NSFBITOG - 2016 Chevy Tahoe 140k possibly the 1st change

[CarbonToast]

Family member has a neglected tahoe with a 6L80. I helped do a fluid and filter change as band aid. They were quoted to have a new transmission installed, but in general it drives and shifts ok most of the time. Seems overkill to pay $6k for a transmission when it still works.

Here is what we did.

With a new filter on the 1st drop.
3x
Drop Pan + refill 6qts
Run through P R N D a few times Between.

Used 3x 1 gallon Castrol Transmax and 2x 1 gallon maxlife. Walmart didn't have enough to use 1 fluid.

Highway drive to get the temp up and get new fluid in the cooler.

In the morning we will do 1 more Spill and fill with 6qts maxlife.

Worst fluid and Pan condition I have ever seen. But with my cars I change on time....

 

[4WD]

I have that trans at 100k and it shifts perfectly …
I put a B&M drain plug in the pan - and spill and fill once a year …
It’s on the 3 filter …

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Too bad the transmission doesn't have a drain plug.

The good news is that there is an aftermarket pan with a drain plug available, which will make future ATF changes much easier

 

[CarbonToast]

Too bad the transmission doesn't have a drain plug.

The good news is that there is an aftermarket pan with a drain plug available, which will make future ATF changes much easier

Lol, I hope I never see this thing again. What a pile. If I had my mighty vac I would have sucked it out the dipstick!

 

[Dino01]

Had a Ford AX4N in similar condition with coffee looking fluid as well, did two changes with Supertech Mercon V in 2021 and all this time later it’s still going strong, it was confused off idle under moderate acceleration and shuddering like crazy, so you probably saved that transmission from the brink

 

[barkingspider]

I think you did all you can do to save that trans. Hope your family member appreciates you

 

[CarbonToast]

Pan and magnet after the last drain today. Glad to see red fluid. Concerned about the piles of debris but, there is alot of junk to clean out of it.

Cleaned the pan and magnet, installed 6 qts of maxlife. Will change again in 15-20k miles.

 

[Silverado12]

Maybe add a bottle of Lubegard?

 

[D60]

I think BITOG exists in a bubble. I believe the majority of autos on the road have at least 140k without a single spill 'n fill.

I can't prove it and I'm not recommending it but I can say it's not surprising.

 

[Dino01]

I think BITOG exists in a bubble. I believe the majority of autos on the road have at least 140k without a single spill 'n fill.

I can't prove it and I'm not recommending it but I can say it's not surprising.

You’re probably right, but that’s why our vehicles typically aren’t the ones on the side of interstate 10 in Arizona in June puking overheated ATF and coolant while the owners wait for a tow

 

[carl2591]

bought a 2010 sonata with 125K miles. When I did the drain plug, yes they have drain plug, the fluid was a dark brown but not burn smelling.. I drain like 4 qts, refilled with Castrol Transmax let it run for a couple weeks doing that again, it get better looking and by the third time. keep on running fluid through it till it gets to look like new.. if you can get to the filters once is fine on that.. good luck..

 

[clinebarger]

The converter clutch is in the beginning stages of failure, It will soon have a disco party & the whole transmission & coolers will be invited.

It needs to be repaired NOW to save the TEHCM, Pump & Coolers!

 

[JWC86]

I think BITOG exists in a bubble. I believe the majority of autos on the road have at least 140k without a single spill 'n fill.

I can't prove it and I'm not recommending it but I can say it's not surprising.

Absolutely true. The majority of the general public does no maintenance beyond oil changes until something isn’t working and then needs a repair that regular maintenance would have prevented.

 

[clinebarger]

Absolutely true. The majority of the general public does no maintenance beyond oil changes until something isn’t working and then needs a repair that regular maintenance would have prevented.

K2XX platform 6L80 converter clutch failure is almost guaranteed before 200,000 miles with stock converter scheduling & active AFM.

This is more prolific than AFM lifter failures on this particular platform. I can re-fresh a 6L80 with a twin disc billet front converter, All new seals, Frictions, Bushings, Sonnax ZIP kit, Clean & flow the TEHCM, Replace the pressure switch membranes, And flush the coolers for $3,800 on '14-'16 & $4,000 on '17-'20, Letting them go nuclear is what makes this cost $6,000 plus.

 

[We're Metals]

Definitely not critical of your pan drop, great to clean the magnets. Deep dump pans with drain plugs are cheap and I would have swapped the pan myself. Kudos in changing the fluid though