🔧 Traverse - Transmission Fluid Change

Your Traverse can have different automatic transmissions, and GM uses different fluids, fill/level procedures, and torque specs depending on which one you have. If we don’t match the exact transmission, you can end up with the wrong fluid level or the wrong fluid type.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support the vehicle on jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be hot—let it cool and wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Keep the engine area ventilated if you must run the engine for a 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)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• OBD2 scan tool with transmission fluid temperature data (specialty)
• Metric socket set (8mm–15mm)
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10–80 Nm range)
• Trim clip remover
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 6–12 quarts (varies by transmission and whether drain/fill or exchange)
• Drain plug seal / washer (if equipped) - Qty: 1
• Transmission pan gasket - Qty: 1 (only if removing the pan)
• Transmission filter - Qty: 1 (only if serviceable on your transmission)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Traverse on a level surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Raise the front and rear so the vehicle sits level on jack stands.
• Have a way to read Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT). TFT is the fluid temperature inside the transmission, and GM uses it to set the correct level.
• Confirm which transmission you have using the GM Service Parts ID (SPID) label (usually in the glovebox): look for the transmission RPO code (examples: MHG, etc.).

I need 2 quick details before I can give the exact fluid type, plug locations, and torque specs:

• ✅ What transmission RPO code do you see on the SPID label (example format: MHG)?
• ✅ Are you doing a simple drain-and-fill or a full fluid exchange?

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Find the transmission RPO code (SPID label)

• Open the glovebox and look for the white GM Service Parts ID label.
• Use a flashlight and read the 3-character RPO codes; write down the transmission code.
• Send me a photo if easier.

Step 2: Tell me your service type

• Drain-and-fill replaces what’s in the pan (partial change).
• Fluid exchange replaces most of the fluid (requires extra equipment/procedure).

Step 3: I’ll provide the exact GM procedure

• Once you reply with the RPO and service type, I’ll give you the correct fluid spec, exact fill/level steps (including TFT target), and all torque specs for your Traverse.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify there are no leaks after the first short drive.
• Recheck the fluid level using the GM temperature-based procedure for your transmission.
• Scan for transmission-related codes if shifting feels abnormal.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$550 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $70-$220 (parts only, varies by fluid type/quantity)

You Save: $180-$330 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.

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🎯 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.