2008 - 2016 GM Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Change 6T30 / 6T40 / 6T45 (Chevrolet Buick & GMC)

This video is about doing a front wheel drive automatic transmission fluid (ATF) change in either the GM 6T40 or 6T45 automatic transmission (aka transaxle) models. It will be very similar for the 6T30 and 6T50 as well. This is a regularly scheduled maintenance operation spelled out in your Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners manual. This maintenance should be done every 97,500 miles, typically (may vary between GM vehicle makes and models). There is no transmission fluid filter that you can change on these automatic transmissions (technically the 6T30E, 6T40E, 6T45E, and 6T50E are automatic transaxles but we will use the word transmission interchangeably to avoid confusion). The filter on these gets changed only during a full transmission tear down and rebuild, as it attaches internally to the oil pump. The vehicle illustrated in the video is a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco with the Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine mated up to the 6T40, but the procedure for draining / changing / replacing the ATF would be the same for any of the 2008 thru 2016 GM car models below with one of the same transaxle family models mentioned herein:

Buick Encore transmission fluid change
Buick LaCrosse transmission fluid change
Buick Regal transmission fluid change
Chevrolet Aveo transmission fluid change
Chevrolet Captiva Sport transmission fluid change
Chevrolet Cruze transmission fluid change
Chevrolet Equinox transmission fluid change
Chevrolet Malibu transmission fluid change
Chevrolet Sonic transmission fluid change
Chevrolet Trax transmission fluid change
GMC Terrain transmission fluid change
Saturn Aura transmission fluid change
Pontiac G6 transmission fluid change

You can determine if you have either the 6T30, 6T40, 6T45, or the 6T50 transmission (again aka transaxle) by looking at the silver and black service parts identification sticker found either in the glove box, the trunk cardboard cover, or the spare tire well, depending on the vehicle model. The three digit regular production option (RPO) codes on the sticker for automatic transmissions covered by this video are MH8 (6T40), MHH (6T40), MHB (6T40), MH7 (6T45), and MHC (6T45). The similar 6T30 will be RPO MH9. The 6T50 will be RPO MHK.

The automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for both of these model transmissions would be GMs DEXRON VI only, the brand does not really matter if it carries the DEXRON VI license mark. Your GM owners manual may specify a different, older, roman numeral (e.g., DEXRON III) but all have been superseded now by GMs DEXRON VI automatic transmission fluid.

The eBay and Amazon search links below are paid links, for which I may be compensated and earn a commission, if you choose to buy the parts and tools shown in this video thru them:

If you are looking for the GM MDI type scan tool I was using: https://ebay.us/OBhKoV or https://amzn.to/31SIPtK

For the GM factory service hardcopy manual try here: https://ebay.us/q8d9qz

The large extended funnel by FloTool can be found here: https://ebay.us/oXUkRR or https://amzn.to/3C8T9Ow

For ACDelco brand DEXRON VI ATF: https://ebay.us/a7GSzu or https://amzn.to/31SFafQ

To get a subscription to GMs Global Diagnostic System 2 (GDS2) software to run on the MDI scan tool, or to access service information online, you can go over to www.acdelcotds.com

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Aveo Equinox Trax Sonic Malibu Captiva Sport Buick Encore LaCrosse Regal GMC Terrain Saturn Aura Pontiac G6

And if I've saved you some $$ here, consider some coins for the coffee tip-jar! https://ko-fi.com/drshock

Chapters:
0:00 - Procedure overview
0:39 - Fluid fill cap location and funnel placement
2:04 - Fluid level check plug location
2:55 - Fluid drain plug location
3:51 - Service manual procedure & ATF capacities
9:35 - Drained fluid inspection
10:06 - Initial ATF fill
10:39 - Scan tool considerations
12:12 - ATF top off and level check
15:08 - Final thoughts

#drshock #cruze #chevysonic #chevroletsonic

Disclaimer: DrShock, the alias for the human content creator for this YouTube channel, is not responsible for any damages, injuries, losses, or liabilities associated with any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance performed on yours, or any other, vehicle whatsoever. No warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided within this channel. Viewing and using the “as-is" information of this channel is totally at your own risk. Always wear personal protection equipment and follow appropriate vehicle manufacturer service manual guidelines with original manufacturer parts only when performing any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance upon any vehicle.