i have a 05 tahoe with the 5.3. it has about 125k on it. im wanting to drop the pan, replace the filter, and replace fluid. my question is what fluid do i use? i see some say it requires dexron 3. but ive seen some guys say they put in dexron 6 being as its synthetic. i just ordered a 12 qt case of dexron 6 for my 06 monte ss, as im dropping pan and filter in it as well. and will have the extra quarts that i could use in tahoe for peace of mind. if i can get away with putting the 6 in the tahoe, how many quarts would be needed to just drop the pan and filter, and top off again? ive read multiple horror stories of flushing the transmissions and causing problems down the line, and its recommended to just drop the fluid and top back off. any input would be appreciated
Question about transmission fluid
- Thread starter SteveCZ28
- Start date
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SLCHOE
ASE Master Certified + (L1)
Pan removal calls for 5 quarts.
Sasquatch
Full Access Member
This is a great method for changing all the fluid in your transmission. It uses the transmissions pump to safely flush the old fluid out. It`s very easy to do and i used dex 6. It`s been in there for around 20k with no problems.
http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179148
http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179148
SLCHOE
ASE Master Certified + (L1)
WRONG!!!
(without the disclaimer) People don't read past the few fist sentences so be careful what you throw out there.
In your case it may be right and regular maintenance but...
This is a method to FLUSH your trans.
While flushing your trans is good on regular schedule, if you have never changed your trans fluid and you are over 100K, DONT DO THIS.
This is basically a DIY trans flush setup. While it's cool to know, iots not always good for your trans... in fact, you might just kill it.
If you have never serviced your trans and you are 100k+ or you just bought the vehicle and it is 100K+, just drop the pan, change the filter and refill it with new fluid. This is the safe route.
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Sasquatch
Full Access Member
Easy killer, Unless the fluid is brown and burnt i wouldn`t hesitate to use that method.
I used to be a mechanic and did that on many high mileage cars where the fluid was in good condition and never had an issue. But on the other hand if the fluid was burnt we would refuse to even drop the pan and refill because of the risk of killing the trans.
The OP never stated if it had been done before or even if he was the original owner and has no idea if it was ever done.
I`d stay away from having a power flush done low or high mileage.
I used to be a mechanic and did that on many high mileage cars where the fluid was in good condition and never had an issue. But on the other hand if the fluid was burnt we would refuse to even drop the pan and refill because of the risk of killing the trans.
The OP never stated if it had been done before or even if he was the original owner and has no idea if it was ever done.
I`d stay away from having a power flush done low or high mileage.
clandr1
Full Access Member
When I did my fluid change, I went to the dealership and paid a premium for the exact fluid that came in my transmission from the factory. I didn't want to risk using a replacement that might not be compatible.
Since I was already saving a bunch of money by doing it myself, I was ok with paying top dollar for the fluid from the dealer. And this is coming from a guy that almost always buys replacement parts from an auto parts store (hoses, belts, alternators, water pumps, etc).
Since I was already saving a bunch of money by doing it myself, I was ok with paying top dollar for the fluid from the dealer. And this is coming from a guy that almost always buys replacement parts from an auto parts store (hoses, belts, alternators, water pumps, etc).
OP
OP
SteveCZ28
Full Access Member
ok ill give more information. ive owned this tahoe for a little over 2 years. i have no prior maintenance history on it, so thats why im gonna play it safe and just drop the pan and fluid, and not flush it. it still works as it should now, dont wanna take a chance and ruin a good working transmission.
thank you for saying you run dexron 6. ive read that you can go up in fluid, bot not down. like if its a tranny that requires d6, you cant go down and run 3. but if it was built for 3, you can go up to 6. is this correct??
i figured the 6 would help, and ill inspect the trans pan magnet closely to see if its having issues yet.
thank you for saying you run dexron 6. ive read that you can go up in fluid, bot not down. like if its a tranny that requires d6, you cant go down and run 3. but if it was built for 3, you can go up to 6. is this correct??
i figured the 6 would help, and ill inspect the trans pan magnet closely to see if its having issues yet.
SLCHOE
ASE Master Certified + (L1)
That's a great diagnostic method since most people with slipping transmissions will have already tried a drain/refill before coming to a shop so the fluid will be fresh.
