🔧 Enclave - Transmission Fluid Change

This service is a drain-and-refill with a fluid level “set” procedure (the level is checked through a plug at a specific transmission fluid temperature). Doing it correctly helps prevent harsh shifts, slipping, and premature transmission wear.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the Enclave on jack stands and keep it level front-to-rear and side-to-side (critical for correct fluid level).
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be hot—wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Part of the level-setting is done with the engine running; keep hands/clothes away from moving parts and keep the area ventilated.
• ⚠️ Chock the wheels and keep your foot firmly on the brake when shifting through gears.
• 🔌 Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

---

🔧 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)
• Ratchet (3/8" drive)
• Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)
• Trim clip remover
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• OBD2 scan tool that reads transmission fluid temperature (specialty)
• Shop rags
• Brake cleaner spray

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (DEXRON-VI) - Qty: 8 quarts
• Transmission drain plug seal/washer - Qty: 1
• Underbody shield fasteners/clips - Qty: 1 set

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🧭 Park on a level surface. Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• 🛠️ Raise the Enclave and support it on jack stands at all four corners so it sits level.
• 🌡️ You must read transmission fluid temperature to set the level correctly. An OBD2 tool that shows “Transmission Fluid Temp” is the easiest way.
• ❓ Quick questions so I can tailor the last steps (reply with A/B):
  • A) Are you doing a drain-and-fill or trying to do a full fluid exchange/flush?
  • B) Do you have a tool that can read transmission fluid temperature (scan tool), or do you need a recommendation?

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm it up and set up your scan tool

• Start the engine and let the Enclave idle for 5–10 minutes to begin warming the fluid.
• Plug in your OBD2 scan tool and monitor Transmission Fluid Temperature.
• Warm fluid drains faster and more completely.

Step 2: Remove the underbody splash shield

• Use a trim clip remover and socket set (metric) with a ratchet to remove the fasteners holding the lower splash shield/undertray.
• Set the shield and fasteners aside in order.

Step 3: Locate the drain plug and the fill/level plugs

• Place a drain pan under the transmission case.
• Identify the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission case.
• Identify the fill plug (where you pump new fluid in) and the level check plug (used to set the final level).
• Find fill plug before draining.

Step 4: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Use the correct-size socket with a ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain completely into the drain pan.
• Clean the drain plug area with shop rags and brake cleaner spray.

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug with a new seal

• Install the new drain plug seal/washer on the drain plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first (prevents cross-threading).
• Tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Refill with new DEXRON-VI fluid

• Remove the transmission fill plug using the appropriate socket and ratchet.
• Insert the hose from the fluid transfer pump (specialty) into the fill hole.
• Pump in DEXRON-VI fluid. As a starting point, add about what you drained (most drain-and-fills are ~4–6 quarts).
• Reinstall the fill plug and tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Run through gears to fill circuits

• Start the engine. Keep your foot firmly on the brake.
• Move the shifter slowly through: P → R → N → D, pausing 3–5 seconds in each position, then back to P.
• Keep watching transmission fluid temperature with the OBD2 scan tool.

Step 8: Set the transmission fluid level at the correct temperature

• With the engine idling and the Enclave still level on jack stands, wait until transmission fluid temp is in the check range: 35–45°C (95–113°F).
• Place the drain pan under the level check plug.
• Remove the level check plug using the appropriate socket and ratchet.
• Correct level behavior:
  • If fluid drips in a small steady stream, the level is correct.
  • If no fluid comes out, reinstall the level plug temporarily, remove the fill plug, and add fluid with the fluid transfer pump, then re-check.
  • If fluid pours out heavily, let it drain until it becomes a drip/slow stream, then reinstall.
• Reinstall the level check plug and tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the splash shield

• Reinstall the undertray using the socket set (metric) and trim clip remover as needed.
• Replace broken/missing clips with the new underbody shield fasteners/clips.

Step 10: Lower the Enclave and clean up

• Lower the vehicle using the floor jack and remove the jack stands.
• Wipe any spilled fluid with shop rags and use brake cleaner spray if needed.

---

✅ After Repair

• 🔍 With the engine running, check underneath for leaks around the drain, fill, and level plugs.
• 🛣️ Test drive 10–15 minutes. Verify smooth shifts and no slipping.
• 🧪 Recheck for leaks after the test drive.
• ♻️ Take old fluid to a recycling center or parts store that accepts used oil/ATF.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$120 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 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.