Transmission Fluid Flush??

[Greeco]

2013 Tahoe 4WD

Just had my 40k mile oil change done at the dealership and the service rep recommended a transmission fluid flush to the tune of $300. I pointed out that the GM service manual requires this at 97,500 miles. He became agitated and told me to "do whatever I want".

I don't tow with the vehicle. It's a daily driver. Is a transmission flush at 40k miles legit?

 

[Goodinblack]

I do it at 30k.

Only pan and filter. Never do a flush unless you had component failure and had metal shavings

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[#1taho]

No. they were trying to screw you. Towing does require you to change the fluid a bit early but not that early

 

[sumo]

If anything get a pan with a drain plug in it so you can change the fluid more often. I got a pml pan that holds a quart more fluid and has cooling fins on it. I plan to do filter every other. Trans service

 

[mizzouguy]

He's an ass, working off commission. Your owners manual is the key here...follow it and you wont have issues. However, changing it more often won't hurt anything either. I agree with all previous advice on here.

 

[NGAneer]

No way @ 40k. I did mine around 97k (bought it at 67k). I did flush it and saw my temps go down as well as my shifting improve. I did it at home using this method. I wouldn't advise using the machine shops use just because you don't know what's been hooked to it before and what crud might end up in your tranny.

 

[Sparky_69]

The new transmission fluid is full synthetic, I would go with what it says in owners manual.

 

[ScottyBoy]

You don't HAVE to replace it at 40k, but if you plan on keeping this truck for many years to come, then I would go ahead and change it. But no way in HELL would I let anyone connect my truck to one of those transmission flushing machines. I flush it myself by connecting a hose barb to the trans fluid return line outlet on the radiator, and running a clear hose to a bucket. I drop the pan and replace the filter, then add about 6 quarts of fluid. Then start the engine and the fluid will begin to flow out of the hose. Once it starts pumping air, stop the engine immediately. Then add 6 more quarts and start the engine and let it pump out again, until you see new fluid running through the hose. Now you have 100% clean FRESH fluid in the pan, lines, and the Torque converter, and you didn't have to connect to a flush machine, OR pay $500 to get it done.

 

[Rocket Man]

You don't HAVE to replace it at 40k, but if you plan on keeping this truck for many years to come, then I would go ahead and change it. But no way in HELL would I let anyone connect my truck to one of those transmission flushing machines. I flush it myself by connecting a hose barb to the trans fluid return line outlet on the radiator, and running a clear hose to a bucket. I drop the pan and replace the filter, then add about 6 quarts of fluid. Then start the engine and the fluid will begin to flow out of the hose. Once it starts pumping air, stop the engine immediately. Then add 6 more quarts and start the engine and let it pump out again, until you see new fluid running through the hose. Now you have 100% clean FRESH fluid in the pan, lines, and the Torque converter, and you didn't have to connect to a flush machine, OR pay $500 to get it done.

I'm curious- when you drop the pan doesn't a lot of trans fluid spill all over? I just bought an extra capacity pan and will be installing it along with a new filter so I want to follow your method but don't want 6 quarts of fluid in my driveway since the stock pan has no drain plug.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I'm curious- when you drop the pan doesn't a lot of trans fluid spill all over? I just bought an extra capacity pan and will be installing it along with a new filter so I want to follow your method but don't want 6 quarts of fluid in my driveway since the stock pan has no drain plug.

Yes, unless you use this method to evacuate the pan before hand:
http://www.gmfullsize.com/threads/how-to-4l60e-transmission-flush-filter-change.179148/

Which is what scotty is saying. When you let the truck pump fluid out it is coming out of the pan. You wont get it completely bone dry, but enough so that pan removal is possible without spilling all over.

 

[Rocket Man]

Got it! Thanks. It's on my list now.

 

[ScottyBoy]

Yes, that write up is EXACTLY how I change my fluid. I've done it three times now in the ten years I've owned my truck. I still have the same hose barb. I keep it in my tool chest.

