GMC, procedure to change filter and fluid on auto trans

SKEETER5000

MEMBER
GMC

2001 GMC, 45000 miles, 5.3 engine.

I would like to change the filter and oil in my transmission. It appears to have a sort of drain plug on the pan. This plug has a recess, that would not let the pan drain all the oil, but it would get most of it. Is this a drain plug?

Also I noticed that a couple of allen socket screws hold the linkage on the side. This looks like it will have to be lowered/unattached. Is this a part of the method to remove the pan?

Next question is can you comment on how much fluid I will need to replace what I drain out.

This is one of the automatic trannys that you can not drain all the oil. Bummer to me. I wish the builder would go back to a set of plugs that would allow a person to drain all the oil.

TIA, :)

1 Reply

SKEETER5000

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I went ahead and changed the filter and fluid on my transmission.

The transmission does have a plug in the bottom of the pan. On my truck the bolt head is the type that has the tapered hex. I could not get the plug loose. I was using a 1/2" break over bar. So I left it and just removed the pan. You do have to remove the two torx headed bolts (number 30) that holds on the shift linkage. The linkage is just pressed/snapped onto the shift lever. Just pry it off and push it back on when going back.

The change took 5-1/2 quarts of transmission oil.

To me about a 1 hour job. Went fairly well. :D