Long term reliability of HTRAC AWD transfer case due to inability to change the transfer case fluid?

[Light2000]

useasdirected, so did the transfer case oil actually solve any problem for you?

 

[Light2000]

Update on my TC fluid change on my 2018 G80 Sport 3.3T HTRAC at ~57,600K miles Dec 7, 2022.

I'm at 58,787 miles today. The TC fluid change made a tremendous difference. Shudder/stutter under moderate to hard acceleration is 98.2% eliminated. The fluid change did not immediately eliminate the shudder/stutter. Some users in the forum reported it took ~25->50 miles for the improvement to occur. For me I saw noticeable improvement ~100 miles and at its most improved/current by ~300 miles after TC fluid change.

I welcome forum participant opinion on why the fluid change does not cause an immediate improvement.
My research indicate the TC has a wet clutch pack. My hypotheses are ...
1) The clutch pack surfaces need time to absorb the new TC fluid.
2) The clean fluid is removing "gunk" buildup on the clutch pack surfaces.
3) The TC case electronic brain needs some time to recalibrate itself with the new fluid.

As I still have ~500ml of the Ravenol DTF-1 fluid, I'll likely drain/refill in the near future depending on weather and my old bones/body.

i think all 3 of your assumptions are likely in the mix somehow as to the WHY this worked...

 

[UseAsDirected]

useasdirected, so did the transfer case oil actually solve any problem for you?

Hi, Light2000. I think other users changed the transfer case oil due to a flutter problem, which I do not have. I had that in the first year of ownership and the dealer replaced the propeller shaft assembly, which solved the problem. However, I changed the transfer case oil alongside all of the other fluids to be above and beyond the maintenance schedule. Want to see if I can reach 250,000 miles (400,000 km) in my Genesis. Best wishes and be well.

 

[Acpantera]

Update on my TC fluid change on my 2018 G80 Sport 3.3T HTRAC at ~57,600K miles Dec 7, 2022.

I'm at 58,787 miles today. The TC fluid change made a tremendous difference. Shudder/stutter under moderate to hard acceleration is 98.2% eliminated. The fluid change did not immediately eliminate the shudder/stutter. Some users in the forum reported it took ~25->50 miles for the improvement to occur. For me I saw noticeable improvement ~100 miles and at its most improved/current by ~300 miles after TC fluid change.

I welcome forum participant opinion on why the fluid change does not cause an immediate improvement.
My research indicate the TC has a wet clutch pack. My hypotheses are ...
1) The clutch pack surfaces need time to absorb the new TC fluid.
2) The clean fluid is removing "gunk" buildup on the clutch pack surfaces.
3) The TC case electronic brain needs some time to recalibrate itself with the new fluid.

As I still have ~500ml of the Ravenol DTF-1 fluid, I'll likely drain/refill in the near future depending on weather and my old bones/body.

Hey Bubba, glad it worked out for you too. I have had plenty experience with wet clutches over the years, from motorcycles to Mack tractors with air activated wet clutches. Wet clutch friction material is sensitive to the fluid they operate in. All the reasons you listed are dead on, except I believe the sensors monitoring the transfer case just reports to the ecm the expected travel of the solenoid/ stepper motor to report if the clutch pack is worn out or not.... educated guess. One thing more about this transfer case, it's a very active component, it controls power tranfer to the front and rear axles continuously. Seeing the the staggered wheel/tire sizes actually do have a different diameter by a small amount, the clutch in that transfer case operates in a slip condition all the time. That constant slip creates heat and that further deteriorates and changes fluid and friction material performance....very short sighted for engineers to delete a drain and fill maintenance for this type of unit.

 

[rmod]

Interesting teardown:

 

[bubbaG80Sport]

Hey Bubba, glad it worked out for you too. I have had plenty experience with wet clutches over the years, from motorcycles to Mack tractors with air activated wet clutches. Wet clutch friction material is sensitive to the fluid they operate in. All the reasons you listed are dead on, except I believe the sensors monitoring the transfer case just reports to the ecm the expected travel of the solenoid/ stepper motor to report if the clutch pack is worn out or not.... educated guess. One thing more about this transfer case, it's a very active component, it controls power tranfer to the front and rear axles continuously. Seeing the the staggered wheel/tire sizes actually do have a different diameter by a small amount, the clutch in that transfer case operates in a slip condition all the time. That constant slip creates heat and that further deteriorates and changes fluid and friction material performance....very short sighted for engineers to delete a drain and fill maintenance for this type of unit.

I absolutely agree the constant slip is going to shorten the life of the TC fluid and clutch pack. This issue is exacerbated on the G's with turbo charged engines. These engines generate peak torque at low RPM's (~1300) versus the normally aspirated 3.8 and 5.0 (RIP ) engines, putting more stress on the TC and tranny. IMO the TC fluid change on the 3.3T and now 3.5T should be a schedule maintenance item very 25->50K miles.

I regret getting the HTRAC now, but life is full of Rs. I wanted the 3.3T engine and all I could find at the time is an HTRAC/AWD. In my situation there is no need for the HTRAC with the extra cost, reduced gas mileage, additional complexity/maintenance and minimal wintery weather in my "hood".

