How to change transfer case fluid in a Chevy Colorado

A five minute how-to video showing the process of changing the transfer case fluid on a 4WD 1st generation Chevy Colorado. This video should be applicable to most 1st generation Colorado's, as well as GMC Canyon, Hummer H3, and Isuzu vehicles with the 4WD system. Any questions please drop them in the comments. If this video was helpful please 'like' and 'subscribe'. Thanks!

[@CompTechMike]

If you liked this video or found it helpful, please "like" and "subscribe" to my channel. It really helps me out a lot. I have dozens of videos on troubleshooting and repairs of 1st generation Chevy Colorado and regularly add more. Check out the entire playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLZsiP8a81zDFWVAWL_RxIkDSn2TSAcU8y My current truck has 237,000 miles and is still running great. Hope to keep it that way a lot longer. Thanks!

[@sebastian.su935]

Thanks man now I got how to do it With this changed it now concludes all the fluids changed in my 2010 colorado 😂

[@CompTechMike]

Fantastic! Glad to help. 🙂

[@darkseasoning9966]

I have an 05 Colorado quad cab, you videos are super helpful and save me a lot on trips to the shop!

[@CompTechMike]

Awesome! Glad to help. 😀👍👍

[@user-tm5cf4ii8q]

Thank you for this video

[@CompTechMike]

You're welcome! Glad to help. 😊

[@CompTechMike]

If this video was helpful to you, please 'like' and 'subscribe'. Thanks!

[@CompTechMike]

Edit: Recommended service interval is 75,000-100,000 miles.

[@dalemihocik4732]

Hey Mike, you're not lying about the fill plug being very tight. I see you recommend using a breaker bar, but I can see that case flexing as I apply force. Did that happen to you as well? I certainly don't want to crack the case when my intention is to perform maintenance, not create a problem.

[@CompTechMike]

Hi Dale! Man, that sounds rough. Have you tried spraying it down with something like PB Blaster and letting it soak in a bit before trying to remove it? I would just steadily apply more pressure, don't try to hit it with something like an impact tool. Slow and steady pressure. That's probably how I'd try. Good luck, hope it works for you!

[@jadon2709]

Great vid, do you have a link for the fluid and pump?

[@CompTechMike]

Hi! Thanks! Here are the links: www.amazon.com/dp/B071YBH8P1/ www.amazon.com/dp/B07CX4XKFH/

[@mrblondeheart9562]

My 04 Z71 Colorado has 223k miles and never had the tranny, t-case or diff(s) fluids changed... Haven’t had any issues yet but will be doing t-case and diffs soon

[@CompTechMike]

Nice! If the vehicle isn't abused these fluids can last a very long time. That said, it definitely sounds like you're due. Hope this video (and the other videos in my series, which cover those topics) are helpful! 😊

[@perttufihlman2552]

Nice looking fluid? Did you change it before? Im Gonna do the same friday.... so Ill record the change.

[@CompTechMike]

Awesome! I drive a lot and try to change all of my fluids every few years, but this video was the first time I'd done the transfer case. 😄 Remember to make sure you're able to get the fill plug out before you pull the drain plug out. Have heard a few "horror stories" from people who've drained out the old fluid and not been able to put new in. Good luck!

[@DavidVoxDem]

What fluid did you use? I have an equivalent Isuzu truck and the manual says to use engine oil in both the tranny and the transfer box is that right?

[@CompTechMike]

Hi! I used Valvoline Synchromesh. You can see it right at the 0:35 second mark into the video. However, I would use what your service manual tells you, if it varies from what I use. Good luck!

[@nicholasm2239]

Just did this job today. My fill bolt was kinda loose am wondering is it meant to have a crush washer on it? The bolt itself had an o ring at the base of the shaft but I could easy hand tighten it to the point where it would free spin. Was wondering if anyone knew whether it's meant to have a flat vs crush vs something else as a sealer on it? Are the drain and fill bolts the same actual bolt? Did someone mess em up in the past potentially. There was a whole bunch of blue thread locker on the fill bolt to try to seal it by the looks of things.

