what's the preferred method for trans fluid change?

[strad]

This is a 4l60e. We dropped the pan, and changed the filter about 8k miles ago, but I have this nagging feeling, coupled with the current color of the fluid (a light brown-pink) that we have a mix of new and old with emphasis on the old. My goal is to get all or most of the old fluid out. Don't feel the need to change the filter again since it is mostly new, and don't want to drop the pan.

So is there a such thing as a pump that can get it out of the dipstick tube, or do we crack the line to the cooler and pump it out with the trans pump or? Just want the best method with the least chance of effing up the trans. The goal is pink fluid lol.

edit: the vehicle is a 99 tahoe 4x4. The trans is original afaik, and it has 125k miles on it.

 

[purple 'hoe]

This is a 4l60e. We dropped the pan, and changed the filter about 8k miles ago, but I have this nagging feeling, coupled with the current color of the fluid (a light brown-pink) that we have a mix of new and old with emphasis on the old. My goal is to get all or most of the old fluid out. Don't feel the need to change the filter again since it is mostly new, and don't want to drop the pan.

So is there a such thing as a pump that can get it out of the dipstick tube, or do we crack the line to the cooler and pump it out with the trans pump or? Just want the best method with the least chance of effing up the trans. The goal is pink fluid lol.

How many miles are on this transmission? If you have less than 100K on it, you could have the transmission flushed if you really want new fluid in it.

Here's my advice about high mile transmission

If you flush your transmission with high miles, or regular service has never been done, you CAN and possibly WILL kick up metal shavings and other particles that are laying on the bottom of your transmission pan. That can cause slipping or other internal damage to the transmission. I don't recommend flushing if you have high miles, do not know the history of your transmission or have never done any maintenance work to your transmission.

A filter change when dropping the pan is fine however IMO. I would not worry about the work you already did

With dropping the pan and changing the filter, you drained about 5 quarts or so. The extra fluid in the torque converter and in the transmission cooler lines is maybe around 3 quarts if. Most of that extra fluid is in the converter.

4L60E's hold about 8-9 quarts fyi

I've seen on some different forums on how to do it yourself at home. Just google "home transmission flush". Should help you out some.

 

[strad]

Well the transmission pan was cleaned thoroughly when I had it out 8k miles ago. Any metal shavings in the pan or on the magnet were removed at that time. afaik, the trans has 125k miles on it, and the only service done to it so far is the filter change and associated new atf 8k miles ago.

I've seen 11-12 quart numbers for a dry trans/cooler system -- is it that or is 8-9 quarts more accurate?

 

[purple 'hoe]

Well the transmission pan was cleaned thoroughly when I had it out 8k miles ago. Any metal shavings in the pan or on the magnet were removed at that time. afaik, the trans has 125k miles on it, and the only service done to it so far is the filter change and associated new atf 8k miles ago.

I've seen 11-12 quart numbers for a dry trans/cooler system -- is it that or is 8-9 quarts more accurate?

That what the 4l60e holds. Plus whatever is in the lines/cooler. So 11-12 seems about right