🔧 Traverse - Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill

Do a drain-and-fill, not a pressurized flush. Your Traverse uses a dipstickless 9-speed automatic, so the final fluid level must be checked with the vehicle level, the engine running, and the transmission fluid at the specified temperature. GM specifies DEXRON-VI automatic transmission fluid. chevrolet.com)

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

Assumption: These instructions cover routine fluid replacement without transmission leaks or shifting faults.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support your Traverse on four properly rated jack stands. It must remain level.
• ⚠️ Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
• ⚠️ The final level check is performed with the engine running. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from moving parts.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid will be hot at the final check. Wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Use only fluid clearly labeled as meeting the DEXRON-VI specification. Incorrect fluid can damage the transmission. carmanualsonline.info)
• ⚠️ Do not add shudder treatments or other additives during routine maintenance.
• ⚠️ Do not disconnect the battery unless an electrical connector must be unplugged.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 11mm six-point socket
• 10mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive extension set
• Inch-pound torque wrench rated below 150 in-lbs
• OBD-II scan tool with transmission temperature display (specialty)
• Long-neck transmission funnel
• Fluid drain pan rated 10-quart minimum
• Graduated measuring container rated 8-quart minimum
• Floor jack rated 3-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 3-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• 24-inch carpenter’s level
• Nitrile mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• DEXRON-VI automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 6 quarts
• Transmission drain-plug seal - Qty: 1 if damaged or supplied separately
• Transmission level-plug seal - Qty: 1 if damaged or supplied separately

The transmission-fluid aisle is open in the parts sidebar. Check the bottle itself for an explicit DEXRON-VI approval before adding it. Six quarts gives you enough for a typical drain-and-fill plus final adjustment.

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a firm, level surface and allow the drivetrain to cool enough to handle safely.
• Chock the wheels using the wheel chocks.
• Connect the OBD-II scan tool and confirm that it can display Transmission Fluid Temperature.
• Raise your Traverse with the 3-ton floor jack and support it evenly on four 3-ton jack stands.
• Place the 24-inch carpenter’s level along a suitable flat body or subframe reference. Adjust the stands until the vehicle is level front-to-rear and side-to-side.
• Locate the top fill cap before draining anything. Never empty a transmission until you know the fill point opens.
• No infotainment service mode or transmission programming is required.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the Transmission Fill Cap

• Open the hood and locate the engine-control-module assembly above the transmission area.
• Use the 10mm socket, extension, and ratchet to remove the accessible retaining fasteners.
• Move the assembly aside only far enough to reach the transmission fill cap. Do not stretch the wiring.
• Remove the fill cap by hand. If it will not open, stop before draining the transmission.
• Open the fill point first. Always.

Step 2: Drain the Old Fluid

• Position the 10-quart drain pan beneath the transmission drain plug.
• Use the 11mm six-point socket and ratchet to loosen the drain plug carefully.
• Remove the plug by hand and allow the fluid to drain until it slows to an occasional drip.
• Inspect the old fluid for metallic debris, a strong burned smell, or coolant contamination.
• Do not remove the transmission pan during this routine service.

Step 3: Measure the Drained Fluid

• Pour the drained fluid into the graduated measuring container.
• Record the exact amount removed. This provides a safe starting refill quantity.
• Normal darkening alone does not prove the transmission is damaged. Heavy metal particles or milky fluid require diagnosis before driving.

Step 4: Reinstall the Drain Plug

• Clean the drain plug and sealing surface with shop towels.
• Replace the plug seal if it is cut, flattened, or supplied as a separate service item.
• Thread the plug in completely by hand to prevent cross-threading.
• Use the 11mm socket and inch-pound torque wrench to tighten it to 12 Nm (106 in-lbs).
• Do not overtighten this small plug. More torque isn’t more sealed.

Step 5: Add the Initial Refill

• Insert the long-neck transmission funnel into the top fill opening.
• Pour in the same measured amount of fresh DEXRON-VI fluid that drained out.
• Add the fluid slowly to prevent it from backing up through the fill opening.
• Install the fill cap by hand after the initial refill.

Step 6: Circulate the New Fluid

• Confirm that your Traverse is securely supported and level.
• Start the engine and keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal.
• Move the selector slowly through Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and the available lower ranges, pausing approximately three seconds in each position.
• Return the selector to Park and leave the engine idling.
• Inspect the drain plug for leakage using a flashlight.

Step 7: Bring the Fluid to Checking Temperature

• Use the OBD-II scan tool to monitor Transmission Fluid Temperature.
• Allow the fluid temperature to reach 85-95°C (185-203°F) with the engine idling. The transmission level changes with temperature, so this range matters. static.nhtsa.gov)
• Keep your Traverse level throughout the check.
• Do not shut the engine off before removing the level plug.

Step 8: Check and Correct the Fluid Level

• With the engine running, selector in Park, and fluid within 85-95°C (185-203°F), place the drain pan beneath the level-check plug.
• Use the 11mm six-point socket and ratchet to remove the level-check plug carefully.
• If fluid exits as a thin stream and slows to a drip, allow the excess to drain until only a slow trickle remains.
• If no fluid exits, reinstall the plug loosely, add approximately 250 ml through the top fill opening, and repeat the check while maintaining the specified temperature.
• The level is correct when fluid produces a small trickle from the level opening.
• The transmission has no dipstick. An internal standpipe and this temperature-based check establish the level. static.nhtsa.gov

Step 9: Install the Level Plug

• Inspect the level-plug seal and replace it if damaged.
• Thread the level plug in by hand while the engine continues idling.
• Use the 11mm socket and inch-pound torque wrench to tighten the plug to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs). GM’s documented 9T65 level procedure specifies this torque. static.nhtsa.gov
• Wipe the area clean and check immediately for leakage.

Step 10: Reassemble and Lower the Vehicle

• Shut the engine off.
• Confirm that the top fill cap is fully seated.
• Return the engine-control-module assembly to its original position.
• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to reinstall its retaining fasteners snugly without crushing the plastic mounting points.
• Use the 3-ton floor jack to lift your Traverse clear of the stands, remove all four stands, and lower it carefully.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine and confirm there are no warning messages or transmission-fluid leaks.
• ✅ Drive gently for 10-15 minutes. Confirm smooth engagement into Drive and Reverse.
• ✅ Recheck the drain and level-plug areas for leaks after the road test.
• ✅ Do not reset the engine-oil-life monitor. It does not track transmission-fluid service.
• ✅ Record the date and mileage for future maintenance.
• ✅ If the transmission slips, bangs into gear, shudders, or contains significant metal debris, stop driving and diagnose the fault. Fresh fluid cannot repair internal damage.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $80-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $170-$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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