8 speed fluid and filter change

[UrbanRage]

I finally have everything I need to change the fluid in the transmission. I will be using Amsoil so I'd like to get as much of the old fluid out as possible. I'm crystal clear on the filter and pan. What I'm unclear about is how to remove the fluid from the torque converter (TC).

I bought 12 quarts of Amsoil, and I don't think I have enough to flush like the guy did in this video.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbP2kmInwVM

 

If I was to change the fluid in the transmission, pump out the coolant lines, but not the TC, would there be an issue mixing the GM fluid and Amsoil? 

 

What would be the best way to remove the fluid from the TC that wouldn't result in damaging the transmission? 

 

 

[Z45]

If you use the cooler line that will drain all fluid including the TC, its all in one loop.    !2 qts is tight.  The GM dealer used 16 to R & R all the fluid in my 2017 8-sp.  IMO its not a diy job on the 8sp, to many nuances to pay attention to,

Edited October 27, 2021 by elcamino

[Black02Silverado]

7 hours ago, UrbanRage said:

I finally have everything I need to change the fluid in the transmission. I will be using Amsoil so I'd like to get as much of the old fluid out as possible. I'm crystal clear on the filter and pan. What I'm unclear about is how to remove the fluid from the torque converter (TC).

I bought 12 quarts of Amsoil, and I don't think I have enough to flush like the guy did in this video.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbP2kmInwVM

 

If I was to change the fluid in the transmission, pump out the coolant lines, but not the TC, would there be an issue mixing the GM fluid and Amsoil? 

 

What would be the best way to remove the fluid from the TC that wouldn't result in damaging the transmission? 

 

 

It is doable like in the video.  The thermostat on the transmission should be bypassed if you ask me.  That way it  can flow through the cooler while it is running and not have to wait for it to get up to temp. 

 

Like on my 2002 that had the 4l60E, it didn't have a thermostat on the cooler line so when ever you disconnected the line from the cooler, the fluid would flow as soon as you started the truck.  Then you just let it flow out until the stream of fluid starts to slow down, then shut off the truck.  I like to have another person turn off the truck once I notice the fluid slowing down and  pushing air.  Then just add back fluid.  Thing is I had a dipstick and it was easy to do.  On the 8sp they don't and so it will be harder to add fluid.

 

You will need at least 16qts if not more.  When the dealership does it they want 20qts.  At least the dealership I talked to.  They put it all in the exchange machine and when the 20qts side is empty then it has a complete exchange of fluid.

 

It is doable by an individual, but since there isn't a dipstick to me it would be best to let the dealer do it.

 

Like on my 10sp, the dealer is doing it.  I will give them the AMSOIL ATL and they said it wold be $110.  To me that is a great price.

[UrbanRage]

15 hours ago, Black02Silverado said:

It is doable like in the video.  The thermostat on the transmission should be bypassed if you ask me.  That way it  can flow through the cooler while it is running and not have to wait for it to get up to temp. 

 

Like on my 2002 that had the 4l60E, it didn't have a thermostat on the cooler line so when ever you disconnected the line from the cooler, the fluid would flow as soon as you started the truck.  Then you just let it flow out until the stream of fluid starts to slow down, then shut off the truck.  I like to have another person turn off the truck once I notice the fluid slowing down and  pushing air.  Then just add back fluid.  Thing is I had a dipstick and it was easy to do.  On the 8sp they don't and so it will be harder to add fluid.

 

You will need at least 16qts if not more.  When the dealership does it they want 20qts.  At least the dealership I talked to.  They put it all in the exchange machine and when the 20qts side is empty then it has a complete exchange of fluid.

 

It is doable by an individual, but since there isn't a dipstick to me it would be best to let the dealer do it.

 

Like on my 10sp, the dealer is doing it.  I will give them the AMSOIL ATL and they said it wold be $110.  To me that is a great price.

 

I asked the dealership if they would be willing to flush the system if I supplied the Amsoil.The answer was no because they use Mobil 1 and the Amsoil would contaminate their ATF. I was also quoted $471 to do the flush. 

I think I'm just going to drop the pan, change the filter and then add the 7 quarts of Amsoil. I know it's not ideal, but it is better than doing nothing.

[Z45]

Whereas genuine OEM oils are certainly considered quality they are pushed on the dealers.  The benefits to the OEM dealer in pushing OEM lubes is significant. It can increase discounts on other hard parts. It can also have negative consequences if they don't participate. .

OEM’s and who they are aligned with;

Toyota & GM – ExxonMobil

[Black02Silverado]

3 hours ago, UrbanRage said:

 

I asked the dealership if they would be willing to flush the system if I supplied the Amsoil.The answer was no because they use Mobil 1 and the Amsoil would contaminate their ATF. I was also quoted $471 to do the flush. 

I think I'm just going to drop the pan, change the filter and then add the 7 quarts of Amsoil. I know it's not ideal, but it is better than doing nothing.

Every dealer is different.  If you can't find one that is willing to do it with AMSOIL then not much you can do at that point.  I'm lucky and three dealers here would do it for me.  I just happen to be lucky to find one that has a lower hourly rate.

[MikeBMW]

On 10/28/2021 at 12:26 PM, Black02Silverado said:

Every dealer is different.  If you can't find one that is willing to do it with AMSOIL then not much you can do at that point.

True, With my truck, I just let the dealer put in the recommended fluids on a flush and fill. If things go bad, I have someone to blame since I'm using the recommended fluids.
With my BMW, 1990, I always supply the Amsoil fluids necessary and they are happy to use it.

