How to Change Transmission Fluid and Filter GM 3.5L Impala and More

A transmission fluid change is important maintenance that is often neglected. Watch this overdue transmission fluid and filter change on a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. This may apply to other GM models such as Monte Carlo, Malibu, Saturn Aura, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Vue.

[@lowryder3209]

My 2011 impala would slip in first gear and then all of a sudden grab it and shudder all over the place. I used this video to help me change the trans fluid and it helped the issue. Great helpful video thank you.

[@cvburton7136]

Did you have to change your filter also?

[@lowryder3209]

@@cvburton7136 I did, I suppose you can skip it if you need to

[@infiniteblaz3416]

Currently borrowing an 09 Impala to get to and from work. The slip on these things are very noticeable. I had a bad slip this morning but I figured it needs a fluid change. Gonna try this out. But this seems to be a universal issue. Are these things notorious for slipping?

[@lowryder3209]

@@infiniteblaz3416 I know someone with the 2012 model which has a different engine. Same issue. When I did my fluid change I thought it helped but it made next to no difference. It definitely needed it, the fluid was brown, but it didn't stop slipping

[@infiniteblaz3416]

@@lowryder3209 After doing thorough research. Apparently the internals such as the solenoids and valves of the 4L65-E are really not up to par. Causing the transmission to slip. So you’ll have to get an aftermarket kit to get better shifting points which is a bummer.

[@AbeVicious]

Just did my transmission service on my 3.9L and you sir are awesome for posting this video. I actually changed my pan to an aftermarket one that comes with a drain plug so I can do a drain and fill in about 40k miles. Did my full service at 60k miles. Replaced pan, gasket and filter. Used AC Delco Dexron VI full synthetic fluid. Best of luck to anyone performing this service without a lift. Don't rush it or let it frustrate you. Lol

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Good idea, the pan with a drain plug. Thanks for sharing and advising.

[@AbeVicious]

@@TheOriginalMechanic no problem

[@earthisfat6184]

So it holds 7 after dropping the pan?

[@aezah89]

@@earthisfat6184 don't go by how much came out just go by what the manufacturers till you it's simple

[@lookItUp91]

@Earth is FAT YOU FORGOT THE "L" in your username brother we have to stick together. Us vs then

[@MargateFL33063]

That was the best Transmission Oil Change video so far for the Chevrolet Impala so far! Thank you.

[@AdamMayor]

Great video thank you for posting! Performed this service on my son's Impala this evening. Went very well. Not a difficult job. Thanks again!

[@JuanPulid0]

Drives good? No slipping?

[@hopedarville7595]

Mine is an impala too, whooooo!

[@AdamMayor]

@@JuanPulid0 sorry just saw your question - yes daily driver and no slipping whatsoever

[@richierudd]

Your video was very helpful. Letting the fluid drain towards the passenger side/small side of the pan downward easing the bolts from there to the opposite side was the way to go.

[@atikovi1]

Do yourself a favor if you plan on doing this often or on many cars, get a fluid extractor and suck the fluid out of the tube first before dropping the pan. I got 6 quarts out first, then just a little more at the pan. Makes life much easier not taking a transmission fluid shower or messing up the driveway.

[@leetaylor2280]

thats why you only partialy loosen the pan and let it drain

[@cannabine413]

I love a gold old worm oil shower 😂😆😂

[@LM77va]

As a good alternative to flushing the fluid, I've heard it is a good idea to repeat this process after a couple thousand miles to make sure all the old fluid is pink. This is mainly for people worried that flushing may screw something up with their transmission.

[@matthewmoon1884]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I have had problems with slipping in 1st gear for months after I inherited this car from my mother who passed. The transmission had been run with low transmission fluid for a while. So by the time I got it I was at a loss. I added transmission fluid first, then tried adding transmission stop slip fluid, cleaner fluid, and even took it to a transmission shop that said they couldn't do anything besides charge me $2500 to take it a part. So frustrating. I followed your video and even though its only been a few days the slip problem seems to be gone. Also, because you actually showed the inside of the transmission area I was able to see how to put back on two clips that came off accidentally after my cleaning towel snagged them when I was wiping off the seal area with laquer cleaner. Thanks again.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I'm surprised and heartened to hear that a transmission fluid change may have solved such a frustrating problem.

[@kamryn7496]

I got a 2006 Monte Carlo an it would jerk in 1st gear an slip some times I was told the transmission was replaced I checked the level with the car off an it was full but when I checked it with the car running at operating temp It was low 3 courts I filled it up an that solved my problem it shifts like a dream now an doesn’t slip any more I guess the dude that changed the transmission on it never checked the fluid while it was running

[@bbaaspencer1]

Wow, finally someone uses a torque wrench! Great video!

[@jaxhernandez9749]

Thanks for posting. This looks 10x easier than I expected

[@ValzKMF]

I'm gonna try it never done it before I just hope I can do it the right way as you did. Thanks for the tips.

[@jimkline746]

I just flushed my radiator from a guy on youtube. I was successful, though they make it look easier than it is.

[@brandonlogan3021]

Measure how much fluid comes out and put that exact amount back in, it's pretty easy I was nervous about doing on my 2010 impala but once I did it it felt great knowing I didn't break anything haha.

[@rseanmcintosh5687]

How did you do ??

[@nyankittyxp4521]

Does not look hard just need the tools. And I’ve only barley changed my oils for the first time

[@desiderious1]

Well made video thanks for posting. Sad that automakers no longer put dipsticks on their transmissions to make to job easier like on this car.

