2011 Chevy Impala - should I service?
- Thread starter hamiltzp
- Start date
If your 2011 Impala doesn't have a transmission drain plug, get an aftermarket pan that has one. This will make future ATF changes much easier 
Use any Dexron VI LV ATF
Use any Dexron VI LV ATF
Absolutely service it. I brought a Cutlass Ciera back from the dead with a filter change and pan drop. The filter was so clogged it couldn't make enough pressure to apply the clutches properly and was in a death spiral.
Don't let anyone tell you "the sludge is holding it together" or similar. Get that filter out of there, and the fluid too. Not a flush-- those hack up your cooling lines and don't touch the filter.
Don't let anyone tell you "the sludge is holding it together" or similar. Get that filter out of there, and the fluid too. Not a flush-- those hack up your cooling lines and don't touch the filter.
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
What they both said. A simple spill and fill with filter change. If you want more new fluid than the 4 or 5 qt spill will replace, do two or three just drain and fills, driving a few days between each.
I don't think there's a drain plug on your GM Torque Converter, so you'll only get 4 to 5 qts out of the pan each drain.
I don't think there's a drain plug on your GM Torque Converter, so you'll only get 4 to 5 qts out of the pan each drain.
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- Oct 30, 2021
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Service the transmission use AMSOIL or HPL fluid in it and you’ll be set
I used Maxlife and 14oz of Lubegard Red in my 2007 Impala, 3.5L, 182k miles on it, after we purchased it. I siphoned and refilled through the dipstick tube. Not sure if yours is the same but a drain and fill is about 8qts.
Yes, change it with either a siphon and refill or a pan drop, but don't flush it.
Yes, change it with either a siphon and refill or a pan drop, but don't flush it.
Yes, I would drop the pan, clean it w/ magnet, change the filter and refill with the recommended fluid. That fluid probably is Dex 6. No need for some fancy and expensive fluid. Yes as suggested, I would get a new pan with a drain plug. I have had good luck with ATP pans.
Just a friendly reminder about transmission pans with drain plugs. Do not take it to a quick change business. Too many nut jobs will drain your transmission by mistake.
Yes, service the transmission.
Does this car have a paper filter anywhere, like in the cooler, or just the one when you drop the pan?
Thanks!
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
Just the filter in the pan.
Someone could have added an aftermarket inline filter in the cooler lines. This isn't common though.
Someone could have added an aftermarket inline filter in the cooler lines. This isn't common though.
I just serviced an '06 Malibu 3.5 with 128k. Honestly the fluid looked good and magnet didn't have much, but then again THAT'S the time to do it -- ie get dental cleanings BEFORE a cavity.
I didn't bother with a new pan because this car will be sold by the elderly driver before the transmission ever needs service again -- and I was working for free (mother of a childhood friend)
Despite any random, one-off horror stories you read, just use Maxlife. It's inexpensive, readily available, and works well.
I didn't bother with a new pan because this car will be sold by the elderly driver before the transmission ever needs service again -- and I was working for free (mother of a childhood friend)
Despite any random, one-off horror stories you read, just use Maxlife. It's inexpensive, readily available, and works well.
Also there's still a "Famous" (CQ) filter on RA for $1.70. Despite the pics, it should come with a basic rubber pan gasket, but you likely have a reusable metal core gasket from the factory. I used an ATP (reusable) gasket because I had ordered it, but I think the OEM would have been fine to reuse.
What about using something like this - to suck out as much as you can out of the dipstick hole and top off with new fluid?
I have been kicking the idea around on my 2007 Tahoe with ~~69K miles.
I have read a few places you can suck out 4-5 quarts - it holds 11-12.
Do it every 20K miles -
I am chicken - afraid it will cause problems.
The service writer at the Chevy dealer says just don't do anything until 100K - then service it right with a flush and fill.
When I ask if that could cause issues he says NO we know how to do it correctly and use the correct fluid. Most issues are people know knowing what they are doing and then using the wrong fluid.
I have been kicking the idea around on my 2007 Tahoe with ~~69K miles.
I have read a few places you can suck out 4-5 quarts - it holds 11-12.
Do it every 20K miles -
I am chicken - afraid it will cause problems.
The service writer at the Chevy dealer says just don't do anything until 100K - then service it right with a flush and fill.
When I ask if that could cause issues he says NO we know how to do it correctly and use the correct fluid. Most issues are people know knowing what they are doing and then using the wrong fluid.
Absolutely, a vacuum evacuator is an excellent tool for transmission services. It would still be good, to drop the pan, clean the debris and residue and replace the filter. After that, if you suction it out and refill regularly, you can probably skip the filter change for a long time.
Pro tip, do vacuum pump changes with the transmission hot. The fluid come out a lot faster and you probably get more dirt out as less is settled in the bottom of the pan.
The really nice thing about the vacuum evacuator is you can use it before hand so you don't risk taking a fluid bath when you drop the pan.
Pro tip, do vacuum pump changes with the transmission hot. The fluid come out a lot faster and you probably get more dirt out as less is settled in the bottom of the pan.
The really nice thing about the vacuum evacuator is you can use it before hand so you don't risk taking a fluid bath when you drop the pan.
It's not going to cause problems to suck out a gallon and get fresh fluid in its place. An '07 GM uses Dex VI (LV) -- arguably the most common ATF on the roads right now despite recent proliferation of ULV fluids.
Don't let the dealer do anything that uses the word "flush" unless you're playing poker. Don't let that dealer do anything -- find a decent indy with common sense.
I wonder how easy it would be to access the transmission coolant lines? Just do a basic pump out so dropping the pan is less nasty.
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