Disclaimer
The community here at 355nation.net urges you to please use caution and seek professional assistance when performing modifications to your vehicle. Before attempting any modification it is advised that you refer to your Colorado or Canyon service manual or contact a certified mechanic as not all GMT355 trucks are the same. The staff and the associated members are in no way responsible for any damages, injuries or other harm inflicted to your vehicle or yourself which may result in attempting these modifications. The posts and content presented on this site reflect in no way the views of 355nation.net or it’s ownership.
![Image]()
A 355nation How To presented by:
1BADI5
Project Name:
Fluid/Filter Change on 355 4L60-E
Project Description:
Replace your DEXRON 3 and Transmission filter. This is required service to keep you on the road.
NOTE: 2004-05 model year will use DEXRON 4/ 2006 to current model year will require DEXRON 6. Ensure to consult your dealer on the fluid type and proper filter prior to conducting this service. Failure to do so can lead to transmission failure in the worst case situation.
UPDATE: DEXRON 6 can be used on any year 355, but do not mix with other types.
GM Recommends this service at every 50,000 miles.....though I do not recommend going that long.
Skill Level:
Easy
Project Vehicle
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Colorado
Year: 2004
Engine: 3.5L
Transmission: Auto/4L60-E
Power windows: Yes
Sun Roof: No
Tools Needed:
3/8" drive Ratchet
3/8" extentions, 4-6" should be enough
3/8" 13mm socket
worklight, with extention cord(if needed)
Lift or jack and jack stands
Trans Jack is super nice to have or a second set of hands
Container for used DEXRON Fluid
Rags, drip pan, and anything else you need for clean up
Project Time:
1 hours or less. Clean up time might make this longer though!
Project Cost:
$45 USD, AC Delco Transmission Filter kit from Dealer(P/N 24208576)
$36 USD, 5 QTs of Castrol DEXRON VI from Advance Auto
$12 USD, Shop fees on Post, includes disposal of all old fluids/filters
$93 USD and an hour of my time is much better the the Dealer cost of $259 USD, and not having your truck for 4-8 hours! Plus you know its done right!
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
Fluid/Fliter Change on 355 4L60-E:
NOTE: 2004-05 can use DEXRON 4, 2006-Current model year use DEXRON 6. Please consult with your dealer on the proper fluid and filter if unsure.
Ok, its time to treat your transmission with some of the same loving care that the motor oil gets. Now I just checked and GM recommmends doing trans filter and fluid every 50,000 miles; thats equal to about 12-15 oil changes!!! Thats insane in my mind. The fluid in your transmission is supposed to be RED not black/brown which mine was. The transmission is even more sensitive to old nasty fluid then the crankcase.
I'm at 67,000 miles as of today at the time of the service. I did my first service at 29,000 miles. Once you see the pictures of my fluid and filter you will see what I'm talking about. I HIGHLY recommend doing this service every 30,000 miles MAX. Some of us race, go off road or do alot of city driving, this will kill the DEXRON in a period of time alot quicker then 50,000 miles. So proceed forward with this service as its needed to suit your driving style.
1. First off let your transmission cool off.
2. Support your transpan either with a jack, trans jack or a friend willing to get covered in old DEXRON....better pay well with beer!
![Image]()
3. Unbolt all 16 13mm bolts on the pan, leaving a bolt in place on each corner.
![Image]()
4. Lower the pan slow and smooth. The transmission linkage is in the way, but its easy enough to get around.
![Image]()
Even with an extra set of hands and trans jack it will get messing!!!!! So be prepared and please do the right thing and dispose of all fluids in a way that would make the EPA happy! Most local parts stores have a recycling program!
![Image]()
NOTE: those of you lowered with a JTR low profile transmission cross member, this will be in the way too, but can be worked around easy.
5. Drain out your trans pan of the old DEXRON and clean out. DO NOT discard the magnet seen in the picture; clean that as well.
This first picture shows where I started to clean the trans pan....and then the area that was not!
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
6. Pull out old filter and discard after draining out.
NOTE: you will have to wiggle it back and forth(side to side) to get it out. The seal that holds it in is a tight seal!
![Image]()
![Image]()
Note the color of the fluid coming out of the old filter...yep, not red as it should be. This is the reason why I say 50,000 inbetween the trans service is insane. (I drive hard and spend a fair amount of time in traffic)
![Image]()
7. Now get back in there and remove the old trans filter seal, its a BITCH to get out. Then clean the surrounding areas of old dripping DEXRON.
![Image]()
8. Install new trans filter seal supplied with kit.
9. Install new trans filter. NOTE: its a tight fit going back in, but not that tough.
10. Reinstall trans pan with new supplied trans pan gasket, and all 16 13mm bolts(7-10 lb ft). Once everything is in place lower truck back to ground.
11. Pull the transmission fluid dip stick and use a funnel to refill the transmission with 5 QTs DEXRON 4 or higher fluid.
![Image]()
12. Let sit, then check your fluid level. There are makers on the dip stick for cold and hot readings.
At this point you have now serviced your transmission with new DEXRON and filter! And best of all, you have saved OVER a $100 in the process! Now you have some more money for LED mods or what ever you please!
