🔧 Traverse - Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill

This service replaces a portion of the automatic transmission fluid by draining the pan and refilling with fresh fluid. It helps maintain smooth shifting and reduces wear, especially on an AWD SUV that works the transmission harder.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

Assumption: your Traverse has the GM 6-speed 6T70/6T75 with a check/level plug (no dipstick).

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, level surface; support the SUV on jack stands (never the jack alone).
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be very hot; wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Keep the engine OFF for draining, but the level check is done with the engine RUNNING—keep hands/tools clear of moving parts.
• ⚠️ Chock the rear wheels and keep the shifter in P during the level check.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) x2
• Wheel chocks x2
• Drain pan (at least 10-quart)
• Metric socket set 8mm-19mm
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension set
• Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• OBD-II scan tool with transmission fluid temperature (specialty)
• Trim clip tool
• Shop rags
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (DEXRON-VI) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Transmission drain plug seal/gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Raise the front of your Traverse with a floor jack and set it securely on jack stands. Keep the vehicle as level as possible (level matters for the final fluid check).
• Locate the transmission fill plug and check/level plug before draining. If you can’t refill it, don’t drain it.
• Connect your OBD-II scan tool and find the live data for Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT). (This is the temperature of the ATF inside the transmission.)

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove any lower shields (if equipped)

• Use a trim clip tool to pop out plastic fasteners.
• Use a metric socket set 8mm-19mm with a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove any bolts holding the underbody splash shield.
• Set the shield and fasteners aside in a small pile so nothing gets lost.

Step 2: Verify you can open the fill plug

• Place your drain pan under the transmission area.
• Use the appropriate socket from your metric socket set 8mm-19mm with a 3/8" drive ratchet to carefully crack the fill plug loose (do not remove it fully yet).
• This prevents being stuck after draining.

Step 3: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Move the drain pan directly under the transmission drain plug.
• Use the correct socket from your metric socket set 8mm-19mm and a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain until it slows to an occasional drip (typically 10-20 minutes).
• Wipe the drain plug area with shop rags.

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug with a new seal

• Replace the drain plug seal with the new transmission drain plug seal/gasket.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first (to avoid cross-threading).
• Use a torque wrench (10-100 Nm range) to tighten the drain plug: Torque to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Refill with DEXRON-VI

• Remove the fill plug using your metric socket set 8mm-19mm and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Use a fluid transfer pump (specialty) to pump in DEXRON-VI ATF.
• Add about 4.5-5.5 quarts to start (a drain/refill is not the full transmission capacity).
• Reinstall the fill plug finger-tight for now using your 3/8" drive ratchet (final tighten after level set).

Step 6: Warm the fluid and set the level (critical)

• Start the engine and keep your foot on the brake.
• Slowly move the shifter through P-R-N-D and back to P, pausing 2-3 seconds in each position.
• Use the OBD-II scan tool with transmission fluid temperature (specialty) to monitor TFT.
• With the SUV still level and the engine idling in P, wait until TFT is around 85-95°C (185-203°F).
• Place the drain pancheck/level plug.
• Use the correct socket from your metric socket set 8mm-19mm with a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the check/level plug.
• Correct level behavior: a thin stream that turns into a drip.
• If no fluid comes out, use the fluid transfer pump (specialty) to add ATF through the fill port until it just begins to flow out of the level port.
• If a heavy stream pours out, let it drain until it becomes a drip.
• Reinstall the check/level plug and tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 12 Nm (106 in-lbs).

Step 7: Final-tighten the fill plug and reinstall shields

• Use a torque wrench (10-100 Nm range) to tighten the fill plug: Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the splash shield using the metric socket set 8mm-19mm, 3/8" drive ratchet, and trim clip tool.
• Lower your Traverse from the jack stands using the floor jack.

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✅ After Repair

• With the engine running, check underneath for leaks around the drain plug, check/level plug, and fill plug.
• Take a 10-15 minute test drive. Verify shifts feel normal and no slipping or harsh shifting occurs.
• Recheck for leaks after the drive.
• Dispose of used ATF at a recycling center or parts store that accepts waste fluids.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹10,000-₹20,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹3,500-₹8,500 (parts only)

You Save: ₹6,500-₹11,500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹2,500-₹5,000/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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