The maintenance is a key of Chevy Silverado 1500 to run it smoothly. Changing the transmission fluid will save you money and time because it is costly to rebuild when running out of liquid. Use a quality product and regularly track the fluid level because using the fluid for a long time makes transmission issues with your Silverado.
When the fluid circulates different parts, it gets dirty, and also dirt clogs the additive elements that affect the machine’s running system and pressure level. The method of changing the fluid is a tricky job, yet the fresh fluid is essential for different transmission functions.
Transmission Fluid Change Intervals in the Chevy Silverado 1500
Transmission fluid acts like hydraulic fluid, yet you should clean fluid more often after towing anything. If the fluid is light brown, do not be late to change it, and a red color fluid also needs to be changed.
The fluids could make a smell of acid which is also not a good sign. An old fluid also makes noises when driving, and it needs consistency to be free of dust to prevent transmission failure.
Process for Changing Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluids is an essential element of your truck as it protects the internal part of the engine. It is not the same as engine oil, and you need to change it every 25,000 miles. Change the fluid outside of your garage to get better light.
Tools and Materials You Need
- 8 quarts of Transmission fluid
- Transmission Filter
- A 2*4 wood with a ratchet strap
- Socket set
- Brake cleaner
- Shop towels
- Drain pans
- Transmission dipstick
- Socket wrenches
- Crescent wrench
Step 1: Get Your Truck Ready
Never change the fluid when the engine is hot. Park your car on a flat surface, then let the car idle at an average temperature. Engage the parking brake.
Step 2: Remove the Transmission Pan
You can either jack up your chevy or directly go underneath the truck. The transmission pan is right behind the oil filter.
An exhaust pipe surrounds the pan, so use the ratchet strap and wrap it around the downpipe of the pan to pull it slightly so you will get some clearance.
Use a 10-millimeter socket wrench to remove the bolts, drain plug, and transmission pan gasket. Start unbolting from the backside to hold down the fluid easily.
Put a drain pan underneath to catch the old fluid. After dampening all the liquid, remove the bolt from the front side of the pan, then tilt it smoothly. Hold the pan slowly and remove it. Drain all the fluids from it, focus the transmission housing then come out from underneath your truck.
Step 3: Clean the Pan
Spray the brake cleaner all over the pan and clean it with a towel. Gently scrub the gasket as it will have too much gunk, so clean it until the gasket looks perfect. If the gasket is old, use a new one. If the pan has any metal shaving or other damages, you need to repair it.
Clean the magnet with a cleaner and wipe it down with a cloth. Wipe down the entire pan for the last time as cleaning prevents the leakage.
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Step 4: Install the New Filter
Take the new filter and go back under the chevy, then pull down the filter smoothly. Pry the o ring or gasket seal with a screwdriver. Also, use a small flat head screwdriver and tapped the gasket a little. Use the needle nose plier to pull out the o ring.
Snug the new filter, put the pan back in its place, and line up the bolts in every part. Tighten the bolts with a wrench and check the o ring if it is in the right place. Use grease to fit the gasket.
Step 5: Refill the Fluid
Read the user manual to refill the transmission fluid. Pour at least five quarts of transmission fluid into the funnel until it fills the tube. Do not overfill or low fluid the line.
Use a dipstick to check the fluid level. The effective way to check the status is to pour half quarts then check the level. Ensure there are no leaks in the system.
Ensure the seal, then start the engine of your vehicle and let it run for some time.
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How Often You Should Change the Transmission Fluid Silverado 1500
The transmission fluid should be changed regularly to maintain its smooth running capacity. The oil filter and other pipes become clogged over time, reducing the engine power and damaging any internal parts. Old fluid also reduces fuel efficiency and breaks down its structure.
Proper maintenance also increases its resale value so change the transmission fluid every 45,000 to 60,000 miles. However, synthetic fluids last long and help the transmission cooler to keep other shifts ok.
How Many Quarts of Fluid Chevy Silverado 1500 Take
Without the proper amount of transmission fluid, you could face shudders, hard shifts, or other problems on your Chevy Silverado. Also, the gear could be stuck or jerking and makes an awful sound. So use the right amount of fluid to run your truck smoothly.
If your vehicle has a manual transmission, use 13.7 quarts of fluid and if it is an automatic transmission, use 13.4 quarts of fluids for proper cleaning and flushing. A transmission flush uses around 10 quarts of fluid.
What Kind of Transmission Fluid Does a Chevy Silverado Take?
It is essential to use the right type of transmission fluid for your truck. The Silverado uses Carquest dexron®-vi full synthetic ATF automatic transmission fluid, which you can use in general motors. This type of synthetic fluid helps to run your vehicle smoothly.
How to Check Transmission Fluid Chevy Silverado 1500
First, check the owner’s manual and use a transmission fluid dipstick as it is easy to place and remove. You can check the transmission oil level very quickly with or without a transmission oil dipstick. If your Chevrolet does not have a dipstick, check the fluid through the transmission.
Rise your vehicle with a jack stand, then locate the fill plug. Before checking the fluid, warm up your truck, then park it on a flat surface. Insert the dipstick into the transmission and see the fluid levels.
Take off the dipstick, then again check the fluid level until it is reached the complete line. If not, refill the transmission fluid.
Chevrolet Silverado Transmission Fluid Change Cost
The average cost of transmission fluid changes for chevy Silverado is between $247 to $300, and the labor cost is between $172 and $220.
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