1997 Tahoe changing transmission fluid

Answer 1

Actual mileage vs. last Transmission Fluid change. It is recommended that if no maintenance schedule has been followed, in regards to transmission, after 75k+ you should think about replacing fluid. The risks on doing so is that the detergents in the new transmission fluid may wash up any impurities within the transmission,thus causing early transmission failure by clogging up the pump. Chances are 50/50, I did mine w/o schedule maintenance @ 140k +/- and had no trouble so far. As far as the replacement, under the transmission there is a pan, count the bolts so that you get the correct filter and gasket from the auto part store. Unbolt, the pan, slowly, as gravity would rush all the fluid and you will be showered. The best approach is to loosen half the pan on one side, placing a tray under pan to recollect the old fluid, and then do the same to opposite side until fluid stops. Then remove the whole pan an replace the filter and gaskets, remember to make sure that the old "o" ring or any old gaskets, from both filter and pan itself, are removed, to avoid any potential mistakes. Then replace the pan and tighten the bolts back in place, torque specs(bolt tightening) may not apply in this case, due to difference in gaskets. Finally, replace the fluid that has been changed, the only way to verify amounts is by checking the fluid like you normally would, the auto part store would tell you the kind of fluid and amount needed. Very important not to trust that the amount replaced is correct, always double check. For this you may shift your transmission, whit engine idling and pressing the brake, from P all the way to 3rd gear, slowly about 3 times, then shift back to P and check your levels. Let me know how it goes, definitely saves you $$$. May contact me @ memillo27@hotmail.com