GM Trans Cap

[steve20]

Hey Guys
Vehicle in question is a 2004 Tahoe 4WD. Time for the first trans fluid and filter change.
2 questions
Manual says DEX-III which I heard is obsolete. Online searching has led me to believe I should use DEX 6, is this correct?
Capacity for refill is not listed in the manual, nor on any internet searches I could find. I am guessing about 7 quarts.
Does soemone have a rough idea of refill capacity?
Any recommendations on trans fluid brands would be helpful- I'll go dino or syn, but not the real syn like Amsoil
Steve

 

[sciphi]

Yes, use either Dex-VI or at least a semi-syn ATF.

Typical GM transmissions get 6-7 quarts of fluid out with a pan drop. A full flush takes about 14 quarts. As always, go by the dipstick with the engine idling and the shifter in Park.

 

[beast3300]

Dex6

4L60-E pan drop shows 5 quarts to refill.

 

[steve20]

thanks guys-if it doesn't say DEX-6 will DEX/MERC work, as in Maxlife DEX/MERC

 

[Jakegday]

yes. my grand prix calls for dex 3, and several people on the grand prix forums have had problems when switching to dex 6.

dex/merc is whats recommended in place of dex 3..

 

[sciphi]

Maxlife is an excellent ATF. I've had great results with it in both my Buick and our Honda.

Use Google to search around for posts on Maxlife ATF.

 

[ffhdriver]

Why don't you ask the dealer what they would use??

 

[GMBoy]

GM recommends Dex6 for older trans that called for Dex3 and so on. It is backwards compatible but a far superior fluid than Dex3 was. GM pulled the license for Dex3 so there is nobody making it anymore. I have used Mobil 1 ATF in my older cars calling for Dex3 and it worked great.

 

[MetalSlug]

if your tranmission automatic is call for dex 3 and using dex 6 is fine
if your a manual tranmission call for dex 3, stay with dex 3. dont use dex 6

so in your case, dex 6 is perfectly fine.

 

[Winterpeg]

I understand if going to DEX VI from III you have to completely flush the system.Otherwise the new will be contaminated.

 

[MetalSlug]

Originally Posted By: Winterpeg
I understand if going to DEX VI from III you have to completely flush the system.Otherwise the new will be contaminated.


It can be mix with old dex 3.

 

[beast3300]

Originally Posted By: Jakegday
yes. my grand prix calls for dex 3, and several people on the grand prix forums have had problems when switching to dex 6.

dex/merc is whats recommended in place of dex 3..


Never had an issue using Dex6 in any GM.