Transmission Fluid Change?

Pete94Silverado · March 22, 2009

The Silverado I bought about 6 weeks ago has 100k miles on it and I do not know if the transmission fluid has ever been changed before. So...should I? I have heard horror stories about changing the fluid passed a certain mileage and causing transmission failure.

thoughts?

Thanks,

-Pete

04Silverado

rma2001 · March 22, 2009

I have always been told if you go that long, don't get a flush, just drain and fill with new fluid.

killterrorists · March 22, 2009

If it was my truck I would get a fluid and filter change and definately NOT a flush.

MikeInCtown · March 22, 2009

If it was my truck I would get a fluid and filter change and definately NOT a flush.

Same thing. When they hook your trans lines up to the machine and replace the fluid they aren't flushing it. (unless they add in some chemical like you would when flushing your cooling system or engine) I've never heard of a trans flush product.

Anyway, the easy way is to drop the pan, change the filter, add new gasket and fill with Dexron VI fluid. You'll have changd 5-6 out of the 12 quarts in the system. If you are worried then I would do a pan gasket and another 5-6 quarts in another year.

If you have nice red fluid you should be good to go. If the fluid smells burnt or is a brownish type color than you may need to change more than just the 5 quarts right away. I would also add in some trans product at that time too that they sell at NAPA. Can't remember the name though but it helps shudder and has an additive for seals and trans parts.

txab · March 22, 2009

Saw this posted in another thread. This is the procedure I use.

Flushing steps

Pete94Silverado · March 22, 2009

Thanks y'all...that's sorta what I thought.

02slt · March 22, 2009

as far as I know, alot of places don't actually drop the pan, and clean all the gunk out along with changing the filter, and that's what causes the problems.

I got a tranny service done @ Aamco about 4 months ago, and no problems

dsc2679 · March 22, 2009

as far as I know, alot of places don't actually drop the pan, and clean all the gunk out along with changing the filter, and that's what causes the problems.

I got a tranny service done @ Aamco about 4 months ago, and no problems

About how much did they charge? I got a quote for $170. They said they would put 12-16 quarts in (I'm assuming this implies a flush) and they didn't recommend changing the filter ('02 Sierra with 5.3L with 53K miles).

CapitalTruck · March 23, 2009

If it's gone 100k I would only do pan/filter service (partial change). You don't want to introduce that much highly detergent transmission fluid into the tranny at once. Breaks loose a bunch of gunk and gums up the passages. Just my .02. The shop manuals say nothing about flushes or complete fluid changes, they only advice pan/filter service. I don't think this is on accident.

ascali · March 23, 2009

I definitely will drop the pan and change the filter. changing the filter regularly is one of the most important maintenance things to keep your transmission going strong.

C & A s Dad · March 23, 2009

as far as I know, alot of places don't actually drop the pan, and clean all the gunk out along with changing the filter, and that's what causes the problems.

I got a tranny service done @ Aamco about 4 months ago, and no problems

About how much did they charge? I got a quote for $170. They said they would put 12-16 quarts in (I'm assuming this implies a flush) and they didn't recommend changing the filter ('02 Sierra with 5.3L with 53K miles).

Doug,

If they recommended against changing the filter, you need not return to that shop. There are a very few vehicles where the filter cannot be changed and "flushing" the system is the only method for them. However, on your truck, the filter media is made of a paper product very similar to the media in an engine oil filter. It cannot be flushed clean. If you are not comfortable in doing it yourself, find a good Tech that understands the importance of changing the filter and have him do the job.

IMO, a shop or a Tech that would "recommend" against a filter change is attempting to do one thing, remove $s from your wallet and is not really concerned about what is best for your truck.

txab · March 23, 2009

as far as I know, alot of places don't actually drop the pan, and clean all the gunk out along with changing the filter, and that's what causes the problems.

I got a tranny service done @ Aamco about 4 months ago, and no problems

About how much did they charge? I got a quote for $170. They said they would put 12-16 quarts in (I'm assuming this implies a flush) and they didn't recommend changing the filter ('02 Sierra with 5.3L with 53K miles).

Doug,

If they recommended against changing the filter, you need not return to that shop. There are a very few vehicles where the filter cannot be changed and "flushing" the system is the only method for them. However, on your truck, the filter media is made of a paper product very similar to the media in an engine oil filter. It cannot be flushed clean. If you are not comfortable in doing it yourself, find a good Tech that understands the importance of changing the filter and have him do the job.

IMO, a shop or a Tech that would "recommend" against a filter change is attempting to do one thing, remove $s from your wallet and is not really concerned about what is best for your truck.

+1

MikeInCtown · March 23, 2009

I know this will sound odd, but there are quite a few GM mechanics and trans guys I know who will tell you to change fluid every 50k but not to worry about changing the filter except at 100k. Reason being is there just isn't that much stuff that gets drawn into the filter and you just spend more money.

C & A s Dad · March 23, 2009

I know this will sound odd, but there are quite a few GM mechanics and trans guys I know who will tell you to change fluid every 50k but not to worry about changing the filter except at 100k. Reason being is there just isn't that much stuff that gets drawn into the filter and you just spend more money.

Mike, I am sure this is true. However, I view this as someone telling me it is only necessary to change my underwear about every week or so because they just do not get that dirty. I am going to change my underwear every 3 days no matter what they say.

I am not a Tech and do not claim to be. I have dropped the pan on every vehicle I have owned at least 3 to 4 times each, I have also done so on some cars my Dad would have for sale on his lot and although I have seen a few that were pretty clean, even the best ones still had residue in the pan and in the filter. It is such a simple job on a GM truck, why not do a complete job when you do it?