How to Change Transmission Fluid on a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 (6-Speed or 8-Speed)
Step-by-step drain & fill with correct fluid type, filter/gasket parts list, tools, and temp-based level check
How to Change Transmission Fluid on a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 (6-Speed or 8-Speed)
Step-by-step drain & fill with correct fluid type, filter/gasket parts list, tools, and temp-based level check
🔧 Sierra 1500 - Transmission Fluid Change
On your Sierra 1500, the transmission fluid service procedure depends on which automatic transmission you have. The 6-speed and 8-speed units use different fluid types and have different fill/check methods (most are checked through a side plug at a specific fluid temperature, not with a dipstick).
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Work on a level surface; support the truck with jack stands before going underneath.
- ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be hot; let it cool and wear gloves and eye protection.
- ⚠️ The fluid level is checked at a specific temperature; over/under-filling can cause shifting damage.
- ⚠️ Keep the truck level during filling and checking.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
- Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
- Socket set (metric, 8mm–15mm)
- Torque wrench (10–80 ft-lbs range)
- Fluid transfer pump (hand pump) (specialty)
- Scan tool with transmission fluid temperature PID (specialty)
- Shop rags
- Brake cleaner spray
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 6–12 quarts
- Transmission pan gasket - Qty: 1
- Transmission filter - Qty: 1
- Transmission drain/fill plug seal - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
- Lift the truck and set it on jack stands so it sits level front-to-rear.
- Plan to monitor transmission fluid temperature with a scan tool; this is required for an accurate final level check.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Before I can give the exact steps (fluid type, plug locations, torque specs), I need one quick detail:
- When you put the shifter in Manual mode, what is the highest gear number you can select on the dash: 6 or 8?
That tells me 6-speed vs 8-speed.
✅ After Repair
- Verify there are no leaks at the pan and plugs after a short drive.
- Recheck the fluid level using the specified temperature range for your transmission.
- Confirm smooth shifting in all gears.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $250-$550 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $90-$250 (parts only)
You Save: $160-$300 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.
