Tranmission Fluid Change On A 1500

[gmyeah]

So, I've done some homework, but not sure I like the result. There seems to be a few camps out there. One says don't worry about it, your truck's tranny is good until 100K, and the other camp says change it at 50K and there won't be that buildup that might break free and cause problems after the tranny fluid is changed. Any thoughts on this? I've worked my truck, but I don't want to make it much worse or short lived.

 

Also, I got some quotes on the tranny fluid change. The cheapest I could find was $140. And that didn't drop the pan or change the filter. The dealer wants $190.....$350 if I drop the pan and get the full service (filter, gasket, etc.). I did some more homework and a reptubale tranmission shop will do it all for $250.

I've heard bad things about the whole "flush only" service too....that I would be getting for $140. What's best to do? Should I drop the pan?

 

Keep in mind....it's a 2008 z71 4x4 ext cab 1500....for reference.

[Black02Silverado]

Those prices are high for a full service. Why not do it yourself and save the $$$?

 

I would do it at 50k. 100k is way to long. I have tested several transmissions with used oil analysis and they showed a need to be changed out at the 50k mark. For the money that you would spend every what 3yrs to have the transmission serviced is well worth it in the long run. That is if you plan on keeping it for a long time.

[wavery]

I wouldn't trust anyone to service my trans. Too many people take too many short cuts.

 

50K might be about right if your truck has seen any towing or hauling. Otherwise, you can wait until 75K. If you do a LOT of towing (like I do) 40K may be more appropriate. Remember, synthetic ATF does not burn like petrol based ATF. You are mainly concerned about contaminates from wear parts. Most of that will get caught by the filter. If you use your truck for a daily driver and don't do any heavy work with it, you could get away with changing the fluid in the pan and a new filter every 50K.

 

A proper trans service includes dropping (and cleaning) the pan, changing the filter. Replace the pan then fill the trans with the proper amount of fluid (check your owners manual).

 

To drain the converter (which holds more fluid than the pan)..........Pull off the upper trans cooler line from the radiator and put on a clear 3/8" plastic hose (about 3') with a mini-clamp. Mark a 2L clear plastic jug (or similar) at the 1qt line. Start the engine and let 1qt of fluid pour into the container (about 10 seconds). Pour 1qt of new fluid in the trans and dump the fluid from the container. Repeat this about 8-10 times until the fluid coming out of the cooler line looks like the new fluid. You can also find the qty in your owners manual.

[Stevens03]

I wouldn't trust anyone to service my trans. Too many people take too many short cuts.

 

50K might be about right if your truck has seen any towing or hauling. Otherwise, you can wait until 75K. If you do a LOT of towing (like I do) 40K may be more appropriate. Remember, synthetic ATF does not burn like petrol based ATF. You are mainly concerned about contaminates from wear parts. Most of that will get caught by the filter. If you use your truck for a daily driver and don't do any heavy work with it, you could get away with changing the fluid in the pan and a new filter every 50K.

 

A proper trans service includes dropping (and cleaning) the pan, changing the filter. Replace the pan then fill the trans with the proper amount of fluid (check your owners manual).

 

To drain the converter (which holds more fluid than the pan)..........Pull off the upper trans cooler line from the radiator and put on a clear 3/8" plastic hose (about 3') with a mini-clamp. Mark a 2L clear plastic jug (or similar) at the 1qt line. Start the engine and let 1qt of fluid pour into the container (about 10 seconds). Pour 1qt of new fluid in the trans and dump the fluid from the container. Repeat this about 8-10 times until the fluid coming out of the cooler line looks like the new fluid. You can also find the qty in your owners manual.

 

Amen brother... And I can tell you from experience that replacing the ATF with full synthetic ATF will yield you a full/solid 1-2 mpg difference in the 4-speed trans. It also lowers operating temps while towing. I was AMAZED at the difference.

[tyhuck]

Ive heard that GM transmissions dont like synthetic fluid. Would it be a bad idea to switch to synthetic on a transmission with 97K miles on it?

[gmyeah]

Ive heard that GM transmissions dont like synthetic fluid. Would it be a bad idea to switch to synthetic on a transmission with 97K miles on it?

