Transmission Fluid Change

Hello,

I was wondering if someone can let me know what the process is to change the fluid / filter in my 2008 uplander as well as the amount of fluid I need to add? If you know of a site that has this detailed it would be great if you could share... :)

Thanks,

Robby

I think this has a 4T65E transmission......

Basically drop the pan(gasket is reused), then the filter......fluid removed this way is about 60-70%, the rest is in the converter, clutches, valve body, etc.

Reinstall filter and the gasket/pan.....

Usually, 6-7 quarts Dextron VI......I usually put about 6 quarts in......give it time to run down the fill tube, and then start the vehicle in park.....wipe down the dipstick, then check the fluid level, and add as necessary.....

If you register at www.autozone.com (http://www.autozone.com) you can enter your vehicle info and it will give you the instructions for changing the fluid, what type to use, how much, etc. Your owner's manual will show you how often it should be changed (if at all depending on how you drive) and the type and quantity of fluid. It might have the procedure but typically refers you to a service technician.

Hope this helps!

Hello,

I was wondering if someone can let me know what the process is to change the fluid / filter in my 2008 uplander as well as the amount of fluid I need to add? If you know of a site that has this detailed it would be great if you could share... :)

Thanks,

Robby

yes you do have the 4t65 transmission. according to the book on a filter/pan drop the fluid required would be 7.4 qts. I would buy 8qts and a filter with a new gasket. see if you can get a rubber reusable gasket . I use these at least three times .

draining that much fluid is messy. you will need a big pan to catch the fluid . loosen the bolts until it leaks out when it stops take out the bolts on one end and work toward the other so as to slowly have the fluid pour out. with the pan off clean with a cloth with mineral spirits/ paint thinner blow dry [use hair dryer]. remove filter install new. make sure the filter is the exact same one, a good pan gasket will hold the bolts in place as you position the pan. secure the pan bolts with a hand socket driver not a ratchet. only need 7 ft lbs of torque on these bolts. I would add 6 qts start engine idle check fluid and slowly add until at the f cold add mark, not the full hot mark with the vehicle level. operate vehicle and check again when hot so it is in the full hot to add hot range. not over the full mark .

it is stated by GM to never have this transmission flushed with a power flushing machine. also the pan must be dropped and cleaned and the filter replaced. you must use dexron VI. this is a synthetic low viscosity tranny fluid. not just any synthetic tranny fluid.

thanks for the info everyone. i think ill tackle that job in the spring :)

I have the longitudinal version of this tranny in my Envoy (4L65) and jCat's spiel jogged my memory (and looking at my records it's time to change it) so this is timely for me as well.

How I did the drain was to jack up the front and set on stands or use drive-on ramps. Then start unbolting the pan but loosen the aft ones more so the fluid will drain from the back edge or even one corner if you can manipulate the bolts just so. It won't pour out, so loosen until you get a decent, controllable stream then walk away and tackle something else for 15 minutes.

Once it is done draining, the pan is STILL NOT EMPTY and will be heavy with fluid. Because it is deep and large, it will be difficult to hold the pan level with one hand and remove the remaining bolts with the other. Better to use the floor jack to support it and lower it once loose. Pour the remaining fluid out and clean the pan and magnet.

The other point I want to make is regarding the filter...more specifically, the round seal that is seated in the valve body that the filter plugs into. The pressed-in seal is VERY DIFFICULT to remove. I have used one of those reverse pliers (squeeze the grips to expand the jaw halves) to grip the inside of it and try and yank it out with only marginal success. But I usually am able to dislodge it just enough to get a screwdriver head on the edge of it and collapse it with light blows of a mallet. Be careful to not gouge the aluminum body's seal surface. When you replace the seal, drive it in but not quite flush with the surrounding surface...leave ~1/16" protruding for you to use next time.


Of course, if the transverse version of this tranny has a simpler filter without the long plastic neck then disregard the last paragraph.

The rest is textbook...install new filter, reinstall pan using some light grease to hold the gasket in place, fill, start engine, recheck, and top off.

Good luck!

JD Mc - Your transmission is completely different. There are two circlips, one nylon spacer, and the fluid that can be interchanged between the two units. The 4T65E is an evolved version of the 4T60, which was based on the 3T-series. The 4L65E has its roots all the way back to the TH700-R4.

