Tranny Fluid Change

jrod332 · July 29, 2009

I have done a search on this and there is to much reading. I figured i would just post. My truck has 90,000 miles and I dont know if the trans fluid was ever done on it. How often should it be done? Is it easy to do? I do most of my own work but have never done a transmission fluid change. Also is a flush good to do? I have heard some bad things about it. I feel like it could cause more damage in the future. I just bought a trailer and will be towing frequently. Should I use any special fluid?

smattei14 · July 30, 2009

If you do a search...you will be able to find great info on this topic...

IMO...i would get it done at a shop...I would use AMSOIL Trans Fluid...

04_5.3 · July 30, 2009

I had mine done at 94,000 and the guy at the shop said it was getting time to change it. I say go ahead and change it my guy at the trans shop said dont flush it

WilliamBos · July 30, 2009

We had ours done @ 100,000kms/62500miles and will be soon due again @ 150,000kms/93750 miles. Should we do the GM Flush again, or should I drop the pan and just do the pan fill? Could I put a suction gun down the pan and suck it out that way?

Sorry for the thread jack.

ATMINF · July 30, 2009

With the older Dexron I have always done a trans pan drop and filter change at about 25-30k, the new DEX6 is supposed to be so much better, but I plan on still doing a pan drop and filter change at 30k. I figure it does not cost much in the long run and is cheaper than the tranny having issues. I will say that the older 700r4/4L60-65-70 trannies need all the help they can get in the trucks and SUV's, and they are known to start having issues at the 100-150k mark. Of course this is varies on how you used your truck, but one of my reasons of getting s 2500HD was due to the fact that I was getting a 4l80 tranny, while is does not help on gas, they are strong and can take some abuse.

brims · July 30, 2009

I keep seeing people saying "switch to Amsoil" for the tranny. I looked and saw no Dexron VI fluid from Amsoil. That scares me.

txab · July 30, 2009

I have done a search on this and there is to much reading. I figured i would just post. My truck has 90,000 miles and I dont know if the trans fluid was ever done on it. How often should it be done? Is it easy to do? I do most of my own work but have never done a transmission fluid change. Also is a flush good to do? I have heard some bad things about it. I feel like it could cause more damage in the future. I just bought a trailer and will be towing frequently. Should I use any special fluid?

Yeah, why bother searching and finding all the answers to your questions yourself. It's always easier just to start another post.

smattei14 · July 30, 2009

I keep seeing people saying "switch to Amsoil" for the tranny. I looked and saw no Dexron VI fluid from Amsoil. That scares me.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atl.aspx

they are both diff web sites....this might answer your question...

DBVille · July 30, 2009

I keep seeing people saying "switch to Amsoil" for the tranny. I looked and saw no Dexron VI fluid from Amsoil. That scares me.

Its because Amsoil does not have their ATF tested to confirm it meets Dexron VI (or III) standards. I believe they say that the cost is exorbitant. They claim it is suitable, but it is not approved by GM for the application. Personally, I use one that is labeled as Dexron VI, not one that says it is suitable for it.

davzog · July 30, 2009

I found Dexron VI Pennzoil on AMazon.com for $35 for a six pack....bought three since my HD used 8 quarts and have other cars.

Used the extra to change the tranny fluid in my 90 Bonneville...what a difference. can hardly feel it shift!

I don't flush transmission....heard too many horror stories first hand, especially from guys wilth older vehicles. Instead, the first time I pull the tranny pan, I install a drain plug kit. I get them at Advanced Auto Parts for about $4, or you can buy the B&M version for $10....same product.

Anyway, after the initial drain and filter change, I change the tranny fluid at the next two oil changes with out changing the filter again until another 30k miles....

Of course, my preference used to be to drain the pan and drain the torque converter, the but cheap manufacturers decided to save $0.36 per vehicle and eliminate the drain plug.

2COR517 · July 30, 2009

This is how I do a tranny service. Drop the pan, change the filter, put in a pan drain plug kit as Dave suggested. If your truck takes, say, 12 qts total, put in 8 qts. I know this is less than you took out, but hold on. Pull a line off the cooler or tranny. Start the truck until you pump out about a gallon. Shut off, and add another gallon to the tranny. Start the truck up again and watch the fluid. You should see the color change when you get to the new stuff. Shut off, reconnect line. Check fluid with the dipstick and adjust accordingly.

This way gets all the old fluid out, with the risks of a quickie shop flush job.

Starrman · July 31, 2009

concerning this "pan drain plug kit".....is there a provision/knockout in the pan for it, or does it need to be drilled? What does this kit consist of?

brims · July 31, 2009

I keep seeing people saying "switch to Amsoil" for the tranny. I looked and saw no Dexron VI fluid from Amsoil. That scares me.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atl.aspx

they are both diff web sites....this might answer your question...

The first link says Dexron III not VI. The second link just talks about Dexron VI, it doesn't state that it is Dexron VI certified.

I keep seeing people saying "switch to Amsoil" for the tranny. I looked and saw no Dexron VI fluid from Amsoil. That scares me.

Its because Amsoil does not have their ATF tested to confirm it meets Dexron VI (or III) standards. I believe they say that the cost is exorbitant. They claim it is suitable, but it is not approved by GM for the application. Personally, I use one that is labeled as Dexron VI, not one that says it is suitable for it.

Cost could be 1 thing, but they may know or think it can't pass so don't want to try it.

DBVille · July 31, 2009

I keep seeing people saying "switch to Amsoil" for the tranny. I looked and saw no Dexron VI fluid from Amsoil. That scares me.

Its because Amsoil does not have their ATF tested to confirm it meets Dexron VI (or III) standards. I believe they say that the cost is exorbitant. They claim it is suitable, but it is not approved by GM for the application. Personally, I use one that is labeled as Dexron VI, not one that says it is suitable for it.

Cost could be 1 thing, but they may know or think it can't pass so don't want to try it.

Well, ok, I was just trying to be polite, but you may very well be right.

2COR517 · July 31, 2009

concerning this "pan drain plug kit".....is there a provision/knockout in the pan for it, or does it need to be drilled? What does this kit consist of?

You need to drill a half inch (usually) hole in the pan. Its a half inch bolt, with washer and nut to go on the inside of the pan. The bolt is drilled and tapped (it's hollow) with another smaller drain plug in it.

If you have access to a mig welder, you could weld in a 1/4 or 3/8 pipe bushing, and get a countersunk plug for it. It's cheaper, will drain faster, and will not leak if welded properly. Plus, you don't need a backup wrench to pull the drain plug.