Changing transmission fluid in a Chevy Silverado 1500 is not an easy task, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many transmission fluid change tips and tricks that can help you do the job safely. In this article, we will go over what transmission fluid does for your truck, why you need to change it regularly, and how to find out when it needs changing so you can plan ahead. We will also review some of the best transmission fluids on the market today- from fluids made by GM themselves to third party transmission oils available online- so that there’s no guesswork involved!
How to change transmission fluid Chevy Silverado 1500 [hide]
About Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is one of the most important fluids to your car, as it protects its vital moving parts while you’re driving. Transmission fluid is available in red or green, depending on the manufacturer. It helps to lubricate your vehicle’s parts, and helps engine performance.
In addition to these additives, there are several other ingredients that contribute to a fluid’s performance. Transmission fluid is a chemical mixture that must be kept at the proper level in order to provide optimum performance.
The fluid decreases high operating temperatures, making it easier to refine cooling function. This helps to condition parts, which in turn increases rotational speed and lowers operating temperature.
What does Transmission Fluid do?
For automatic transmissions, the fluid contains hydraulic pressure that is crucial for transmission functions. As the fluid flows through an automatic transmission, you may notice varying pressure levels. However, these different applications make a difference in the pressure level.
Without the torque converter driving high pressure water and metal fins in the transmission fluid, your Chevy Silverado 1500 will be operating at a much lower capacity. The spinning process of the transmission fluid helps to produce enough hydraulic force to keep all moving parts inside properly lubricated.
Chevys Silverado 1500 needs proper lubricating fluid every few thousand miles. It is important to maintain the transmission and prevent the band from wearing out, meaning you have to check how often your vehicle recommends a transmission change.
Chevy Silverado 1500 maintenance should be done on a regular basis to prevent premature failure.
Type of Transmission Fluid in Chevy Silverado 1500
In the case of all automatic models of Chevy Silverado 1500, DEXRON-ViATF transmission fluid is crucial to use. This transmission fluid will meet the standards set by General Motors for a smooth and long lasting transmission.
GM recommends that you use this type of transmission fluid as it meets their internal specifications and will keep your transmission running smoothly for years to come.
Find the correct Automatic Transmission Fluid products to fit your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at Advance Auto Parts.
Automatic transmissions are now more complex than ever, placing ever-greater demands on auto transmission fluids. In fact, the automatic transmission is perhaps the most complicated mechanical component in an automobile. The automatic transmission combines electrical & mechanical systems, hydraulics and computer processors to smoothly shift through the gears and transfer engine power to the drive wheels.
The one component of the entire system that’s critical to all of these parts working properly together is the Automatic Transmission Fluid, or ATF. It acts as a hydraulic fluid, to engage clutch packs & shift the gears. It acts as a corrosion inhibitor and wear protection for the Planetary Gear sets. It has to flow easily from minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to nearly 400, even in fine valve assemblies.
Transmission Fluid Change Intervals in the Chevy Silverado 1500
For example, your manual advises that you should change the transmission oil in your Chevy Silverado at 100,000 miles. Transmission fluid should be flushed at 75,000 miles or as directed by the owner’s manual. The final indication of transmission trouble is the fluid capacity.
Transmission fluid needs to be replaced every 30,000 miles, but you should replace it more often if you have towed anything with your vehicle. Just because the transmission fluid looks clean does not mean it is in good shape. If you notice the fluid has a strange odor or a dark brownish color, it’s probably too late to prevent damage.
The color of transmission fluid typically starts off as a light brown, but it can change over time.
Research manuals for the best tips to change your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission fluid and be sure to check these factors:
- The color- In most cases, transmission fluid is red. As deterioration sets in, the color darkens to reflect a need for a change.
- Smell- When you feel a strong smell of acid, it’s time for transmission fluid replacement.
- Driving behavior- If you notice the shifting is rough, or that it seems noisy when driving the Chevy Silverado 1500, be sure to check the transmission fluid.
- Consistency- Your transmission needs clean fluid that is free from debris. If your fluid has dirt in it, the next time you need to change your car’s oil, add transmission fluid as well.
Steps for changing Transmission Fluid in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
When changing the transmission fluid in a Chevy Silverado truck, it’s essential for the car to shift back into gear smoothly. Many people mistakenly assume transmission fluid is like engine oil and that all transmissions require changing every 30,000 miles. The system operates on hydraulic pressure created by transmission fluid, which can break down and become contaminated. Fluid change is important to maintenance and the life of the transmission of a Chevy Silverado 1500.
Tools you will need
- Drain pan
- Brake cleaner
- Crescent wrench
- Socket wrench
- Socket set
- Ten ounces of transmission fluid
- Transmission filter
- Transmission pan gasket
Changing Transmission Fluid: Removing the Pan
To access the transmission of your Chevrolet Silverado 1500, you should look for it in the lower back section. Disconnecting this part is easy and provides you with the best opportunity to replace your car’s fluid.
Check the pan to see if there is a plug. If there is, you can drain the transmission fluid before unbolting it. Have a pan underneath to catch fluid. Loosen and remove the bolt with a crescent wrench. Allow all of the fluid from this part to seep out before tightening back up or removing completely depending on your situation
Loosen all the bolts around the drainage pan. Once they are loose, hold up the pan with one hand. It will be much easier if you remove the drain plug from the transmission pan.
Drain the transmission fluid into a drain pan. The drain pan needs to be emptied and cleaned before reinstalling it.
When replacing transmission fluid for a Chevy Silverado 1500, scrape off any old gasket material that may be found around the pan and at the bottom of the transmission.
Unscrew the filter with a socket wrench. The filter is located in the transmission housing.
Changing Transmission Fluid: Installing the Pan
Clean out the pan with brake cleaner to avoid small metal shavings from getting into new fluid.
Tighten the new filter to the transmission with the socket wrench. The new filter should be replaced with fresh fluid, and an O-ring placed on it before attaching it.
Place the gasket on top of the transmission pan. Make sure the bolts line up with holes in both parts.
You will need to raise the transmission pan so that it rests just at the bottom of the transmission and continue turning each bolt until they are all started. You should not tighten any bolts yet.
When you are done, tighten all bolts snug with the wrench. Open the pan and pour in fluid.
Changing Transmission Fluid: Filling the Fluid
Locate the transmission oil dipstick toward the back of the engine, marked by a red cap.
The next step will require using a funnel to pour transmission fluid into the fill tube.
Pour five quarts of transmission fluid. Check the transmission oil level after the fifth quarter to ensure you do not overfill.
Pour in fluid by the half quart to meet max level, checking after each addition. This will take longer but it is an effective way to avoid overfilling.
Start the vehicle and let it run for at least a minute. Place foot on brake and shift through all the gear options (reverse, low 1). Shift back to park.
Make sure the transmission fluid is topped off by adding more if it’s low.
Place the dipstick firmly into the tube to ensure a tight seal. Close the hood to complete this task.
NOTE: Make sure the parking brake is engaged. Chock the wheel. Park on level ground before you do anything else.
Changing your transmission fluid in your Chevy Silverado 1500 is essential for your long-term safety of the car’s engine and transmissions. One way to make it easier on yourself is to change this fluid at least once a year, preferably during an oil change.