Emfuser

I've recently noticed that my shifting is getting a little less smooth lately and I realized that I've never changed the fluid in nearly 40k miles of ownership. (d'oh!) I've never tried to change the fluid on this beast so I'm curious what are some helpful do's and don'ts when changing the fluid.

I'm going to go with the GM Synchromesh, doing this on ramps (or jackstands if necessary) and I'm hoping my TDs don't get in the way of things, but I'm sure there are some tricks out there that people know, that I'd like to know!

Thanks

Smokin00WS6

iTrader: (4)

Me too, want to do the same thing this year. Thanks for asking this Emfuser!

ONEBADASSWS6

Do not use GM Synchromesh, the transmission is not designed for that fluid.

Its stamped right on the case:

"Use Dexron III Transmission Fluid Only"

Some people have tried synchromesh, with mixed results. T56 Rebuilds only reccommends Using Dex III ATF. Mobil 1 ATF is one of the best, that what I use.

3.4camaro

iTrader: (1)

Mobil 1 ATF

drain the whole thing and put 4 quarts through the shifter hole, says amber @ t56rebuilds.

Emfuser

No synchromesh and use Mobil 1 ATF? Ok, if that's what the experts recommend, that's what I'll do.

Thank you for your advice.

Emfuser

Through the shifter hole? Seriously? That sounds too easy.

ONEBADASSWS6

You could probably do that but there is a fill plug on the side of the transmission for a reason.

Just get a fluid pump from walmart and fill it until fluid overflows out of the hole. Thats how you know it is full (make sure the car is level).

If you put it in through the shifter, you can't be sure how much fluid is still in the trans, and therefore how much should be added.

hazard2k

iTrader: (10)

I just did ine yesterday, I drained it all out, and took the fill plug out. I filled it through the shifter and right after the 4th quart it started to dribble out of the fill hole. So i would say 4 quarts is right on.

jimmypop13

iTrader: (17)

Maybe it's just me but it seems like using a pump to fill up the transmission would be 10x easier than removing the center console and the shifter.

Torkman15

iTrader: (2)

I'll second that. I put my fluid in thrugh the fill hole the first time with the exhaust out of the way and it was PITA. Easier to fill thrugh shifter hole.

Torkman15

iTrader: (2)

GM also put a restrictor orfice in the hyd clutch line for a reason. A little common sense goes a long way.

formula305

iTrader: (7)

A pump with a hose running to the fill hole isn't tough at all. Ive been running Synthetic Trick Shift for MT for 17000 miles with lots of power shifts and track time. No tranny problems for me so far.

SShawn

iTrader: (6)

i used a pump and the fill hole. its not hard at all. i used dex III also.

Tudds

iTrader: (4)

Synchromesh works great for me?
This is right from then sticky in this forum
Q: What transmission fluid do you recommend?

A: We use Mobil 1 ATF in all of our daily drivers. While Mobil 1 is what is desired some customers have trouble finding it in there locations. We also use GM Synchromesh. Royal Purple should not be used in a stock transmission as it has been known to cause premature blocker ring wear.

SShawn

iTrader: (6)

dex III is gm recommended. that is why most use it. it says DEX III ONLY on the tranny case and if you were to look it up on a online tech program ( GM SI, mitchell, all data) it will also say dex III. imo if mobil 1 ATF works and you want a special fluid, fine, but why spend the extra money on synchromesh if you can run dex III saftley?

INMY01TA

iTrader: (1)

I used the fill hole and a little red pump from the part store. Takes a little less than 4 quarts. Redline D4 atf here.

02white6.0

As much as I take my trans out I just use the fill hole

Grimes

iTrader: (3)

Mobil1 ATF here, works great!

gforcejunkie

if you have the pump putting it in throught the fill whole is easy. and ramps wont block you either. it takes way to long to go through the shifter imo.

johnnybravo

I'm planning on changing my m6 tranny fluid, also. This thread answered a few of my questions, thanks guys.

But, a few more questions: what type of pump (water, oil, gasoline, or does it make a difference?), and is it battery operated or manual?

Also, I plan on putting the front tires on ramps, then jack stands in the rear. Can I use a floor jack under the rear end housing (like the older cars)to get the rear high enough for the stands?

Thanks,
John