[rockusaf]

Does anyone know if there is a way for the dealer to tell if the fluid change has been done by your VIN? Bought the truck used and I get the 1-2 2-3 clunk sometimes and have a 1700 mile trip coming up for the holidays so considering trying to get the truck in for fluid change before I head out but wondering if it is worth it at 45K miles.

 

Rock

[txab]

2 hours ago, rockusaf said:

Does anyone know if there is a way for the dealer to tell if the fluid change has been done by your VIN? Bought the truck used and I get the 1-2 2-3 clunk sometimes and have a 1700 mile trip coming up for the holidays so considering trying to get the truck in for fluid change before I head out but wondering if it is worth it at 45K miles.

 

Rock

If done by a dealer, it should be in the vehicles records by VIN

[mikeyk101]

 

3 hours ago, rockusaf said:

Does anyone know if there is a way for the dealer to tell if the fluid change has been done by your VIN? Bought the truck used and I get the 1-2 2-3 clunk sometimes and have a 1700 mile trip coming up for the holidays so considering trying to get the truck in for fluid change before I head out but wondering if it is worth it at 45K miles.

 

Rock

Did you create an account with GM for your truck? You should be able to log in and see just about all the services that have been performed on it. 

https://custlogin.gm.com/gmb2cprod.onmicrosoft.com/b2c_1a_seamlessmigration_signuporsignin/oauth2/v2.0/authorize?client_id=43b9895e-a54a-412e-b11d-eaf11dac570d&scope=openid profile&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chevrolet.com%2F_gbpe%2Fcode%2Fprod1%2Fauth-waypoint.html&client-request-id=259bd2d6-49e8-4b3e-9fda-634bc834228a&response_mode=fragment&response_type=code&x-client-SKU=msal.js.browser&x-client-VER=2.11.0&x-client-OS=&x-client-CPU=&client_info=1&code_challenge=6iLRkN0MpWrt1c20PWxQpriKT9hDovzo-c5sWGTRsVw&code_challenge_method=S256&nonce=eac463c1-0274-4731-a650-90f91f02a1a9&state=eyJpZCI6ImNiYjk3NzBjLWVhMjAtNGIzNS05MDk5LWUyZDU1YTkxZWY1ZiIsIm1ldGEiOnsiaW50ZXJhY3Rpb25UeXBlIjoicmVkaXJlY3QifX0%3D|https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chevrolet.com%2Fmyaccount%2Foverview&brand=chevrolet&channel=globalnav&requiredMissingInfo=true&ui_locales=en-US

 

Once your logged in, there will probably be a circle with your initials on the top right of that page. Click on it, then select to Manage Vehicles. Another page will pop up with your truck and you can click on View Vehicle Overview. You can then scroll down and select Service History. There is also a selection for recalls and it should show any open recalls for your vehicle. IIRC the trans service was a recall so if it was performed, it won't show up in a recall check.

[rockusaf]

34 minutes ago, mikeyk101 said:

 

Did you create an account with GM for your truck?

I did when I first got it, didn't even think of that Mike but I just logged in to check and it has no service records. Could have been done by previous owner and not associated with my account, not sure. I'm waiting to hear something back from the dealer service, the guy I talked to today was clueless but said he'd have someone get back with me...still waiting.

I'll be sure to update with what I find out and how it goes at the dealer.

 

Rock

Edited December 9, 2021 by rockusaf
I

[Black02Silverado]

42 minutes ago, rockusaf said:

I did when I first got it, didn't even think of that Mike but I just logged in to check and it has no service records. Could have been done by previous owner and not associated with my account, not sure. I'm waiting to hear something back from the dealer service, the guy I talked to today was clueless but said he'd have someone get back with me...still waiting.

I'll be sure to update with what I find out and how it goes at the dealer.

 

Rock

Hopefully you will find out.  Worst case is get it done anyway.  45k is the prime time to have it done if it never was.  Good to know it is done and not have to worry.

[Grumpy Bear]

A note I found of interest. Viscosities at 100 C

 

AMSOIL SS ATF 7.5 cSt

AMSOIL SS ATL 6.3 cSt (ULV for 8 and 10 speed)

Red Line D4       7.5 cSt

Red Line D6        6.3 cSt

Mobil 1 LV ATF    5.7 cSt

Mobil 1 Dex HP   5.8 cSt

Mobil 1 Dex 6     5.83 cSt

Valvoline Dex6    6.0 cSt

Valvoline MLATF 5.9 cSt

 

All Dexron fluids have a minimum sheared (used) viscosity spec of 5.5 cSt. 

[rockusaf]

23 hours ago, Black02Silverado said:

Hopefully you will find out.  Worst case is get it done anyway.  45k is the prime time to have it done if it never was.  Good to know it is done and not have to worry.

The service guy I talked with today said he was going to write it up so it would be covered and they'd do the 20 quart flush with the new fluid under the TSB. Fingers crossed nothing changes when I bring it in tomorrow morning.

 

Rock

[rockusaf]

Well the truck got done today, service guy said since it was still under the powertrain warranty it was easy and covered under the TSB without question. Only put around 20 miles on it after I picked it up, and they had just finished so it was warmed up from their test drive. Paperwork says the truck has to be driven for 200 miles to correct the torque converter shutter, not sure what takes 200 miles but it does seem to shift a lot smoother. I'll see in the morning if the 1-2 and 2-1 clunk is gone.

 

Rock