Transmission Fluid Change

[royalkangaroo]

Just curious as what your guys' thoughts are on how often you change the transmission fluid. I've always heard do it often or never do it at all. How often do you folks change yours? Every 30k? 50k? 100k?

 

I'm not 100%, but I thought the GM maintenance schedule recommends 50k. I know it also depends how much you tow, etc. Just wondering about overall longevity.

[ewbldavis]

I've always followed the 60K rule.

 

If older/high mileage vehicle that hasn't been done, then don't do it. Otherwise, 60K seems to work.

[gone_fishing]

I'm at about 64k right now and plan to do it soon. Was planning on pumping fluid out through the dipstick tube. Would do this a couple times. Maybe around 100k I would drop the pan and change the filter.

[Rkaroll953]

yea im curious too. personally i would not want it flushed because ive heard horror stories but i would def like it changed around 30-50. maybe every 30 put a new filter and the 6-7 quarts you lose? the trans run really hot i wonder how that effects the life of the oil?

[glcbn]

I'm wondering if the way the truck is driven and what it is subject too would be the determining factor of when or even if the fluid should be changed. Granted these are more advanced than the older 4L60-E's, but the principles are the same.

 

My previous truck was a '98 5.7 Silverado. Just the fluid was changed at 70,000. Never touched it after that. For eight years of its sixteen year life, I hauled two trailer loads of hay every summer. Probably close to max weight for a sixteen foot tandem with brakes. It was used for lighter things here and there, but the hay was the heaviest. The fluid was never touched for the remaining 225,000 miles I put on it before it was traded in March of 2014. If it wasn't for what I had to add when I replaced a cooler line, I would have never had to add a drop. It was as red as the day it was put in.

 

 

 

[redwngr]

I like the severe service GM schedule in the OM.

 

 

Transmission fluid and filter, transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles(72,000km).

[seamus2154]

Anyone have a DIY on the 8 speed trans?? Just read it doesn't have a dipstick or fill tube?? I know on my Mercedes and BMW you have to fill to overfill at a certain temp while running. A real PITA. Hope the GM 8 speed isn't that bad, pan seems very accessible. Thanks

[Black02Silverado]

With today's fluids every 50k is a good rule to follow. Before synthetic ATF every 30k was a good general rule.

[Debra in Cali]

With today's fluids every 50k is a good rule to follow. Before synthetic ATF every 30k was a good general rule.

My hubby wants to do a transmission oil change at 15,000 to switch over to the Amsoil synthetic. We took it to our favorite trans shop that we really trust. One of the mechanics was telling me that if we switch it over to Amsoil (or anything else for that matter) that it will void the warranty. Got any input or information on that????

[Wheelie]

My hubby wants to do a transmission oil change at 15,000 to switch over to the Amsoil synthetic. We took it to our favorite trans shop that we really trust. One of the mechanics was telling me that if we switch it over to Amsoil (or anything else for that matter) that it will void the warranty. Got any input or information on that????

You could ask your service manager at your dealer.Or call a couple of them to see if you get the same answer.

 

wee

[Wheelie]

With today's fluids every 50k is a good rule to follow. Before synthetic ATF every 30k was a good general rule.

So change the factory tf at 30,000?

 

wee

[gabekalp]

My hubby wants to do a transmission oil change at 15,000 to switch over to the Amsoil synthetic. We took it to our favorite trans shop that we really trust. One of the mechanics was telling me that if we switch it over to Amsoil (or anything else for that matter) that it will void the warranty. Got any input or information on that????

I have a ton of Allison trans in my fleet, for warranty purposes we are required to run a spec synthetic oil or else we loose warranty. So I'd imagine that is a correct statement

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Z45]

Anyone have a DIY on the 8 speed trans?? Just read it doesn't have a dipstick or fill tube?? I know on my Mercedes and BMW you have to fill to overfill at a certain temp while running. A real PITA. Hope the GM 8 speed isn't that bad, pan seems very accessible. Thanks

Took the GMC dealer several hrs to flush mine. Had to be done on the hoist. I was told the ATF has to reach a certain temp before it circulates. In other words, not an easy DIY. Local trans shop was unwilling to do it, a big pita was what they said.

 

Btw - The 8-sp requires Dexron-HP, not Dexron VI.

 

HP - High Performance

Edited April 9, 2016 by elcamino

[Z45]

My hubby wants to do a transmission oil change at 15,000 to switch over to the Amsoil synthetic. We took it to our favorite trans shop that we really trust. One of the mechanics was telling me that if we switch it over to Amsoil (or anything else for that matter) that it will void the warranty. Got any input or information on that????

That's a fear tactic. OEM's and dealers want you to think you have to use OEM-Branded lubricants, which are typically more expensive, to comply with the warranty. Generally, the public is unaware that it is illegal for a vehicle manufacturer to tie the warranty of its product to the use of the manufacturers own brand of lubricant. Federal law seeks to ensure competition within the marketplace and that specifically includes guaranteeing continued warranty coverage outside of the OEM-branded lubricants. In short, you have the right to use the oil of your choice. If the lubricant did not cause the problem, the OEM warranty cannot be voided, period.

 

A warrantor cannot, as a matter of law, avoid liability under a warranty where a defect is unrelated to the use by a consumer of ‘unauthorized’ articles or service.

Edited April 9, 2016 by elcamino

[Z45]

I have a ton of Allison trans in my fleet, for warranty purposes we are required to run a spec synthetic oil or else we loose warranty. So I'd imagine that is a correct statement

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That an (extra cost) extended transmission coverage offered by Allison in which you agree to use their recommend fluid (Castrol Transynd) as a condition of the extended coverage. The coverage is not available unless you use that fluid but you are not required to use it if you do not have the optional coverage.

 

 

 

Terms and Conditions of Allison Extended Coverage

 

 

 

Use of TranSynd™ or Test Engineering Specification 295 (TES 295) equivalent transmission fluid is a requirement for the full term of the Extended Transmission Coverage (ETC). The use of TranSynd or TES 295 equivalent transmission fluid is required for all transmission models, excluding off-highway transmission models. TranSynd or TES 295 equivalent transmission fluid must be installed during the first initial transmission fluid change or one month following the ETC registration, whichever occurs later. Proof of transmission fluid maintenance may be required. Failure to comply with the use of TranSynd or TES 295 equivalent transmission fluid will result in termination of the ETC contract. Any repairs that occurred outside the standard warranty period will not be honored.

Edited April 9, 2016 by elcamino