 

[Meccanoble]

i want to do This this weekend. Do i get filter and gasket from oreilley or chevy?

Which synthetic fluid? I have 125k miles and no issues Though i never floor it. Temp never passed 190. Not sure if fluid has ever been changed.

 

[mizzouguy]

i want to do This this weekend. Do i get filter and gasket from oreilley or chevy?

Which synthetic fluid? I have 125k miles and no issues Though i never floor it. Temp never passed 190. Not sure if fluid has ever been changed.

I've had good luck with oreilly stuff, they have powertorque (off-brand), wix, and access to gm parts in their warehouse as well. They also stock the fitting that screws into the radiator, and some clear hose. If its newer than 06 it takes dex-vi. Older takes dex-iii, or you can upgrade to the synthetic. Any brand will do fine.

 

[NGAneer]

i want to do This this weekend. Do i get filter and gasket from oreilley or chevy?

Which synthetic fluid? I have 125k miles and no issues Though i never floor it. Temp never passed 190. Not sure if fluid has ever been changed.

I got my Wix filter from advance. Just don't cheap out on this stuff. I think I got 13 quarts of ATF when doing the change. Just make sure to get the proper fluid for your truck (mine was Dexron-VI). Check your manual.

Not a bad idea to have a set of picks and some long needle nose pliers to get the filter seal out. Have a big drain pan on hand ( I used an underbed storage container from Walmart, like $4). You may also have to loosen the y-pipe from the rest of the exhaust to get the pan out.

 

[Meccanoble]

I got my Wix filter from advance. Just don't cheap out on this stuff. I think I got 13 quarts of ATF when doing the change. Just make sure to get the proper fluid for your truck (mine was Dexron-VI). Check your manual.

Not a bad idea to have a set of picks and some long needle nose pliers to get the filter seal out. Have a big drain pan on hand ( I used an underbed storage container from Walmart, like $4). You may also have to loosen the y-pipe from the rest of the exhaust to get the pan out.

Sounds like a few brands will do fine for filter. Filter sounds like it should last 100k miles so wanted to make sure I get the right one, not one that would need to be changed sooner.

I definitely want to go synthetic with everything in the car. What synthetic brand should I go with? I have 2011 AWD 1500 with Auto option.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Sounds like a few brands will do fine for filter. Filter sounds like it should last 100k miles so wanted to make sure I get the right one, not one that would need to be changed sooner.

I definitely want to go synthetic with everything in the car. What synthetic brand should I go with? I have 2011 AWD 1500 with Auto option.

all dexron vi is synthetic. Its basically all the same.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Sounds like a few brands will do fine for filter. Filter sounds like it should last 100k miles so wanted to make sure I get the right one, not one that would need to be changed sooner.

I definitely want to go synthetic with everything in the car. What synthetic brand should I go with? I have 2011 AWD 1500 with Auto option.

The filters are basically all the same... but the gasket that comes with them are not created equal IIRC.

 

[Meccanoble]

Which gasket and which fluid have people used? I'm leaning towards Valvoline but will go with anything recommended. I'll even get that gasket from Chevy if needed. Just want to do this right the first time since I probably wont crack this thing back open for atleast 75-100k miles.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Which gasket and which fluid have people used? I'm leaning towards Valvoline but will go with anything recommended. I'll even get that gasket from Chevy if needed. Just want to do this right the first time since I probably wont crack this thing back open for atleast 75-100k miles.

Whatever fluid that you can source that is Dexron 6. The requirements are so specific that all of the bands are really the same. They all MUST meet the same requirements. I ordered a case of havoline personally https://www.amazon.com/Havoline-226...1476991241&sr=1-1&keywords=havoline+dexron+vi b/c it was ~$50 which is cheap.

You could go with the walmart brand if you want for around the same price.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-DEXRON-VI-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-qt/17134873

If it says Dex/Merc you don't want it btw.