@Acpantera Again, your advice/postings are sincerely appreciated.

 

[UseAsDirected]

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[hasan97]

Hi guys, I have a 2018 Genesis G80 sport, with 39k miles on it, the car has a hard shift from 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 only when the trans is cold, I'm considering trans and diff fluids change and I heard great things about Amsoil signature series stuff, but I couldn't find any fluid recommendations for the transfer case? Also what do you guys think about Amsoil?
The car lives in Rhode Island.

 

[Speeder]

Hi guys, I have a 2018 Genesis G80 sport, with 39k miles on it, the car has a hard shift from 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 only when the trans is cold, I'm considering trans and diff fluids change and I heard great things about Amsoil signature series stuff, but I couldn't find any fluid recommendations for the transfer case? Also what do you guys think about Amsoil?
The car lives in Rhode Island.

Check the User Manual specifications so you don't mess up the 100K Mile Warranty, if you are the original owner.

 

[hasan97]

Check the User Manual specifications so you don't mess up the 100K Mile Warranty, if you are the original owner.

Lol second owner, and the car pretty much FBO, F the dealership and there horrible service, went there for a basic thermostat failure it took two days to complete and the car missing about a quart of coolant. And the whole engine is covered with coolant.

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[Pjm217]

Ok, I'm back on to provide an update. After completing the transfer case fluid replacement on my 2018 G80 3.8L back in late October (see post #141 above), things seemed to be going well, with smoother overall operation. (The shudder I had been experiencing when turning in reverse was gone). However, in early January my AWD warning dash light illuminated and stayed on (no other symptoms, with vehicle still driving & shifting smoothly). I brought the vehicle into the dealer and they have diagnosed it as needing the transfer case replaced. The good news is that it's covered under the original powertrain warranty (just barely!). The part has been ordered and is expected to be delivered within 2 weeks.

Does anyone know if the Magna Actimax transfer case has been re-engineered to address premature failures? At a minimum, I'll be changing the fluid on a regular basis to help prolong its life.

We'll keep you updated once the new transfer case is installed.

 

[UseAsDirected]

Ok, I'm back on to provide an update. After completing the transfer case fluid replacement on my 2018 G80 3.8L back in late October (see post #141 above), things seemed to be going well, with smoother overall operation. (The shudder I had been experiencing when turning in reverse was gone). However, in early January my AWD warning dash light illuminated and stayed on (no other symptoms, with vehicle still driving & shifting smoothly). I brought the vehicle into the dealer and they have diagnosed it as needing the transfer case replaced. The good news is that it's covered under the original powertrain warranty (just barely!). The part has been ordered and is expected to be delivered within 2 weeks.

Does anyone know if the Magna Actimax transfer case has been re-engineered to address premature failures? At a minimum, I'll be changing the fluid on a regular basis to help prolong its life.

We'll keep you updated once the new transfer case is installed.

How miles are on the odometer?

 

[Pjm217]

41k miles.

 

[hasan97]

41k miles.

I thought the transfer case was unserviceable unit?
But now you made me worried because I'm planning on changing my trans and both diffs fluids in the summer.

 

[UseAsDirected]

I thought the transfer case was unserviceable unit?

Ignore any unserviceable bulletin; I had a mechanic change the transfer case fluid at 34,000 miles and again at 69,000 miles. Attached is a photo of the transfer case oil after only 35,000 miles, note the dark color. New Genesis transfer case oil is almost clear, like honey water.

 

[hasan97]

Ignore any unserviceable bulletin; I had a mechanic change the transfer case fluid at 34,000 miles and again at 69,000 miles. Attached is a photo of the transfer case oil after only 35,000 miles, note the dark color. New Genesis transfer case oil is almost clear, like honey water.

Oh wow, what fluid did you use? Like do you have a part number or something?

 

[UseAsDirected]

Oh wow, what fluid did you use? Like do you have a part number or something?

Of course, brother. Attached is a photo of the Genesis transfer case oil and part number. You will need a 14-Allen. Other users on this thread have used Ravenol, see thread above.

 

[hasan97]

Of course, brother. Attached is a photo of the Genesis transfer case oil and part number. You will need a 14-Allen. Other users on this thread have used Ravenol, see thread above.

You're the best!

 

[UseAsDirected]

You're the best!

Just confirm that is the exact part number for your vehicle. At the dealer the parts advisor printed out a summary of part numbers for my 2016 Genesis and then again for a 2017 G80 and I scratched my head when I saw that some things changed (part numbers, volumes, products) between the 2016 Genesis and the 2017 G80 though they otherwise look identical.

 

[hasan97]

Just confirm that is the exact part number for your vehicle. At the dealer the parts advisor printed out a summary of part numbers for my 2016 Genesis and then again for a 2017 G80 and I scratched my head when I saw that some things changed (part numbers, volumes, products) between the 2016 Genesis and the 2017 G80 though they otherwise look identical.

Hmm, I have a 2018 G80 sport, I will look it up and see what I can find, thank you tho!