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teofff · 03-28-2007, 03:28 PM

I have an 06 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4, that I just bought. The owners manual says to tow at 55 mph...the question is, how critical is that? I towed it about 200 miles today and tried to stay about 55 mph, but that will make me nuts, (or nutier!)

over time!!!

teofff · 03-28-2007, 03:28 PM

I have an 06 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4, that I just bought. The owners manual says to tow at 55 mph...the question is, how critical is that? I towed it about 200 miles today and tried to stay about 55 mph, but that will make me nuts, (or nutier!)

over time!!!

hondo122 · 03-28-2007, 04:29 PM

Thats why I tow a Jeep.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-28-2007, 04:44 PM

We always ignored the 55 mph limit on our two Chevy Trackers (badge twins of the Grand Vitara) but religiously observed the 200 mile run-the-engine cycle. Towed over 50k miles with no tranny problems, but that was 30k on one and 20k on another.

It's not a black & white thing - the reason for the limits is to prevent heat build-up that can cause premature wear to the tranny. It won't fall out just because you went 56 mph one day. I suggest you drive normally but keep and eye (and a nostril) out for burned transmission fluid. You can often smell it when the car's tranny is hot and you can certainly see/smell it on the transmission dipstick. ATF will get brownish-red and smell like burnt toast.

teofff · 03-28-2007, 04:52 PM

Thanks Gary, that is helpful. I will closely monitor the tranny fluid...it's not that I drive 70 mph....but about 60 to 65 mph is a comfortable speed....

Gary RVRoamer · 03-29-2007, 02:34 AM

Changing to synthetic tranny fluid helps, I think. It holds up under higher temperatures better than regular ATF.

teofff · 03-29-2007, 03:43 PM

Gary:
I checked today....it's $139 to change the filter and change to synthetic fluid...probably a good hedge on future tranny problems!!!
thanks for the information

Gary RVRoamer · 03-30-2007, 04:32 AM

It's easy enough to change yourself too, but it will take two fluid changes to get to 85+% synthetic unless you also drain the torque converter (more work). If you pay somebody to do the job, make sure they are draining & replacing the fluid in the torque converter as well as the transmission pan. Otherwise, you will have to pay them twice to get a complete change and $139 x 2 is a bit steep.

As I recall, it takes only about 5 quarts to drain and refill the transmission pan only. When we had our Trackers, I used to drain the tranny and refill with synthetic in the fall, then drive the car for the winter until we were ready for spring RV travel. Then I drained and refilled again, which got me to about 85% synthetic, sufficient for good protection. Cost that way was around $40 (doing it myself). Only do that once - not every winter. The tranny fluid is good for many, many thousands of miles.