmission Chevrolet Cruze should be performed in the same sequence, only you will have to fill the oil not through the dipstick hole, but through the control hole. This may require a large syringe rather than a funnel. Oil must be added until it flows through the inspection hole.

Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission oil change video

For greater clarity and information, at the end of the post we will also add a video that describes and shows in detail about Do-it-yourself oil change in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission:

So, in this article we figured out which one is suitable Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission oil, reviewed several options for transmission fluids, including original ones and their analogues. After which we examined in detail step by step instructions on changing the automatic transmission oil of a Chevrolet Cruze with our own hands and figured out the oil change interval in the Cruze gearbox and its required volume. That's all, thanks for your attention.

Well, just recently I wrote about changing the engine oil, my impressions of the oil, etc. On the same day, I changed the oil in the automatic transmission, but decided to put it in a separate post, because I think this information is more interesting.

I hope it’s no secret that the oil in the Cruze automatic transmission needs to be changed regularly! People describe the replacement periods very differently, some change it every 30-40 thousand km, others 60 thousand, there are those who are generally surprised that the oil in the box also needs to be changed. I personally think that this mainly depends on the operating conditions and your attitude towards the car, but I don’t recommend driving more than 60 thousand km on one oil (for those who don’t know, at speeds over 150 km/h the box heats up above 120 degrees, the oil in under such conditions it quickly loses its properties).
And so, the next question that confronted me was: “What kind of oil is being poured in?”
The answer was found quite quickly - ATF DEXTRON VI, which by the way is poured into the power steering. I started looking for a manufacturer and came across this thing:


I have come across one of the manufacturers from this list many times, so the choice was quite simple for me.
ZIC ATF DEXTRON VI, I ordered 2 pieces of 4 liters each (I’ll tell you why a little later). In addition to oil, a head or open-end wrench for 11 (drain and control bolt) and 15 (crankcase protection mounting bolts) will be useful.
Now to the point:
- First, you need to warm up the oil well, for this, immediately before changing, we jump into the car and go for a ride.
- We go into the garage (on an overpass, lift, etc.), turn off the car.
- remove the crankcase protection;
- unscrew the automatic transmission drain bolt and catch the oil in the prepared container;


I again had to find the photo on Google images, since at this stage my hands were all covered in oil.


Up to 5 liters of oil are drained, although it may be more))) I drained it into 2 containers, so I can’t say for sure.
- unscrew the control bolt, and after draining the oil, return the drain to its place;
- crawl out from under the car and unscrew the automatic transmission vent, since the oil is poured through its hole (unscrew it by hand without much effort)
- Next, you will need a hose/funnel for pouring oil into the box.
- we begin to fill in the oil, pour until it flows from the control hole (I got less than 4 liters)
- then we start the car and start switching P-R-N-D with a delay of 5-10 seconds on each, after driving back and forth for 2-3 laps, put it in position P and WITHOUT STOPING THE ENGINE, go add oil, pour it until it flows out of the control hole again;
- we noticed that it was leaking, we climbed to tighten the bolt into the control hole;
- you can turn off the car, and you need to fill in about 300 ml more oil;
- We return the breather and crankcase protection to their place.
It took me about 5 liters of oil (including a small amount that flew out onto the floor)
I can say one thing about the sensations: the shifts became smooth, without the slightest jerks or kicks, and this is very pleasant when you feel the result.
After 1000-2000 km, the plans are to install an automatic transmission radiator (advise me to consider some option, Hayden and others are not necessary. I know about them) and another oil change.
Since the technical manuals talk about 8-8.5 liters of oil in the box, accordingly, with a partial replacement (4.5 liters), it is better to do it 2 times with an interval of 1000-2000 km.
And finally, a comparison of new and drained oil with a mileage of about 50,000 km (the automatic transmission oil was already changed once when the drive seal leaked at 65,000 km.
Good luck to everyone, I will be happy to answer all questions and wishes.

Changing the oil in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission has serious differences from a similar maintenance procedure called changing the engine oil. At the same time, changing the oil in a Cruze automatic transmission yourself is hardly more difficult.

When to change, how much and what kind of oil to fill in the Cruze automatic transmission

In the repair manual, the frequency of oil changes is automatic transmission The Chevrolet Cruze is not listed, implying that it is flooded for life. It is prescribed to check the oil level every 15,000 km and top up as necessary. It is also stated that Replacing the automatic transmission fluid is necessary when the fluid loses its properties, for example, as a result of overheating.

Many believe that the oil in a Cruze automatic transmission should be changed after a mileage of about 60,000 km.

To change the oil in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission you will need about 5-7 liters. We can say more precisely by measuring the volume of drained oil - As much as it merges, so much new needs to be poured in.

The manufacturer recommends filling with original gear oil GM 93740313 4SP or other DEXRON VI.

How to change the oil in a Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission

The car must be placed on a pit, overpass or lift. You can also use a jack with stops. This is necessary to access the box tray. Place a container under it into which the old oil will be drained, then unscrew the drain plug with a 11mm key.

You can also unscrew the filler cap (breather) under the hood so that the oil drains faster. When the oil stops flowing out of the drain hole, screw the drain plug back in.

Having determined the volume of drained oil, you should pour the same amount of new oil into the filler hole using a funnel. In this case it is necessary unscrew the inspection hole plug To get to it you will need to remove the left front wheel.

When oil begins to flow out of the control hole, enough oil has been filled. You need to tighten the filler cap and the control plug. Then start the engine and move the selector to all positions.