Transmission Fluid Change DIY

[RenaissanceMan]

Originally Posted by JCL

The confusion is being compounded.

It is not a ZF transmission, it is a GM transmission. 3.0, not 4.4.

Renaissance Man, when I look up the green tag, I get the part number you list, the ETL7082B reference, and a note that it has been superceded by Dexron VI. So that is what I would use myself. Dexron VI is a backwards compatible fluid that covers the old Dexron III spec (which had an orange tag) among others.

The yellow tag is the ETL7045E fluid. So let's put that one aside right now.

These fluids are probably all variants of Dexron III IMO, and so will have similar specs, but they are trying to make sure that what you add to it is compatible with what is already in it. Since you can't buy the green tag fluid anymore, use the Dexron VI that the dealer recommends.

Aftermarket suppliers may try to upsell a generic fluid that isn't certified, but which claims to meet a number of specs. Sort of an adjustable wrench of the fluid world. I would use a fluid that meets the Dexron VI spec over a fluid that claims to be OK to use on a wide number of specs.

Level is important. Check the procedure.

There are no adaptations to reset.

Good luck

Jeff

Thanks so much for the replies. This information is MOST helpful, and helps to clear up the confusion regarding tag colors, etc. So, it sounds like as long as I go with a quality Dextron VI spec fluid, I'll be ok. The dealer didn't give me any brand info on the Dextron VI they sell, so I'm hoping that going with something like this or a Valvoline/Mobil 1 will be ok:

Your Parts Search Returned 1 Part(s)

One last question - In measuring warmup temp for ensuring proper fluid level is it necessary to use something like an infrared thermometer or digital thermometer or is it enough to base it on a rough amount of warmup time?