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2012 2.4 Need to Change Tranny Fluid

31K views 25 replies 6 participants last post by  WVUTampaAlum 
#1 ·
Is there any good info for the tranny fluid change? Searching I have found very terrible info and no pictures. I found a couple sparce videos on youtube and it appears there is a side plug for how much to fill tranny along with some process of heating up the tranny fluid.

Does anyone have any pictures for the tranny fluid drain plug? Is it the little bolt under the tranny directly facing the ground? I have black plastic plug on top of tranny and assume this is the fill plug?

I guess I will have to upload a video on youtube after I do this.
 
#2 ·
You have no dipstick, I believe, so you have to use the fill hole on the side. I would start by checking your current level first (because it’s possible it’s incorrect). You need the fluid at the proper temperature first : 85-95C (185-203F). The fluid expands as it heats up. Too hot, the fluid expands too much, and you’ll underfill. Too cold, the fluid expands too little, and you’ll overfill. Do you have a Scan Tool to read your transmission fluid temp, or is it displayed in the DIC on your Nox? If not, most people would just bring the engine temp up to the range and go with that, but that’s engine temp - not transmission fluid temp. Not sure how accurate that is.

The drain plug is a small-headed bolt on the bottom facing the ground. Looks to be near the center seam, about halfway down. Note the torque. Don’t overtighten! Your oil level plug is on the side. The fluid should be right at the lip of the oil level hole when it’s at proper temperature. If fluid pours out, it’s overfilled. I’d verify this first, then reinstall the level hole bolt, then drain out the bottom, then re-fill with whatever amount came out, using Dexron VI.
 

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#3 ·
To assure that you are getting the "exactly" correct amount of fluid, it is also important to have the vehicle parked on a level surface. If there isn't enough room for you to get under the vehicle, it may require jacking up both the front and rear of the car.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Or measure the amount drained and fill back with same amount. Did this on a 6T30 a few months ago and just jacked up the front, loosened the drain bolt, lowered the car, reached under and removed the drain bolt, let it drain till it stopped dripping. reinstalled drain bolt.

Then, put one quart back at a time filling the then empty quart with previously drained oil. I had some spare empty quart oil containers as well. Then just filled with the same amount. Afterwards, started the engine, went through PRNDM a few times stopping for the recommended 3 seconds in each position. Let engine run a bit and took it for a drive. Checked trans fluid temps on scan gauge and then verified fluid level on trans side port.

Don't know if you looked it up yet. . but the new 8,9, and 10 speed GM transmissions will NOT be easy to changed the fluid on. There is no easy to use fill or drain bolts. And,some of these newer transmissions are developing a "shudder" under low load, steady speeeds. Seems the transmission torque converter clutch or TCC, doesn't like the fluid and needs a triple drain/fill from the dealer. The oil pan has to be removed each time!
 
#9 ·
As far as the “measure what comes out and put that same amount back in” method:

I do the same thing, but you *really* should determine if your *current* level is correct *before* you do that because if you don’t your level may *never* be right!

How many transmission failures over the years were due (at least in part) to incorrect fluid levels? Had to be *some* of them...
 
#10 ·
True, but that is what the follow up warm up, drive, and check level port part of the procedure is for. Measure and refill is just the first part of getting near what should be the righr amount. Read the whole GM procedure or watch the entire videos. They pretty well cover what needs to be done.
 
#17 ·
JayTee2014,

By just draining, re-filling, then checking "AFTERWARDS" *only*, you're assuming your baseline level is correct and it may not be.

I'm just making the distinction that it's a good idea to *also include* a check BEFORE doing the drain and re-fill because you could be over OR under-filled to begin with.

And then you're driving it at least one more time that way. More if you don't do the AFTER check (for whatever reason).

It's a fine point, but one worth making, I think.
 
#18 · (Edited)
If you have to be OCD about it .. . but it does not matter. If say, the fluid level was low when you checked BEFORE changing. . then what? Are you going to add some new fluid before changing just to make sure you *might* then be at the right level? That's simply nuts.

Ridiculous.. . All that matters is that after you drain and fill. . . then check the level.

Again. . have it YOUR way. . . Better check with rbarrios then, because he has been doing it "wrong" according to you in two GM vehicles for 10s of thousands of miles.

Follow the GM procedure. . . check for proper level - - AFTER - -- drain and fill.
 
#20 ·
Uh .. yes, we have seen this before.

Drain old fluid. . . check level as per procedure. . . check fluid level again as per temps of fluid, shift through gears, take a drive. .. check fluid level again. Done.
 
#21 · (Edited)
Uh .. yes, we have seen this before. Totally unnecessary when references and videos are posted.

Drain old fluid. . . fill with new fluid. .. check level as per procedure. . . check fluid level again as per temps of fluid, shift through gears, take a drive. .. check fluid level again. Done.
 
#23 · (Edited)
Yeah. .. this all just so hilarious. - -:plain:

Maybe also make sure tire pressure is correct so that the it can be assured that the vehicle is at the proper level as well. etc . . etc. . . yada yada
And the planets are in the proper alignment.
 
#25 ·
Glad you found the videos useful. The 6T70 is one in the 6Txx family of GM transmissions that have been used in various GM vehicles. So much of the architecture is the same or similar like the drain and fill ports. Size, internal parts, and capability of course are different. Even the small 6T30 is an interesting little marvel.

Pretty stout transmissions and many have found if you simply drain/fill every 30K to 40K miles (depending on which size) they are dependable. I've changed fluid on a couple that went 70,000 to 90,000 miles before an fluid change and the fluid is pretty nasty black by then.
 
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