Transmission Fluid Change Intervals

[Ge0rge]

I have a 2016 Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71 with the 5.3L, typically driven 600 miles per week. I have 30k (70% highway) on it now and was wondering what interval everyone uses to keep the tranny in top shape. Just looking to be proactive, thanks for your input. 

[midwestdenaliguy]

If you're not an aggressive driver or towing all the time you can change the fluid out when recommended by GM. First change is 60k miles. Another reason to change it outside of recommendation would be if you're having shifting problems. 

[redwngr]

Severe service recommendation is every 45,000 miles.

[VdellaV]

My truck is 40k miles and I just replaced my Filter and re-filled the Trans with OEM ACDelco fluid (6-7 Quarts)

 

Everything went perfectly

 

I like to do my intervals short, so I just have to replace fluid with new one instead of having to do a complete flush later

[flyingfool]

a little trick i found from a mechanic is to use 3/8" poly line from the hardware store, it plugs directly into the trans cooler in the radiator. run each line into an empty gallon jug, then start engine. waite until no more fluid is pumped out, shut off motor,  then insert the suction line into a fresh jug of Dextron fluid. it will suck up the clean fluid and refill your tranny. 

 

you might want to use this methode to drain the pan, then insert a new trans filter before sucking in fresh Dextron

[Ge0rge]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the feedback.

[Nitrousbird]

On 2/10/2019 at 5:16 PM, flyingfool said:

a little trick i found from a mechanic is to use 3/8" poly line from the hardware store, it plugs directly into the trans cooler in the radiator. run each line into an empty gallon jug, then start engine. waite until no more fluid is pumped out, shut off motor,  then insert the suction line into a fresh jug of Dextron fluid. it will suck up the clean fluid and refill your tranny. 

 

you might want to use this methode to drain the pan, then insert a new trans filter before sucking in fresh Dextron

That works for the 6 speed, I don't believe you can use that method for the 8 speed.  OP didn't state which one he has. 

[diyer2]

I drop pan, replace filter and fluid before first recommended service in manual.

Then every ?  miles you're choice I use this to remove trans fluid through dip stick tube and refill.

This holds 8 quarts and has quart markings on it so you know how much you removed.

Easy, keeps fluid freshened up.

 

Buy it here

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AJR8E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[2018GMC]

So nice of GM to get rid of the dipstick on the 8 and 10 speeds. 

[VdellaV]

Just now, 2009GMC said:

So nice of GM to get rid of the dipstick on the 8 and 10 speeds. 

Is there at least an electronic gauge in the dasboard or so to check if the level is low ?

[flyingfool]

just measure what the tranny pumps out of the coolant line, simple

[Jh8473]

Dont mix up the motor oil lines for the trans fluid lines like i did.

[Hillwood]

On 2/10/2019 at 4:16 PM, flyingfool said:

a little trick i found from a mechanic is to use 3/8" poly line from the hardware store, it plugs directly into the trans cooler in the radiator. run each line into an empty gallon jug, then start engine. waite until no more fluid is pumped out, shut off motor,  then insert the suction line into a fresh jug of Dextron fluid. it will suck up the clean fluid and refill your tranny. 

 

you might want to use this methode to drain the pan, then insert a new trans filter before sucking in fresh Dextron

That might work if you don't have a cooler thermostat. 

[Hillwood]

If the transmission has the thermostat on it,  then you will need to bypass it for line flushing.