transmission fluid change 2002 envoy

Have a stock 2002 GMC envoy SLT with 43,000 miles. Want to change transmission fluid. The dealer wants $220 for a 16 quart change in which they suck it out using the transmission cooler. Is it worth it?. Can I do myself (I was a former motorhead 10 yrs ago). How come the dealer does not take the pan down? Can I suck the fluid out, change the pan and fill up with new fluid? Any suggestions?

I too am leery about that system. I had it done on an old blazer I had years ago, they say it is like a back flush and it pulses to knock the stuff off of the filter as it sucks the old fluid out. If you drop the pan, you can in fact change out the pan filter and see if/what kind of crud you have in the trans, but you will only get about 5-6 qts. of fluid out. There is another 10 or so qts. in there. So you are really not changing any fluid. I think when I do mine, I will pull the pan, change the filter, throw in some inexpensive fliud to get me to the dealer and have them suck it all out and replace with fresh. Is pretty pricey though. You have to think of how long do you want your vehicle to last.

Personally I stay away from the "trans flush" fluid services. At the mileage you have on your vehicle a trans flush is allright (unless your changing the fluid for a trans problem
I would just change the fliud and filter and ride on

GM Merlin, I just posted a new thread for you!!!