Be content with the fact that your longitudal transmission is a LOT more robust and durable than ANY of the transverse types. In order to keep it that way, change the fluid and screen filter on a regular basis. To facilitate that, when you do the pan drop this spring it may be a good idea to install a drain plug to make future changes easier and cleaner:

http://www.wwdsltd.com/files/4L60DrainPlugInstalled.jpg


http://www.wwdsltd.com/files/TransPanPlug.jpg



That applies to the 4T65 as well:

http://www.wwdsltd.com/files/4T65EPanPlug.jpg


http://www.wwdsltd.com/files/4T65EPanPlugged.jpg

Thanks for the lesson, Blue. Please disreagrd. And yes, I am thankful my truck stable has the same tranny (more or less) to deal with. Will definitely consider a plug for the upcoming changeout.

I was going to post on this same topic. Thanks for all of the great info. Any idea where to get a drain plug installed?

One more question comes to mind after looking at the prces for Dexron VI. Has anyone had good results with the Valvoline MaxLife Product?. Seems to be a much better deal at around $5 at WalMart instead of $8 for the Dexron VI product.

None at all. All of my vehicles are over 100k so I run it in all of them, even the finicky Integra. The truck and Envoy are set up as tow vehicles, so I have external coolers for them which helps keep temps down.

One more question comes to mind after looking at the prces for Dexron VI. Has anyone had good results with the Valvoline MaxLife Product?. Seems to be a much better deal at around $5 at WalMart instead of $8 for the Dexron VI product.


I guess you can only read the price labels . this cheap fluid you mention is what is to be avoided. this is DEXRON III not DEXRON VI. this is not the same/proper fluid for your vehicle.

It says recommended for Dexron VI right on the bottle.

Right above and to the left of the price label :)

It says """""recommended """""" for Dexron VI right on the bottle.

Right above and to the left of the price label :)

I looked up the product you stated. it is dexron III.

now does it say on the container GM APPROVED DEXRON VI ?????

If no then it is not DEXRON VI....


UPDATE ! this is from the Valvoline web site : MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF contains a blend of superior base oils and a unique additive package to help extend the life of transmissions with over 75,000 miles. It is formulated to maximize transmission performance, reduce transmission wear, and improve and maintain smooth shifting longer than conventional fluids. MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF is compatible with new and rebuilt transmissions and will not void new car warranties.

Recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT), Mercedes NAG-1, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III and many others are required.

Now as you can see their fluid does not have the GM approvals like as an example mobil dexron VI transmission fluid.

If you have problems GM could screw you . Valvoline says they will stand behind there product so I guess you'll get your 5.00/qt money back if the transmission fails.

j cAT-
I appreciate your comments, but I was really just looking for some input. On the product and on the website it states:

Overview

MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF contains a blend of superior base oils and a unique additive package to help extend the life of transmissions with over 75,000 miles. It is formulated to maximize transmission performance, reduce transmission wear, and improve and maintain smooth shifting longer than conventional fluids. MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF is compatible with new and rebuilt transmissions and will not void new car warranties.

Recommended for use where DEXRON, DEXRON II, III and VI, Toyota T-IV and WS, MERCON®, MERCON® SP and LV, Allison TES 389, Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J and Matic-K, Honda Z-1 (except CVT), Mercedes NAG-1, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III and many others are required.

http://www.valvoline.com/products/consumer-products/automatic-transmission-products/automatic-transmission-fluid/37

I see on the site that they have a separate "Blue Bottle" GM approved Dexron IV. Based on your feedback the exclusive Dexron IV would be the best choice. I get that. So why do they have the two products? Seems it either is or isn't DEXRON IV.

looks like we were replying at the same time - apologies for the duplicate info. You have the product info.

Again - I appreciate the input. It is a 08 MY Uplander with 65k miles. I think I am pretty much on my own from GM anyways as the warranty expired. We are trading it in in September.

And a few pertinent FAQs from the same site:


Does MaxLife automatic transmission fluid meet Dexron VI specifications?
Yes. MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF meets the Dexron VI specifications.
Does GM recognize MaxLife ATF and is this an acceptable fluid to use in place of Dexron VI?
GM only recognizes their factory fill fluid for Dexron VI, but Valvoline meets and exceeds the performance requirements for the specification, and we stand behind the product 100% for this specification.
Can MaxLife ATF be mixed with Dexron VI or does the fluid need to be purged prior to installing MaxLIfe ATF?
Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc transmission fluid is 100 percent compatible with the Dexron VI for mixing or flushing a system.

looks like we were replying at the same time - apologies for the duplicate info. You have the product info.

Again - I appreciate the input. It is a 08 MY Uplander with 65k miles. I think I am pretty much on my own from GM anyways as the warranty expired. We are trading it in in September.

should you get another GM vehicle be sure to use the proper fluid as required and approved by the manufacturer. these new vehicles are very specific on the fluids used and it is easy to get tricked no mater what manufacturer you purchase in September.


good luck .