To Change or Not Change my Transmission Fluid & Filter

[Foggy]

Thanks forum Members for the replies and I'm going to go ahead and perform the fluid & filter, pan gasket change as recommended. And it appears I need to get about 6qts of Dextron VI synthetic fluid, (I assume it's best not to use another brand, since the TC still hold a lot of the old fluid).

Thanks
jcs

I've been using the valvoline Maxlife fluid in the red bottle for years on dozens of
vehicles. It's more readily avail (like at walmart or oreilly).
It meets the Dexron VI specs and has some good additives for vehicles with
some mileage on them.

 

[jcsinc]

Update:

I performed the filter and fluid change on my 2011 2wd Tahoe 6l80e tranny and I did not have to pry down on the Y pipe.

I was able to get the pan out (watched Youtube video) with no issues. The entire job took about an 1-1/2 hours to complete and 6.5qts of AC Delco Dextron IV full synthetic fluid.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Fless]

Update:

I performed the filter and fluid change on my 2011 2wd Tahoe 6l80e tranny and I did not have to pry down on the Y pipe.

I was able to get the pan out (watched Youtube video) with no issues. The entire job took about an 1-1/2 hours to complete and 6.5qts of AC Delco Dextron IV full synthetic fluid.

Thanks for the advice.

NOS Dexron IV, or do you mean Dexron VI?

 

[blondie70]

Upon the advice of someone here awhile back, I removed the nut holding the rear of the transmission mount to the frame and gently jacked up the rear of the trans to get room to get the pan out. Very easy ! No messing with exhaust pipes.

 

[West 1]

I would also certainly change the fluid. Many tranny fluid changes have caused transmission failure but those were the FLUSH type fluid changes which don't drop the pan or install a new tranny filter. The flush stirs up all the old sludge and it can plug up some of the oil passages.

If you drop the pan and install a new filter you will enhance your tranny life.

The shortcut I use when dropping the pan is to put the car up on jack stands.. The front right side jack stand is pretty close to the center of the tranny. I take a tow strap and wrap it around my exhaust pipe, then connect the other end to my jack stand base. I tighten the ratchet strap down to gain the extra 1" or so clearance needed to drop the pan. I guess you could always unbolt the rear tranny mount and raise the back but this method works and is quick. Also allows for working alone to do the job.

I have a 6L80 tranny, I guess I have not paid attention, did not know the torque converter were a failure point on these. I have a slow leak rear main seal that I will need to get to, it will be easy to swap the Torque Converter while that is being done. Dang, more work to do.

 

[alvocado]

Regarding brand of Dexron VI, manufacturers need to obtain a license from GM to use the Dexron-VI trademark and ensure their products meet the established specifications. It doesn't matter what brand you use as they should all comply with the GM spec.