R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Transmission Fluid Replacement

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Old Oct 19, 2025 | 07:52 PM
  #1  
MikeW2's Avatar
MikeW2
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Transmission Fluid Replacement

Hi everyone,

I want to replace the transmission fluid in my CTV 2005 Cooper R50 (hatchback). I looked under the car today and realized the gearbox looks different from what I saw in the manual/internet resources. I think it is a GACVT16Z-UZ. I'm attaching a picture of it. Does anyone one have any experience in fluid replacement for this type?

Best
Mike


 
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Old Oct 20, 2025 | 05:08 AM
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noodlesandsam
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Careful there. How many miles, and any symptoms of shifting issues? The cvt is known to be troublesome. You may find lots of debris in there.
 
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Old Oct 20, 2025 | 11:15 AM
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MikeW2
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174 k mi. Last change was done at 74 k at the mechanic. I'm having issues with acceleration, drives normal within 50-60 mi/h but noticeable lower acceleration especially uphill and when AC is on. Struggles to drive over 65 and I need to rev up to 3500 to maintain 70-75 on flat stretches. Fyi checked vacuum and fuel pressure at rail (normal behavior). Has new O2 and map sensors, new sparks and coils, fuel filter and injectors. Engine has significant wear, compression in one cylinder is low but within range (150 PSI) and 40-60% leakage. The acceleration issue appeared relatively recently. Thought that maybe the issue is caused by old transmission fluid. Might be wishful thinking. Any comments/suggestions?
 
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Old Oct 21, 2025 | 10:51 AM
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Hello,

The older CVT info is here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nsmission.html
 
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Old Oct 28, 2025 | 08:51 PM
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Thanks!
 
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Old Oct 29, 2025 | 07:11 AM
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Welcome!
 
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