 

 

as i recall, at least on my 2008, ATF sythetic is what's specified in the owner's manual.

[wavery]

I switched mine to synthetic. I use my truck 99% for towing. The synthetic works fine and the trans runs cooler.

 

Who said that GM transmissions don't like synthetic? Doesn't make any sense. It cools better, lubricates better, doesn't break down at high temps and can't burn like petrol ATF.

 

The one issue that you may have with a high mileage vehicle is that, if the trans has not been properly maintained, the synthetic may break down deposits that may cause internal oil leaking in the pump or valve body.

 

I have had no leaking issues externally and my shifting has been fine which leads me to believe that the internal pressures are OK.

Ive heard that GM transmissions dont like synthetic fluid. Would it be a bad idea to switch to synthetic on a transmission with 97K miles on it?

[Stevens03]

No issues other than what Wavery stated. I swapped mine at 50,000 miles and wish I would have done it sooner. It was a HUGE improvement on my 03 4L60e trans. What you could do is drop the pan, change the filter and refill with approx 6 quarts of synthetic. That way you get some of the benefit. If all goes well, then say in a few thousand miles do it again with a new filter.

 

Immediately, pulling away from the dealer the transmission was "behaving" better, smoother. First week, I noticed my mileage was up... AND IT WAS... and while towing 6500 lbs in 95 degree temps, with the air conditioning on, the transmission temp never went above 185. That was my experience with full synthetic in my 2003 Silverado. I felt it was worth every penny for the swap.

[tyhuck]

Well, all the guys on the S10 forums were saying it caused slippage in the 4L60E. But, if wavery is using his for towing and its still in good shape it may be worth trying. Mine is almost at 100K and I dont when or if it was changed previously. I bought the truck with 87K on it. Im gonna change the fluid in the pan, replace the filter, and install a new Autometer trans temp gauge when I get around to it. I may also add a deep aluminum pan with fins while Im at it. Is there a specific brand of fluid you guys recomend?

[wavery]

I wouldn't bother changing to synthetic if all you're going to do is change the fluid in the pan. That's less than 1/2 of your total ATF. More than 1/2 is contained in the converter.

 

If the ATF is brownish or smells burnt....... don't waste your $. Just change the fluid, filter and hope for the best. The problem that some people have is that they do the conversion in a worn out trans and expect the synthetic to solve an existing problem....... IT WON'T!!!!!!!! It may even make and existing problem worse.

 

You may want to look at the "Scan Gauge"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SCANGAUGE-I...=item3a5e9ec66f

 

It plugs right into your OBD port under the dash and gives you a lot more valuable info.

[tyhuck]

1. The scan gauge is way more than I want to spend.

 

2. My transmission isnt doing anything bad, but it probably needs a change. The fluid on the dip stick is a nice redish pink so I know its not burnt. I was thinking of trying what Stevens11 said, and replace the fluid a little at a time to make sure it wont cause any problems. Then if it does OK, Ill replace all the fluid later. Would that hurt anything?

 

Again, is there a brand of fluid to look for, or more importantly, to stay away from?

[Black02Silverado]

1. The scan gauge is way more than I want to spend.

 

2. My transmission isnt doing anything bad, but it probably needs a change. The fluid on the dip stick is a nice redish pink so I know its not burnt. I was thinking of trying what Stevens11 said, and replace the fluid a little at a time to make sure it wont cause any problems. Then if it does OK, Ill replace all the fluid later. Would that hurt anything?

 

Again, is there a brand of fluid to look for, or more importantly, to stay away from?

 

You can go with any major brand, Pennzoil, Mobil for ATF fluid you can pick it up at Walmart. You don't have to use dexron VI fluid but can if you want to. It is backward compatible. Sounds like your transmission is in good shape if the fluid is still nice and pinkish red. Changing it out would be fine.

[Jsdirt]

Amsoil is the best there is, & it's backed up by testing. For that reason every system in my truck has Amsoil in it, except the brake, cooling, power steering, & A/C because none required service yet.

