[Boat]

So I changed my trans fluid in my awd 07 STS v6 with redline d6 (followed correct procedure), which is what is recommended on their site for the car. Now when the trans is cold (below freezing temps) it whines until it warms up. I'm a little worried about this since I plan on keeping the car a while, the car has 145k with no real issues (even fixed the oil consumption issue).

Should I change the oil to something different? What does everyone use, GM spec oil?

 

[Submariner409]

Most owners would use the GM recommended fluids and lubricants. There is NEVER any reason for changing to (probably expensive) boutique snake oils - but if the RedLine oil bottle labels say it's approved by GM, then you may have other problems.

Somewhere on the internet (Google) there's a long list of GM-approved lubricant brand names.

 

[Boat]

It is Dexron VI compatible and Redline is a very popular choice in trans fluid with C5/C6 Corvette owners (I own a C5 Z06) so I wanted to try it in the STS also.

So you think I should switch back to Dexron VI?

 

[Ludacrisvp]

I'd wonder if you are low on fluid...

 

[Z71]

Highly unlikely its the fluid UNLESS its not filled to the proper level? What brand filter did you use? Name brand or cheap alternative? Is it installed correctly?

Many problems can be traced to improperly installed trans pan filter and/or Filter to trans O ring.

Just because its not GM approved does not mean is not good fluid. To be GM approved you have to pay GM $ and disclose your proprietary formulation. .GM ONLY recommends what makes them MONEY!!

 

[Boat]

I let the car idle until it was up to operating temp on 4 jack stands so it was level and filled it while it was running into the higher fill plug until it starting dripping out. AC Delco filter. Made sure the old o-ring came out, and the new one clicked into place. Correct me if I did anything wrong?

 

[Boat]

Looks like everyone is stumped. Maybe I have an internal issue with the trans (145k miles). Guess I'll change the fluid again to GM Dexron VI and hope for the best...

 

[Wojciech]

Is there any other symptoms while driving? Or just that noise?
Did you fill up the oil before run engine and then top up?

 

[Boat]

No other symptoms other than whining when it's cold, seems to be more prominent at lower speeds (but I could be wrong because I have a loud wheel bearing that needs to get changed very soon).

And yes, filled it as much as I could while cold, then started it and filled again until it started dripping out of the full hole (also shifted to reverse, neutral, and drive for a few seconds each).

Thanks to the replies this far, for what it's worth, I'll be changing it to GM Dexron 6, I'm thinking Redline is more for heavy duty usage and not suitable for the Cadillac.

 

[Boat]

Also just found that the whining noise happens from 15mph to about 40mph when cold, doesn't matter what gear it's in. The trans still shifts great, no issues there. About to purchase 2 gallons of Dex 6 and will update when it's changed. If someone could post a correct procedure that'd save me some time searching for it, been very busy lately to be honest.

Again, I appreciate the comments thus far!

Edit: Could it be that the transfer case or front differential is making the noise? The sound is definitely up near the front somewhere and I don't have any record of the transfer case and front/rear differential oil being changed, I can only imagine it's never been changed (previous owners took the car to the dealer for maintenance). I'll hold off on the trans fluid for a moment. If you think a video will help, I can try to record it.

 

[Wojciech]

OK it seems all the job has been done correct.

If the oil meets D6 standards I don't think it is the problem.

Try to find few posts about torque converter issues.
As I know some owners had wired noises and vibration when car reach about 40 mph
But it doesn't mean it is TC I just trying to point you to the solution

I have no idea what about fron diff because I don't have one so no expiriences at all with it.

 

[Z71]

You're sure it was not whining before and you never really paid attention??

AC Compressor,pulleys, water pump bearings, belt tensioner pulley and alternators all produce about the same whine noise.

 

[Boat]

It wasn't whining before, no. Noticed it when it really started getting cold. Haven't had the car a year yet so I don't know if it was an existing issue when the temps drop. I'll change the front diff oil soon since it's cheap to do and probably needs it anyway. Does anyone know how many quarts it'll take?

It's definitely not any of the belt driven accessories. it's not rpm dependent, it's speed dependent.

 

[Boat]

Got the front/rear diff and transfer case fluids changed. Still have that whining noise. We had the car on 4 jack stands and got it up to 20ish mph where it would whine and we could only hear it inside the car with the windows shut (I even used a mechanic's stethescope under the car). Anyone have any thoughts? I may just ignore it for now since everything seems okay. Only happens when it's really cold and the car has been sitting.

 

[ECha3]

Notice any differences on turns? You've eliminated wheels bearings, then...

A couple months ago, a member went to great lengths describing the transfer case chain differences between models. It might be worth the cost of a dealer diagnosis.

 

[Boat]

No difference when turning, checked that this morning. Although I do have a rear wheel bearing that needs replaced. Sound seems to come from the front though.

Speaking of transfer case, I posted this video a few months back with a clunking issue I have. Maybe it's related to the sound? (See description in video)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5lRnaZbZDAM

 

[ECha3]

Wheels bearings can make some very odd sounds under different power or load conditions, but I'm inclined to suspect torque converter whine. Does it go away if you drive it harder?

I do that!

 

[Boat]

Actually yes, if I give it more gas then I normally would when it's cold, it doesn't whine. Sounds like quite a possibility that it's the cause of the whining. I don't really know the mechanics behind how a torque converter works but I've read that they're an issue on STS's?