Changed my filter and fluid on 8l90 8 speed today

[SuperOldSchool]

I followed a YouTube video and changed my 8l90’s filter and fluid today.

I had dealer do the first time at 45k. 34k later it’s my turn.

I bought a fluid extractor to suck most out of the pan first.

The most time consuming step was getting the darn heat shield removed. The rest was easy. I took my time - like really slow and it took 2.5 hours.

I have a scan tool (ScanGauge II) to measure fluid temp- needs to be between 95-113 degrees.

Did not have to bend the exhaust cross over. I was able to easily slide pan out by turning front side (facing front of car) towards passenger side.

Filled with 8 qts and about 1/2 -3/4 qt drained out during level check.

Magnets were dirty, fluid was dark, didn’t smell bad . Pan was a little dirty.

You can do it on the driveway, just take your time.

I plan to suck out pan and refill in a few weeks again to refresh more fluid. Then going forward, suck and fill each year.

 

[IceIceSilver]

I have a scan tool (ScanGauge II) to measure fluid temp- needs to be between 95-113 degrees.

You might not even need a scan tool to check the transmission temp.

On my '16 Tahoe it is an available screen in the digital readout between the tachometer and the speedometer. Enable it in options for INFO screens, then scroll to it after enabling.

 

[SuperOldSchool]

Very true! I had the tool so I used it.

 

[SuperOldSchool]

Are there any others on this forum that have done the 8l90 fluid change themselves? Interested to see what their pan/ magnets look like.

 

[SuperOldSchool]

Are there any others on this forum that have done the 8l90 fluid change themselves? Interested to see what their pan/ magnets look like.

Bump?

 

[swathdiver]

Are there any others on this forum that have done the 8l90 fluid change themselves? Interested to see what their pan/ magnets look like.

I think you're the first Jack. Most folks around here have the old 4-speeds or the 6-speeds.

 

[SuperOldSchool]

I followed a YouTube video and changed my 8l90’s filter and fluid today.

I had dealer do the first time at 45k. 34k later it’s my turn.

I bought a fluid extractor to suck most out of the pan first.

The most time consuming step was getting the darn heat shield removed. The rest was easy. I took my time - like really slow and it took 2.5 hours.

I have a scan tool (ScanGauge II) to measure fluid temp- needs to be between 95-113 degrees.

Did not have to bend the exhaust cross over. I was able to easily slide pan out by turning front side (facing front of car) towards passenger side.

Filled with 8 qts and about 1/2 -3/4 qt drained out during level check.

Magnets were dirty, fluid was dark, didn’t smell bad . Pan was a little dirty.

You can do it on the driveway, just take your time.

I plan to suck out pan and refill in a few weeks again to refresh more fluid. Then going forward, suck and fill each year.

View attachment 277484 View attachment 277485

Extracted and replaced another 5qts today- total 13 fresh. Should be good for a while....

 

[SuperOldSchool]

OP - Brought truck to the dealer for a few last warranty items (before it ran out) and they did the trans temp sensor replacement. So that’s another ~8qts fresh fluid.

It shifts pretty nicely now, though still get some random clunks for whatever reason.

 

[MobileHomie]

Are there any others on this forum that have done the 8l90 fluid change themselves? Interested to see what their pan/ magnets look like.

I had mine in for right side tail light replacment and had the dealer pull the pan and replace filter (38,***). It looked much like your second pic, no burnt smell and there was material on the magnets.
That is my first $500 transmission service :/

 

[pwtr02ss]

Are there any others on this forum that have done the 8l90 fluid change themselves? Interested to see what their pan/ magnets look like.

I paid the dealer to do mine at 38k. I do have the 10 speed though. Fluid looked much darker than I expected (they got a quart of the old fluid for me) but like you said, didn't smell bad. It had a different smell than what I'm used to. I obviously didn't see the pan

I had mine in for right side tail light replacment and had the dealer pull the pan and replace filter (38,***). It looked much like your second pic, no burnt smell and there was material on the magnets.
That is my first $500 transmission service :/

Yep, my dealer got me for $638 IIRC