I need to change the transmission fluid in my suburban. The pan doesn't have a drain plug and I don't want to deal with a mess so I'm taking in somewhere. I'm in Katy and I called a highly recommended, Gary's Transmission, and they said they do not change the filter, only drain the fluid and refill. Anyone ever heard of this?

I have a 2021 and took it to a GM dealer for a transmission service. They told me the same thing.

Maybe they don't drop the pan. They might suck out the old through the dipstick

Furlock Bones said:

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Yea I would ask them if they are dropping the pan or vacuuming it out. If dropping the pan, then definitely change the filter at the same time.

Honestly, I would drop the pan. Change the filter. Check and clean the magnets of metal.

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Over 40 years and several dozen vehicles I have had the transmission oil and filter changed twice. Once my wife was upsold the transmission service at Robbins Chevrolet on a 2010 Tahoe and the second time I was upsold the transmission service on a 2016 diesel F250 at Power Stroke Magic. On Both vehicles, the Transmission went out within 6 months of the service and both were replaced at my expense.

The Only other transmission I had go out was on an S-10 blazer in the early 90s towing a U-Haul trailer several hours with the transmission in OD- which was my fault.

Not changing the filter or dropping the pan again.

The GM/Ford 10 speeds have a two stage filter, a fine particle and large/coarse particle( like a strainer)

I have changed a few and found them not ever clogged or restricted. .

Transmissions are happy with fresh additive package, which comes with fresh fluid. Most everyone that doesn't use a flushing machine /fluid exchanger does "spill and fill" which I accomplish by using an electric vacuum pump from the fill port, measure what you removed and replace with the same amount. I have found this method regularly will improve shifting and drivability.

If you find the fluid particularly dirty, you can change the fluid again in a few thousand miles to introduce more clean fluid.

Finally, most auto manufacturers have gone on record starting that these LV and ULV fluids discolor very easy.


I sampled the fluid out of our 50K mile expedition and sent it off to blackstone. I will share results here when I get them back.

Gary is a nice enough guy but he's typically not interested in your business unless it's a full rebuild. He also told me he doesn't bother rebuilding 10 speed GM and Ford units, he just buys them from the dealer.

I had mine changed and I suspect the reason some are reluctant to drop the pan and change the filter is it was quite a bit of labor because the exhaust is in the way.

In my 2004 Silverado 1/2 ton, there was a crossmember that had to be moved to drop the pan

Ok. Just providing my experience. You do you. I've put 150- 210k miles on multiple vehicles without doing anything to the transmission oil/ filter. Including a current 18 Chevy 2500 Hd gas truck with 182k miles and it's done plenty of farm/ ranch towing, including today.

To get the pan off you have to partially remove the exhaust and the O2 sensors.