To Dipstick or NOT To Dipstick The 6 Speed Trans

SoCal Angler · September 16, 2023

I was reading about the dipstick mod for '23 HD trucks with 6 speed trans. I am contemplating installing one, but still not sure.

This mod adds a factory/OEM dipstick to the 6 speed trans that did not come with a dipstick in '23. The part numbers are GM (from 2019 trucks with 6 speed) and from what I have read, it is fairly straightforward install.

My questions/concerns:

1. Since we may not know the actual reason why GM stopped including dipsticks in 2023 6 speeds, we can only guess....A. strictly a financial reason; B. owners causing more trans problems by over/under filling trans;

C. contamination entry points (grommet used to install dipstick tube at trans and dipstick entry hole in dipstick tube).

I know dipsticks have been installed in transmissions for decades, but B/C may still be legitimate concerns.

2. Warranty may be voided by performing a "modification."

3. The potential for contamination as described in "1. C" above.

4. How necessary is having a dipstick? Ex. The transmissions in my Sequoia (190K-4 speed auto) and my '03 Ford (sold at 90K-4 speed auto), never lost / used fluid. Every time I checked fluid, it was always full. The advantage I had was i was able to quickly and easily check fluid levels. Is this enough of an advantage VS the potential drawbacks of potential contamination and loss of warranty?

Thoughts?

Edited September 16, 2023 by SoCal Angler

Grumpy Bear · September 16, 2023

This would be a no brainer for me. Stick it! It may never lose a drop but sure makes checking the condition of the fluid simple. Just look. Hard to do with a plug under the truck. Partials services become a breeze with a hand pump.

The contamination argument is silly. No one is going to seal the crankcase and never check/change engine oil?

This is a straight up $$$$ issue with no practical advantage to anyone but GM. Not just the savings of parts money but if forces the most users that could do simple services back into the shop. $$$$.

I had a dealer put motor oil in an automatic transmission and ATF in the engine when he got confused. This isn't a dipstick issue, that was a DIPSTICK issue :crackup:

You don't strike me as a dipstick

Pryme · September 16, 2023

I’m with grumpy. I added it and am happy with my decision.

I also have a big ole Mityvac 7201 and when the time comes to swap fluid I can pull it right out and add it right back in

mrjulian416 · September 25, 2023

I just did the mod over the weekend. Not that I was worried about fluid leaks, but for all the reasons mentioned above... ease of checking fluid condition, ease of partial fluid changes, etc. Tube and dipstick from Rock Auto, grommet from local dealer, flange nut from local Ace HW.

My only piece of advice: I found it much easier to get the tube in place by snaking it up from underneath rather than trying to get it in place coming from the top down. I have no idea how guys got it in there trying to weave it in from above. I spent 10 mins trying to do so without gouging the firewall heat blanket, snagging wires, pushing hoses out of the way, etc. Tried from underneath and had it in place in 30 seconds.

SoCal Angler · September 27, 2023

I have not yet checked with dealer about something in writing if I install....or would they install it. Been busy preparing for an upcoming camping trip....I'll be towing my TT on my truck's first towing trip. Pretty excited!

SoCal Angler · September 27, 2023

On 9/25/2023 at 5:40 AM, mrjulian416 said:

I just did the mod over the weekend. Not that I was worried about fluid leaks, but for all the reasons mentioned above... ease of checking fluid condition, ease of partial fluid changes, etc. Tube and dipstick from Rock Auto, grommet from local dealer, flange nut from local Ace HW.

My only piece of advice: I found it much easier to get the tube in place by snaking it up from underneath rather than trying to get it in place coming from the top down. I have no idea how guys got it in there trying to weave it in from above. I spent 10 mins trying to do so without gouging the firewall heat blanket, snagging wires, pushing hoses out of the way, etc. Tried from underneath and had it in place in 30 seconds.

Is your truck out of factory warranty? Did you check with dealer on potential warranty issues?