 

I did a full trans flush by pulling the upper line & putting a 6 gallon bucket under it, while simultaneously dumping Amsoil down the filler. Once the fluid was clean, I let it run until I heard the first hint of bubbles. Then I dropped the now empty pan - mess free - replaced the filter, cleaned / greased the magnet, then cleaned & re-installed the pan. Then I drained & refilled the transfer case with the same ATF. Also put 75W-110 Amsoil Severe Gear in the front & rear diffs. Truck had about 43,000 on it at the time. Unlike most, I won't be selling this anytime soon. I won't be buying another, so this ones gotta last come hell or high water.

 

I towed a '72 El Camino (about 3,800 lbs give or take) on a 2,000 lb flatbed car-hauler 880 miles one-way to Columbia, SC in 95° heat averaging about 75 mph this past July, on the year old Amsoil, & my trans temp never exceeded 190° - even on long grades. On the stock fluid it hit 210° towing an S10 Blazer at much lower speeds on a steep grade with the same outside temps. Never any hint of slip, even when getting heavy on the throttle.

 

The diff cover was almost too hot to touch with the speed, load, & weather, yet it's still as quiet as the day I bought it. I don't baby this truck - ever. My foot is on the floor at every green light, & on every highway on-ramp. I've had it over 115 mph on several occasions (99 mph limiter disabled). This is why I chose Amsoil. That .... and I'm a dealer.

[gmyeah]

Amsoil is the best there is, & it's backed up by testing. For that reason every system in my truck has Amsoil in it, except the brake, cooling, power steering, & A/C because none required service yet.

 

I did a full trans flush by pulling the upper line & putting a 6 gallon bucket under it, while simultaneously dumping Amsoil down the filler. Once the fluid was clean, I let it run until I heard the first hint of bubbles. Then I dropped the now empty pan - mess free - replaced the filter, cleaned / greased the magnet, then cleaned & re-installed the pan. Then I drained & refilled the transfer case with the same ATF. Also put 75W-110 Amsoil Severe Gear in the front & rear diffs. Truck had about 43,000 on it at the time. Unlike most, I won't be selling this anytime soon. I won't be buying another, so this ones gotta last come hell or high water.

 

I towed a '72 El Camino (about 3,800 lbs give or take) on a 2,000 lb flatbed car-hauler 880 miles one-way to Columbia, SC in 95° heat averaging about 75 mph this past July, on the year old Amsoil, & my trans temp never exceeded 190° - even on long grades. On the stock fluid it hit 210° towing an S10 Blazer at much lower speeds on a steep grade with the same outside temps. Never any hint of slip, even when getting heavy on the throttle.

 

The diff cover was almost too hot to touch with the speed, load, & weather, yet it's still as quiet as the day I bought it. I don't baby this truck - ever. My foot is on the floor at every green light, & on every highway on-ramp. I've had it over 115 mph on several occasions (99 mph limiter disabled). This is why I chose Amsoil. That .... and I'm a dealer.

 

Got another quote from someone on performing a tranmission flush. The more I ask around, the reputable ones are starting to stand alone. I talked with AAMCO and they said $140. But, it's for just a flush. They disconnect the lines from the cooler as well...and the converter is drained as well. I guess my thought is to do this flush at 50K and then drop the pan and do it all at 100K. I've been doing some more homework and I wonder (espeicially if there's no serious issue now) if this is a good way to go. I wouldn't think anything is going to get by the screen (filter)...you know? Maybe changing the tranny fluid regularly is the way to go and droping the pan, filter change, etc is the way to every other time? Any thoughts on my thoughts?

you wonder how long a untouched/unserviced domestic tranny will go. I want to push the mileage on this truck since i like it so much....so, I'd like to care of the insides a bit, early on.......even though i'm a little hard on it.

[Gregs]

i just pulled my trans line put a hose on it and ran the truck till i started to get bubbles. I ended up getting all but a few quarts out of it. filled it up with mobile 1 synthetic (dex 3 btw) and put a wix filter kit on. It was nice to not get trans fluid spilled all over myself when i dropped the pan. no way i would pay someone to do do it for me.