How to Change Transmission Fluid on a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado (6-Speed or 8-Speed)
Step-by-step drain-and-fill or pan/filter service with tools list, fluid specs, temp-based level check, and safety tips
How to Change Transmission Fluid on a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado (6-Speed or 8-Speed)
Step-by-step drain-and-fill or pan/filter service with tools list, fluid specs, temp-based level check, and safety tips
🔧 Colorado - Transmission Fluid Change
Your Colorado’s automatic transmission fluid level is set by a specific temperature and plug-check procedure, and the exact steps/plug locations depend on which transmission your Colorado has. I can walk you through it safely, but I need one quick detail so I don’t give you the wrong fill/level-check process.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Work on level ground and support the truck with jack stands before going underneath.
- ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be hot; allow cool-down and wear gloves/eye protection.
- ⚠️ The level check is typically done with the engine running; keep hands/clothes clear of rotating parts.
- ⚠️ Do not crawl under a truck supported only by a jack.
🔧 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
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
- Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
- Shop rags
- Torque wrench (10–100 ft-lbs)
- Socket set (metric)
- Ratchet (3/8" drive)
- Fluid transfer pump (hand pump) (specialty)
- Scan tool with transmission fluid temperature PIDs (specialty)
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Automatic transmission fluid - Qty: Varies by method
- Drain/fill plug seal(s) or gasket(s) (if equipped) - Qty: 1-2
- Transmission pan gasket - Qty: 1 (only if pan is removed)
- Transmission filter - Qty: 1 (only if pan is removed)
- Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 (optional)
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
- Raise the front and rear as needed so the truck sits level on jack stands.
- Please answer these 2 quick questions so I give the exact GM procedure:
- Are you doing a simple drain-and-fill, or a pan drop + filter?
- Do you have the 6-speed or 8-speed automatic in your Colorado?
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Confirm the transmission and service method
- Reply with: 6-speed or 8-speed, and drain-and-fill or pan + filter.
- Once confirmed, I’ll provide the exact plug locations, fluid spec, temperature window, and torque specs for your Colorado.
Step 2: Do not proceed with filling until the correct level-check method is confirmed
- Using the wrong check plug/temperature procedure can cause underfill/overfill and transmission damage.
✅ After Repair
- After we complete the correct fill/level-set procedure, you’ll test drive and recheck for leaks.
- If any warning lights appear or shifting feels abnormal, stop driving and recheck fluid level using the correct temperature procedure.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $250-$550 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $60-$200 (parts only)
You Save: $190-$350 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 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.
