2011 Tahoe Recommended Trans Fluid Change Intervals

[domoarigato]

Hey guys!

Just recently picked up a higher mileage (160k) but well maintained 2011 PPV Tahoe. It came with a stack of service records and I want to continue keeping up with maintenance as I plan on keeping the truck for a long time.

Before purchasing I did inspect the fluid via the dip stick and everything smelled and looked good / not burnt. I tried looking for a recommended maintenance chart for the trans fluid, but I couldn't seem to find any.

-How often is the trans fluid recommended to be changed?
From the service records I can see that its been done every 40k as well as the filter.

-Are there any recommended brands of fluids to stick with?
I most likely wont be doing a flush, just a drain and refill as I believe flushing could do more damage than good.

Any other input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for any input!

 

[Meccanoble]

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the community! The discussion of trans fluid has been discussed a few times and I actually was able to replace mine when I first purchased my 2011 tahoe. Here is the feedback I can give based off my experience and things I learned on forum:

1) Trans fluid changes depend on usage (towing? constant hard driving? stop and go vs highway) but I think a safe number is 60-90k miles? My tahoe had 120k before I changed and there was no evidence it was changed prior. Car showed no issues but I had same mindset as you since I planned to keep for long time. Every 40k miles seems too much but you did have a PPV which are the hardest driven Tahoes probably besides the ones used primarily for towing.

2) All Synthetic tranny fluids are made the same due to strict tests, etc. I used Valvoline red gallon due to easier availability at walmart and price. I strongly recommend the synethic fluid, any brand should do as long as it means the requirements Dexron wise.

3) I also thought the flush was more dangerous than a drain but there was a flush process in this forum that allows you to remove fluid from tranny cooler line and that is harmless to the tranny. Also, many on the forum confirmed that even high end shops flush a similar way and if you run into issues, its mainly because the old gunky fluid was covering issues you didnt find yet so there is additional damage when flushing anywhere, just exposure to the issues you been hiding.

4) Strongly recommend looking up tutorial to change tranny fluid on this forum and on youtube but you will find combo of both on forum. Make sure you get a QUALITY gasket for that tranny pan to prevent any leaks or install issues. The biggest trouble you will find is removing the tranny pan due to exhaust being in the way. There are different methods that work but whichever you do, try not to damage the sensors that are in the way when removing the pan.

 

[domoarigato]

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the community! The discussion of trans fluid has been discussed a few times and I actually was able to replace mine when I first purchased my 2011 tahoe. Here is the feedback I can give based off my experience and things I learned on forum:

1) Trans fluid changes depend on usage (towing? constant hard driving? stop and go vs highway) but I think a safe number is 60-90k miles? My tahoe had 120k before I changed and there was no evidence it was changed prior. Car showed no issues but I had same mindset as you since I planned to keep for long time. Every 40k miles seems too much but you did have a PPV which are the hardest driven Tahoes probably besides the ones used primarily for towing.

2) All Synthetic tranny fluids are made the same due to strict tests, etc. I used Valvoline red gallon due to easier availability at walmart and price. I strongly recommend the synethic fluid, any brand should do as long as it means the requirements Dexron wise.

3) I also thought the flush was more dangerous than a drain but there was a flush process in this forum that allows you to remove fluid from tranny cooler line and that is harmless to the tranny. Also, many on the forum confirmed that even high end shops flush a similar way and if you run into issues, its mainly because the old gunky fluid was covering issues you didnt find yet so there is additional damage when flushing anywhere, just exposure to the issues you been hiding.

4) Strongly recommend looking up tutorial to change tranny fluid on this forum and on youtube but you will find combo of both on forum. Make sure you get a QUALITY gasket for that tranny pan to prevent any leaks or install issues. The biggest trouble you will find is removing the tranny pan due to exhaust being in the way. There are different methods that work but whichever you do, try not to damage the sensors that are in the way when removing the pan.

Thank you for such an in depth reply! I am also a fellow Georgian I will look into the trans tutorial.

I have no issues using OEM parts or buying OEM fluids. The service records state that the fluid they used was SHEP? Not sure if its short for something else.

From a short search I believe the factory GM fluid is made by ACDelco.