4l80-e Filter / Fluid Change.

RJG183SA · October 15, 2009

I finally got around to changing out my trans. filter and fluid. 03 2500HD E.C. 4WD 4L80-E. Mileage 45k. Trans. never serviced.

Before taking this on I spent allot of time on this forum researching the methods other members have used. While searching I found several common things that caused some members difficulty and or confusion. Hopefully I can shed some light.

1. Pan drain plug stripped.

Although tight (probably due to thread sealer used) mine came out with ease using a 15mm six point socket and hand ratchet. Maybe I was one of the fortunate ones!

2. Shift bracket removal.

The FSM manual says to remove the two #40 torq fasteners that retain the bracket. Initially, I was able to loosen the rear fastener but could not access the front fastener due lack of clearance from above. Plan B, I pushed outward on the bracket, there was enough flex (did not bend) to allow a socket to slip onto the pan fasteners. The bracket / cable does not interfere with pan removal, only fastener access.

3. Trans. support (cross member) removal.

Yup, I had to remove it. Absolutely no access to the rear pan fasteners. Pretty straight forward here. Support the trans. and remove. During the removal process one of the trans. mount studs, snapped. Off to the dealer for a new mount. $59.00.

4. Filter seal removal.

The filter seal assembly uses a steel sleeve that is a press fit into the trans. I used a small drift and hammer to lightly tap around the lip of the sleeve, distorting it. I then inserted a flat blade screw driver and pried the seal out. Take your time and use finesse / caution here, one stray hammer blow could damage your unprotected trans. components.

The FSM says 7.7 quarts to refill. I only used 6 quarts. That may change. Only been out for a short trip around the block thus far.

While I was under there I drained and filled the transfer case also, it took 2 quarts.

view of bracket in place, pan removed.

filter seal removal

This item was very handy. It accepts both quart and gallon size containers. Around $4 at Advance Auto. I removed the small end cap, The tube fits into the transfer case fill hole as well as the trans. dipstick tube.

trx680 · November 10, 2009

I finally got around to changing out my trans. filter and fluid. 03 2500HD E.C. 4WD 4L80-E. Mileage 45k. Trans. never serviced.

Before taking this on I spent allot of time on this forum researching the methods other members have used. While searching I found several common things that caused some members difficulty and or confusion. Hopefully I can shed some light.

1. Pan drain plug stripped.

Although tight (probably due to thread sealer used) mine came out with ease using a 15mm six point socket and hand ratchet. Maybe I was one of the fortunate ones!

2. Shift bracket removal.

The FSM manual says to remove the two #40 torq fasteners that retain the bracket. Initially, I was able to loosen the rear fastener but could not access the front fastener due lack of clearance from above. Plan B, I pushed outward on the bracket, there was enough flex (did not bend) to allow a socket to slip onto the pan fasteners. The bracket / cable does not interfere with pan removal, only fastener access.

3. Trans. support (cross member) removal.

Yup, I had to remove it. Absolutely no access to the rear pan fasteners. Pretty straight forward here. Support the trans. and remove. During the removal process one of the trans. mount studs, snapped. Off to the dealer for a new mount. $59.00.

4. Filter seal removal.

The filter seal assembly uses a steel sleeve that is a press fit into the trans. I used a small drift and hammer to lightly tap around the lip of the sleeve, distorting it. I then inserted a flat blade screw driver and pried the seal out. Take your time and use finesse / caution here, one stray hammer blow could damage your unprotected trans. components.

The FSM says 7.7 quarts to refill. I only used 6 quarts. That may change. Only been out for a short trip around the block thus far.

While I was under there I drained and filled the transfer case also, it took 2 quarts.

view of bracket in place, pan removed.

filter seal removal

This item was very handy. It accepts both quart and gallon size containers. Around $4 at Advance Auto. I removed the small end cap, The tube fits into the transfer case fill hole as well as the trans. dipstick tube.