I’m just planning on dropping the pan, changing the filter and then refilling what came out which I think will be about 5 quarts. I’ve read so many anecdotes about whether I should change it or not if it’s 20 years old and went through 109k miles.

I also have the ability to use a fluid extractor too but that wouldn’t allow me to clean the magnets or change the filter. Just wanted to get someone else’s thoughts

 

What color is the fluid?

 

Suck some out through the dipstick tube, then drop the Pan. Before you do that, get an H3 specific filter and gasket set. I always add a drain plug to the Trans Pan the first time while it is off drilling a 7/16" hole in the left front corner maybe 1.5" in from both edges, weld a 12MM x 1.75 weld nut to the outside (for a standard H3 oil pan plug or a F107S Fumoto Valve with short nipple).

DIY Transmission pan drop filter change. Any tips?

 

Thanks Doc, I didn’t even consider this before. I noticed Dorman makes a replacement pan with a drain plug for $38 on rockauto which seems fair to me since my welding skills are crap. If I go that route what intervals should I drain compared to draining and changing the filter?

 

There is no drain and refill interval. The filter should always be replaced with fluid changed at the intervals called for in the owners manual maintenance schedule applicable to your use and conditions. The drain plug just makes it a whole lot easier in the future.

 

Got it! I was thinking that with the drain plug I could drain it at each of my next two oil changes to really replace the 11 or so quarts that it holds. And then hold off to do the filter again at closer to 50,000 miles.

 

I will throw my 2cents worth on this, Some time back I had a 05 H2 SUT that had 80k on it when I purchased it. I had it in for GM service and was talked into "Transmission FLUSH".

The logic behind this is "ALL H2 4L60e's will fail just over 100k and was told if you do this now you can possibly extend the life of the unit. Well as soon as it hit 120k it started suffering from 2 to 3 shift flare and needed replacement.

Before the "Flush" was completed the fluid was in good condition transmission worked fine and maintenance records showed it had been replaced 60k. Looking back I should have just performed a trans service, filter replacement and added a can of Seafoam Trans Tune.

The jury is out on transmission flushes, some say it great other say it just causes problems. I put well over 200k on my Silverado 2500's 4L80 and only did fluid and filter changes, it never had any issues. (of course its far superior to the 4l60 trans)

 

50,000 Miles?
Manufacturer service recommendation goes OUT THE WINDOW after 50,000 Miles!
For the 4L60E transmission, it is highly recommended to change the fluid and filter every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
For severe driving conditions—such as heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go driving, or hot climates—reduce this interval to every 15,000 to 30,000 miles to prevent overheating and premature failure!

 

"The logic behind this is" WARRANTY EXPIRED & YOU BUY A NEW VEHICLE!
"The 4L60E with diligent maintenance, such as regular fluid/filter changes can exceed 200,000 to 300,000 miles!"

 

I concur with Hummerz.

@Tonyp25 That pan may not work - it doesn't look like it has the shaft clearance cutout. I hope I'm wrong. But, if it does work, let us know!