Trans filter change struggles

mattd · August 21, 2021

Trying to change my 4l60e filter on my 2000 Sierra 1500. I can’t free the pan up cause the driver side exhaust passes under it, and the shift linkage is blocking it on one side.

I did this proly 10+ years ago and I seem to remember taking out the nuts for the sift linkage, but they’re torx nuts and on top. I can’t believe I actually got them off back then. Can’t seem to get the ratchet on it with room to turn now.

The best option seems to drop the exhaust. I could proly get clearance by removing the passenger side only. But I only managed to free up one nut. Rounded the other 2.

next step is extractor sockets on the exhaust nuts unless there’s some other trick.

txab · August 21, 2021

You can gently bend the bracket to one side enough to gain clearance. Next loosen the trans tail shaft mount and jack it up slightly to gain clearance

https://www.truckmodcentral.com/threads/transmission-filter-change-on-02-silverado.4636/

https://www.silveradosierra.com/how-to-articles/how-to-do-a-4l60e-complete-fluid-changeover-filter-t14477.html

Edited August 21, 2021 by txab

mattd · August 21, 2021

I forcefully pried it to the side. After bout and inch or so I hits the driveshaft. Not even enough to deform it.

I’ll give removing the mount a try. Thanks!

txab · August 22, 2021

So you've got 4x4? Then remove the front shaft as shown in first write-up

dna9656 · August 22, 2021

When dealing with exhaust systems all ways soak the nuts and bold with WD 40, or other penetrate. It's not all ways a cure all but it's a help and maybe you won't strip anything. BTW I worked in US Navy Maintenance and they taught us that nuts are a little harder than the bolts/studs they are used on so if there is a stripping issue you can see it on the bolt/stud. Take that for what's it's worth...

Doug

mattd · August 24, 2021

Thanks guys. Got it done!

prior to changing the filter I drained the pan and refilled it with fresh atf and put 100m on it. I’ve heard that slowly transitioning the atf out is better for high miles trans.

after 100m on the fresh 4qts I was planning to replace the filter and of course add another 4-5qts.

right before the 100m was up the check engine light came on. It was a trans slipping code and a replace filter code. And it was shifting hard.

now it’s shifting and driving great but the check engine light is still on. The change filter code is gone, but it still says it’s slipping. Code P1870.

i don’t feel it. And the autozone code reader couldn’t clear it (didn’t have that clear function). Is this one of the codes that clears after a number of miles on it and the computer has enough time to evaluate it?