Trans fluid level check

[Huntter]

Hello, my question has to do with transmission fluid level check. (2012 Silverado 1500) Manual says check at normal operating temp between 170-200F. Problem is my normal operating temp is between 120-140F. Should I check temp at my normal operating temp OR try to get the temp up to 170F before checking?

[newdude]

5 hours ago, Huntter said:

Hello, my question has to do with transmission fluid level check. (2012 Silverado 1500) Manual says check at normal operating temp between 170-200F. Problem is my normal operating temp is between 120-140F. Should I check temp at my normal operating temp OR try to get the temp up to 170F before checking?

 

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

First off just to clarify, do you have a 2012 Silverado?  Or a 2021 Silverado?  Reason I ask is the section you've asked this is the 2019-2025 1500s section.  There is a forum section for the older 1999-2014 trucks that I will link here for future reference - 1999-2013 Silverado & Sierra 1500 - GM-Trucks.com

 

To answer your question, GM prefers a hot check to ensure the fluid level is ideally where it needs to be.  You can however perform a cold check that will be fine until you can verify with a hot check.  

 

If you really have a 2012, for both the 4 speed 4L60 and the 6 speed 6L80 the cold check range is the same.  Transmission temp has to be between 80F-90F or 27°C and 32°C if you are in Canada.  Whenever it then has the chance to get hot enough, perform the hot check which is between 160°F to 200°F (71°C to 93°C).

 

If you have a 2021, things change a bit.  

Edited February 20, 2025 by newdude

[Huntter]

Thanks for the reply. I do have a 2012 Silverado and will use the appropriate section in the future. I quess what is throwing me off is the "normal operating temp"  for me is not 160-200F. At least not in the winter up here in the northeast.