Yes, I had to get at least one corny picture of me in there! :lmaop:
The community here at 355nation.net urges you to please use caution and seek professional assistance when performing modifications to your vehicle. Before attempting any modification it is advised that you refer to your Colorado or Canyon service manual or contact a certified mechanic as not all GMT355 trucks are the same. The staff and the associated members are in no way responsible for any damages, injuries or other harm inflicted to your vehicle or yourself which may result in attempting these modifications. The posts and content presented on this site reflect in no way the views of 355nation.net or it’s ownership.
A 355nation How To presented by:
1BADI5
Project Name:
Fluid/Filter Change on 355 4L60-E
Project Description:
Replace your DEXRON 3 and Transmission filter. This is required service to keep you on the road.
NOTE: 2004-05 model year will use DEXRON 4/ 2006 to current model year will require DEXRON 6. Ensure to consult your dealer on the fluid type and proper filter prior to conducting this service. Failure to do so can lead to transmission failure in the worst case situation.
UPDATE: DEXRON 6 can be used on any year 355, but do not mix with other types.
GM Recommends this service at every 50,000 miles.....though I do not recommend going that long.
Skill Level:
Easy
Project Vehicle
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Colorado
Year: 2004
Engine: 3.5L
Transmission: Auto/4L60-E
Power windows: Yes
Sun Roof: No
Tools Needed:
3/8" drive Ratchet
3/8" extentions, 4-6" should be enough
3/8" 13mm socket
worklight, with extention cord(if needed)
Lift or jack and jack stands
Trans Jack is super nice to have or a second set of hands
Container for used DEXRON Fluid
Rags, drip pan, and anything else you need for clean up
Project Time:
1 hours or less. Clean up time might make this longer though!
Project Cost:
$45 USD, AC Delco Transmission Filter kit from Dealer(P/N 24208576)
$36 USD, 5 QTs of Castrol DEXRON VI from Advance Auto
$12 USD, Shop fees on Post, includes disposal of all old fluids/filters
$93 USD and an hour of my time is much better the the Dealer cost of $259 USD, and not having your truck for 4-8 hours! Plus you know its done right!
Fluid/Fliter Change on 355 4L60-E:
NOTE: 2004-05 can use DEXRON 4, 2006-Current model year use DEXRON 6. Please consult with your dealer on the proper fluid and filter if unsure.
Ok, its time to treat your transmission with some of the same loving care that the motor oil gets. Now I just checked and GM recommmends doing trans filter and fluid every 50,000 miles; thats equal to about 12-15 oil changes!!! Thats insane in my mind. The fluid in your transmission is supposed to be RED not black/brown which mine was. The transmission is even more sensitive to old nasty fluid then the crankcase.
I'm at 67,000 miles as of today at the time of the service. I did my first service at 29,000 miles. Once you see the pictures of my fluid and filter you will see what I'm talking about. I HIGHLY recommend doing this service every 30,000 miles MAX. Some of us race, go off road or do alot of city driving, this will kill the DEXRON in a period of time alot quicker then 50,000 miles. So proceed forward with this service as its needed to suit your driving style.
1. First off let your transmission cool off.
2. Support your transpan either with a jack, trans jack or a friend willing to get covered in old DEXRON....better pay well with beer!
3. Unbolt all 16 13mm bolts on the pan, leaving a bolt in place on each corner.
4. Lower the pan slow and smooth. The transmission linkage is in the way, but its easy enough to get around.
Even with an extra set of hands and trans jack it will get messing!!!!! So be prepared and please do the right thing and dispose of all fluids in a way that would make the EPA happy! Most local parts stores have a recycling program!
NOTE: those of you lowered with a JTR low profile transmission cross member, this will be in the way too, but can be worked around easy.
5. Drain out your trans pan of the old DEXRON and clean out. DO NOT discard the magnet seen in the picture; clean that as well.
This first picture shows where I started to clean the trans pan....and then the area that was not!
6. Pull out old filter and discard after draining out.
NOTE: you will have to wiggle it back and forth(side to side) to get it out. The seal that holds it in is a tight seal!
Note the color of the fluid coming out of the old filter...yep, not red as it should be. This is the reason why I say 50,000 inbetween the trans service is insane. (I drive hard and spend a fair amount of time in traffic)
7. Now get back in there and remove the old trans filter seal, its a BITCH to get out. Then clean the surrounding areas of old dripping DEXRON.
8. Install new trans filter seal supplied with kit.
9. Install new trans filter. NOTE: its a tight fit going back in, but not that tough.
10. Reinstall trans pan with new supplied trans pan gasket, and all 16 13mm bolts(7-10 lb ft). Once everything is in place lower truck back to ground.
11. Pull the transmission fluid dip stick and use a funnel to refill the transmission with 5 QTs DEXRON 4 or higher fluid.
12. Let sit, then check your fluid level. There are makers on the dip stick for cold and hot readings.
At this point you have now serviced your transmission with new DEXRON and filter! And best of all, you have saved OVER a $100 in the process! Now you have some more money for LED mods or what ever you please!
Yes, I had to get at least one corny picture of me in there! :lmaop:
