confused about transmission capacity

[vossman]

Hey all, I am going to change the fluid in my '06 Colorado with 4L60-E auto trans. I plan on pumping old fluid out while pouring new in (i found a protocol on amsoil website). I have looked up capacities and I am not sure how much I will need to completely (or mostly) exchange old fluid for new.

The capacities read "initial fill......5 qts" and "total fill........11.3 qts"

11.3 qts seems like a lot and would be around $100 just for fluid itself. How much do I need?

 

[JTK]

For the last pump out and refill of a 4L60E I did, I just bought a case of ATF (12qts). The GM "push-lock" cooler line fittings are a PITA until you figure them out. Also, the Trailblazer 4L60E I did pumped out a gallon in about 10sec so be on your A-game for sure or you'll have a mess on your hands (like I did).

Joel

 

[vossman]

thanks for your advice JTK!

 

[94MaxGXE]

If you want to get as close to 100% as you can get with that pump and fill method, you will need to pump 10 to 20% more than the total fill spec. 12 to 15 quarts should do it. You may want to restrict the output line so it does not pump out so fast, like JTK did.

 

[JTK]

I'm not sure how you could restrict the output line though. It's basically pump discharge as far as I know & would just spray out with more velocity. The Colorado ATF cooler lines are probably plumbed solid w/ tubing like my trailblazer was, so you'll need some hose to shove over the tubing so you can route it to a drian pan/jug.

Joel