10L80 10-speed Fluid Change & Check / Service Manual / Front Diff?

[relevante]

I found this video with the procedure for the closely related transmissions on the Camaro. But on my 10 speed I don't see a fill/check port on the bottom of my pan like that car has. I also don't have a dipstick. Any idea what the procedure is here? I'm not ready to do anything right away but I would like to do an early change at some point. IIRC, when I was under there looking, there did appear to be two plugs on the side, sort of like on the transfer case, but even if those are the way, there must a very specific procedure to set the proper level, given the specificity shown in that video.

 

More generally, any idea when a service manual might become available and what the best way to find about it and get one would be?

 

Also, has anyone done their front diff yet? I haven't pulled the skid plate yet to look myself, but I think I read that there's no drain plug anymore. If you've changed your fluid and that is true, did you pull the cover and clean it out like the rear or just vac it out and replace?

 

[Z71-K9]

So how do you know if the tranny fluid is correct?

[relevante]

2 hours ago, Z71-K9 said:

So how do you know if the tranny fluid is correct?

Not sure, that’s what I’m trying to figure out too.

[HondaHawkGT]

How many miles on the trans fluid?

[relevante]

2 hours ago, HondaHawkGT said:

How many miles on the trans fluid?

About 1600. Just want to know what the process looks like for a change in the future.

[quicksilverc5]

While doing my oil yesterday on my 6.2 at4, there is a plug on the back right of the transmission (plug is facing the rear of the truck), its not on the bottom but on the rear.  Guessing that may be it.

[newdude]

For the mechanically inclined 10 speeders:

 

Quote

Level Check Procedure

 

This procedure checks both the transmission fluid level, as well as the condition of the fluid itself. Since the transmission on this vehicle is not equipped with a fill tube and dipstick, a tube in the bottom pan is used to set the fluid level.

 

Warning: The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) must be between 75-80°C (167-176°F).If the TFT is lower than this temperature range, either idle or brake torque the vehicle to raise the fluid temperature. If the TFT is higher than this range, shut off the vehicle to allow the fluid to cool as required. Setting the fluid level with a TFT outside this range will result in either an over-fill or under-fill condition. If TFT is greater than 80°C = under-filled. If TFT is less than 75°C = over-filled. An under-filled transmission will cause premature component wear or damage. An over-filled transmission will cause fluid to overflow from the vent tube, possibly causing a fire that may result in serious bodily injury or severe vehicle damage, fluid foaming, or pump cavitation.

 

Note: This vehicle is equipped with an internal thermal bypass valve, the transmission fluid level should be checked only after the TFT has reached or exceeded an operating temperature of 70°C (158°F). Once the TFT has reached or exceeded 70°C  (158°F), then you can check the fluid level.

 

Caution: To obtain the required transmission temperature, set the vehicle parking brake, run converter stalls while also applying the foot brake and placing the transmission in drive gear range to heat the transmission oil. Run 10 seconds on, then 10 seconds off converter stall. Brake torque is not to exceed 1500 engine RPM’s. Failure to maintain 10 second intervals or exceeding 1500 engine RPM’s may result in transmission internal damage.

1. Observe the TFT using the driver information center (DIC) or a scan tool.
2. Start and idle the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through each gear range. Pause for at least 3 seconds in each range. Move the shift lever back to PARK. Ensure the engine RPM is low (500–800 RPM).
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 1 minute.
5. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range.

6. Danger: Transmission fluid is flammable and the area around the automatic transmission case plug is hot due to the proximity of the exhaust system components. Always wear protective gloves to avoid personal injury. When draining the transmission, protect all exhaust components including the catalytic converter and catalytic converter heat shield from making contact with transmission fluid. Failure to do this could cause smoke and/or a fire resulting in serious bodily injury or severe vehicle damage.

   Caution: THE ENGINE MUST BE RUNNING when the trans oil level check plug is removed or excessive fluid loss will occur, resulting in an under-filled condition. An under-filled transmission will cause premature component wear or damage.

   Note: Continue to monitor the TFT. If the TFT is not within the specified values, reinstall the trans oil level check plug and repeat the previous steps.

7. Remove the automatic transmission case plug (1) from the transmission. Allow any fluid to drain.
8. If the fluid is flowing as a steady stream, wait until the fluid begins to drip.
9. If no fluid comes out, add fluid until fluid comes out in a steady stream and then drips out. Transmission Fluid Fill Procedure
10. Inspect the fluid color. The fluid should be red or dark brown.
11. If the fluid color is very dark or black and has a burnt odor, inspect the fluid and inside of the bottom pan for excessive metal particles or other debris. A small amount of “friction” material in the bottom pan is a “normal” condition. If large pieces and/or metal particles are noted in the fluid or bottom pan, flush the oil cooler and cooler lines and overhaul the transmission. If there are no signs of transmission internal damage noted, replace the fluid filter assembly, repair the oil cooler, and flush the cooler lines.
12. Fluid that is cloudy or milky or appears to be contaminated with water indicates engine coolant or water contamination. Engine Coolant/Water in Transmission

13. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution.

14. Replace the automatic transmission case plug and tighten to 22 Y  (16 lb ft).
15. Inspect for external leaks. Fluid Leak Diagnosis

 

 

[Black02Silverado]

On 4/25/2019 at 6:41 AM, relevante said:

I found this video with the procedure for the closely related transmissions on the Camaro. But on my 10 speed I don't see a fill/check port on the bottom of my pan like that car has. I also don't have a dipstick. Any idea what the procedure is here? I'm not ready to do anything right away but I would like to do an early change at some point. IIRC, when I was under there looking, there did appear to be two plugs on the side, sort of like on the transfer case, but even if those are the way, there must a very specific procedure to set the proper level, given the specificity shown in that video.

 

More generally, any idea when a service manual might become available and what the best way to find about it and get one would be?

 

Also, has anyone done their front diff yet? I haven't pulled the skid plate yet to look myself, but I think I read that there's no drain plug anymore. If you've changed your fluid and that is true, did you pull the cover and clean it out like the rear or just vac it out and replace?

 

I know an old post but to answer his question, there is no long a drain plug on the front diff and I changed mine out at 500 miles.  I just vacuumed out what I could get out and filled back up with AMSOIL Severe Gear 75w-90.  Taking the diff cover off looked to be a job since the main electrical harness for the power steering goes right up against the diff.  Again, GM changing things for the worst by eliminating the drain plug.

[DPont]

Planning on preforming filter change and trans flush on my 3.0 LM2, Tahoe (30K for the 1st change)
Drop pan, change filter and refill in level check side plug. Then follow steps below to flush.
The Transmission Fluid Thermal Bypass Valve, fluid doesn't flow to cooler until above 160-170d.
Hoping there is enough length to push hose on and hose clamp on Tranny connection coming from connection block to preform fluid exchange. see screen shot.

Similar to the way he performed with a conversion block.
In this video the Bypass is mounted to the Tranny Housing.

https://youtu.be/SOyLso8IfWQ?t=743

 

Thermal bypass removal

https://youtu.be/cSs5Y5KoUPI

1 Disconnect at Bypass Valve. Attach to tranny lines where they attach to bypass.
2 attach hose to line to trans cooler to pump fluid out
3 attach to line returning to transmission to pump fluid in with Vevor Transmission fluid pump
4 Perform exchange.
5 flush the trans cooler. Using Vevor Transmission fluid pump
6 reconnect cooler lines to bypass valve
7 reconnect tranny lines to bypass valve

 

If anyone has GM service manuals diagrams of transmission line routing for 10L80 22 or later would be helpful.