No transmission dipstick in Tahoe

[MilesofTx]

2011 Tahoe 5.3
Transmission is slipping. Hopefully it's low on fluid. However, there is no dipstick. I know where it should be and trust me. It's not there. Any thoughts?

 

[HiHoeSilver]

2011 Tahoe 5.3
Transmission is slipping. Hopefully it's low on fluid. However, there is no dipstick. I know where it should be and trust me. It's not there. Any thoughts?

Not being a smartass, but go get one and check the level.

 

[MilesofTx]

Not being a smartass, but go get one and check the level.

Sorry, not the dipstick. The entire tube.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Sorry, not the dipstick. The entire tube.

What!? Pics.

 

[swathdiver]

There's a TSB on cracking tubes, about 1/2-2/3 way down.

One wonders how it completely broke and took the stick with it!

 

[MilesofTx]

What!? Pics.

It would be a picture of nothing. I need to get it up on a rack and see if it's totally gone.

 

[MilesofTx]

There's a TSB on cracking tubes, about 1/2-2/3 way down.

One wonders how it completely broke and took the stick with it!

Exactly. Seems like the tube would have held it in. I bought the truck used. Always have the oil changed at a shop. Assumed they were checking the transmission fluid as well. It may not have had one all the while.

 

[swathdiver]

Mine is cracked as are most of them. But as long as they are cracked where they crack they do not leak fluid. If yours is missing all the way down to the base or near it, you're going to lose fluid.

It's a pain to change but there are youtube videos on how to do it.

 

[MilesofTx]

Mine is cracked as are most of them. But as long as they are cracked where they crack they do not leak fluid. If yours is missing all the way down to the base or near it, you're going to lose fluid.

It's a pain to change but there are youtube videos on how to do it.

Ok thanks. I am really hoping that's it. As bad as it is it's better than replacing the transmission.

 

[MilesofTx]

Ok thanks. I am really hoping that's it. As bad as it is it's better than replacing the transmission.

I can't see any sign of it. Is there any way to tell on the ground?

 

[swathdiver]

Well, you'll have to crawl underneath and have a look or feel on the passenger side. Can you see the tag with the bar code label on it? The dipstick tube enters the transmission about 2-3 forward of that sticker and just above, on a little shelf. Google "6L80E" and you'll see the hole it inserts in to.

 

[MilesofTx]

Well, you'll have to crawl underneath and have a look or feel on the passenger side. Can you see the tag with the bar code label on it? The dipstick tube enters the transmission about 2-3 forward of that sticker and just above, on a little shelf. Google "6L80E" and you'll see the hole it inserts in to.

Ok thank you

 

[MilesofTx]

Ok thank you

Yep. Broke right off. Down where you can't see it. No idea where the dipstick went. Thanks so much for your help.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Good call @swathdiver.

 

[MilesofTx]

Good call @swathdiver.

At Orielly. They have one. But not the dipstick. I'm pretty sure it's 35.2". I'm hoping a universal will work.

 

[swathdiver]

GM 12563918 or Dorman 917-303?

 

[Rocket Man]

Don't buy a Dorman. I tried one on my 02 and ended up breaking the end off trying to install it because it was so tight, then while trying to remove the broken end it fell into the oil pan. The GM part slipped right in place. And I'm not sure if the NNBS are the same but pulling the inner fender liner gave me a view of where it enters the trans.

 

[MilesofTx]

Well, you'll have to crawl underneath and have a look or feel on the passenger side. Can you see the tag with the bar code label on it? The dipstick tube enters the transmission about 2-3 forward of that sticker and just above, on a little shelf. Google "6L80E" and you'll see the hole it inserts in to.

Got the tube installed. Made a dipstick out of a piece of copper wire. 35.2". Seems to work. No fluid on the stick. Added a quart and the tranny still slips like it has a 1500 stall converter. Still no fluid on the stick. Praying tomorrow when I get more fluid it will help.

 

[swathdiver]

Remember to move the selector through the gears to get the level right.

 

[MilesofTx]

Remember to move the selector through the gears to get the level right.

Will do. Gonna get back at it in the morning. I'll keep you apprised. Thanks again.