[@CompTechMike]

Whole bunch of thread locker? It sounds like someone may have had the bolts installed wrong, or stripped or over-tightened them in the past, and was trying to compensate for a leak. Maybe something like one of those gaskets they make for oil drain plugs might help (there's usually a kit of different sizes in the "Help" section of most auto parts stores). Good luck, hope you are able to get them installed correctly!

[@nicholasm2239]

@@CompTechMike ya there was a bunch of blue thread locker that looks like it might have been doing the sealing job all gunked up on the o ring. Looking at the bolt it must be stripped in the transfer case I think. Going to try a really thick copper washer and/or a much bigger o-ring hope it seals somewhat

[@fitterkrueger1524]

stretching my neck to try to look at the transfer case motor lol need a vid 👍

[@CompTechMike]

I'm not entirely sure if this is a question? Hope this video on changing the fluid shows you what you need. 😊

[@fitterkrueger1524]

@@CompTechMike so i’m saying i’m currently having trouble with my transfer case shift motor on my colorado and it would have been great if you had a video on one 👍

[@CompTechMike]

@@fitterkrueger1524 hi! Without knowing what your exact issue is, it's tough to reply. My truck has 239,000 miles on it and has never had a problem with the transfer case or 4WD system, but I know a common point of failure in the 1st gen trucks is with the actuator. The actuator is located just next to the front differential. It's pretty straight forward to change (just unscrews). This guy has a helpful video, here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqXQkH1_ha6enLc If mine ever breaks, I'll be sure to make my own video on it. 😊 In the meantime, I recommend posting the exact details of your issue on forums such as 355nation, Coloradofans.com, and also on the "Chevy Colorado & Canyon (First Gen) Fan And Owner Page" over on Facebook. If you're not already a member, here's a link for that: facebook.com/groups/1191961547485485 Hope this helps!

[@RainsMobileMechanic]

Is the fluid the same for the The Colorado with a automatic?

[@CompTechMike]

Hi! Thanks for the comment. The vehicle shown in this video has an automatic transmission. This video is for the transfer case fluid, not the transmission. The transfer case is a separate unit, part of the 4WD system. I would assume most first gen trucks 04-12 would use the same fluid, but recommend checking the owners manual for the correct fluid for your specific vehicle.

[@CompTechMike]

It sounds like you might actually be interested in changing the transmission fluid, rather than the transfer case fluid. If you've never done it before there's plenty of videos on KZbin that show the process. Here's a link to one to get you started: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moXTdGClf5d_rNU I do recommend confirming the correct fluid in your owners manual. Changing all these fluids is a part of routine maintenance. My truck recently passed 238,000 miles and is still running great. Hope this helps! 😊

[@RainsMobileMechanic]

@@CompTechMike I could see how this was confusing haha sorry I guess this fluid you’re using is the same fluid you would use in a transfer case of a Colorado with a manual or an automatic. I thought the type of transfer fluid would be different in a Colorado with a manual! Thanks for replying !

[@ThatKZ900LTD]

Is this just fill to spill? If not how many quarts does it take?

[@CompTechMike]

Hi! Thanks for the comment. The specs I've seen say the transfer case on 1st gen should take about 1.7 quarts. But since it's kind of hard to measure, I just go to "fill to spill". Like that term. 😜 Make sure you loosen the top bolt before removing the bottom one, otherwise you might not be able to refill it. Otherwise it's pretty easy. Here's a link to the fluid I used: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YBH8P1 Good luck!

[@ThatKZ900LTD]

@@CompTechMike awesome thank you!

[@mminton88]

Didn’t look very dirty for that many miles!

[@CompTechMike]

I know! Wasn't sure how it would look. Was a little worried it would be totally messed up. Guess it doesn't wear as badly as some of the other fluids.