[@tsfyootwiin]

Can’t wait to do mines later today! I have everything I need. Thanks for the video! ✊🏾

[@eliaskauffmann4773]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you sir👍

[@somanynamesilltrythis0180]

Nice video, quick, to the point, and you gave some good tips. Thank you!

[@anthonyamaya4697]

I didn’t even know about this thanks

[@matthewpetras4282]

Great video!! Answer d my question of bolt size 10 mm well done 👏

[@Potatonater-it7gw]

this is way easier than i thought...

[@roeshellrobinson]

Great video and very helpful. thanks for posting.

[@hopedarville7595]

thank you, your really good , photography excellent, could hear every word and it was clear. How much should I charge to do it?

[@EMER9TAILS]

Thanks a lot . You make it look easy so I'm going to give it a try . Again thanks

[@terrypierson5807]

when I came to the site looking for the information for changing fluid and filter 08 impala I thought I would be given socket size torque specs this is the first one I have seen without that information but thank you for what you have

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

0:27 for the bolt size and 4:41 for the torque.

[@kicassleo]

He literally says 10mm bolt and 10lb/ft of torque

[@kicassleo]

You need to pay attention more

[@cdotjdot]

Very Helpful video. Thank you so much!!

[@JamalFuckinKilla]

Dude... I hate how stupid the engineering is for the atf change. "Whhaaaattt?!?!? Theres no drain plu?!?!?" Ha, but your video helped me, bro!

[@masterroshi1701]

How did you get the stuck bushing out? Would've been nice to see that

[@Huggs4drugss]

Probably a screw driver if his finger couldn’t get ot

[@kingphillips9401]

Can you show us how to do it on a newer impala?

[@M3Eddie]

Never done cross pattern on an oil pan or a transmission oil pan. Never once had a problem. On heads and intakes yes but never pans.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Won't hurt though lol.

[@M3Eddie]

@@TheOriginalMechanic correct

[@OGcynicalpotato]

would be crazy if engineers put a drain plug

[@Elcumbia2830]

What kind of transmission oil I have to use for my Chevy impala 2006 end I have to change the filter to because I'm going to change by myself

[@Luv-dq5th]

Dexron vi

[@hopedarville7595]

hey, me too.

[@kicassleo]

Just ask at the autoparts store they'll show you exactly which one

[@leetaylor2280]

@@kicassleo Dexron 6 Synthetic Tranny Fluid Only! Used in most Chevys

[@playsportfun3356]

You didn't use the torque sequence!! 4.5 ft lbs?

[@jimcapelli1431]

So, am I correct that you never ended up getting the filter bushing out? I guess the old one worked okay?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Yeah I tried and tried and then ran out of the time I was willing to spend on this job. There have been no problems.

[@jimcapelli1431]

thank you@@TheOriginalMechanic

[@ohyeahthatsright3155]

Thank you very much

[@user-rf4vu7ne5t]

الو سلام عليكم في ثلاث مواسير في القير من تحت فيهم واحده سايبه ولا هي ولا هي متصله

[@tomilheirobarbalho6117]

Good job.. thanks you

[@tony-g9267]

So you don't need to put any gasket sealant?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

The included gasket was enough to make a good seal. Wouldn't hurt though I suppose to add sealant.

[@tony-g9267]

@TheOriginalMechanic oh ok that's great to know. I did the transmission pan like 2 mths ago with my cousin and I noticed there's a leak. And I went underneath and it's coming from the pan which my thought is the sealant was too thick and the oil is seeping out

[@JohnMarcell]

great job thank you

[@justgonnagetbetter1037]

Did you ever get the bushing out? Having trouble with mine

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I tried everything I knew, couldn't get it, and made the call not to worry about it. If you can get it out please share your method.

[@randallnichols4918]

fast forward unscrewing the bolts

[@satochinakamoto6129]

A possible tip. When u have the pan off add a quart to see if it will flush, I do this on motor oil don't know if it will work on a transmission.

[@nickkrygier915]

Bad idea to flush any transmission, Regardless of millage.

[@johnhenry3820]

@@nickkrygier915 So just change it?

[@nickkrygier915]

@@johnhenry3820 drain and fill, if you flush it you risk removing clutch material and could cause slippage when shifting gears. (Also change filter if accessible)

[@johnhenry3820]

@@nickkrygier915 Yea I’ve heard that just wanted to make sure I’m scared to touch this transmission lol

[@M3Eddie]

@@nickkrygier915 you're supposed to flush it as per states in manufacturer service intervals birdman. If you wait too long you risk having adverse effects whether flush or drain and fill.

[@kenmen4306]

I have a 2013 Chevy impala, is the process the way as the one you just did?

[@crbalch1]

if it has the 3.5L. but most are the same process

[@moisesjasso7209]

I have a question some people say it's bad to change transmission fluid because supposedly your transmission starts slipping other people say You're supposed to change it every 30 to 60 thousand miles I have an LT 3.5 Chevy Impala it has 184,000 miles can I change the transmission fluid the transmission fluid is brown and if I change it will the transmission starts slipping

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I changed it because it looked old in this Impala. I think what you may have heard was that flushing out all the fluid can cause problems. All I've ever done is drain the fluid in the pan and change the filter and this has not lead to problems with slippage.

[@jaydiaz3567]

Do I check transmission fluid with engine on? I have a 08 ltz impala

[@AbeVicious]

Yes. Usually best that it's at operating temperature as well

[@714gamez]

whats the torque on those 10 mm bolts??? thanks

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

4:42

[@kylamiller8299]

I did this and it worked for a few mins then cut off on me. I only added 4.5 quarts. Could it just be too low of fluid? I had no trans issues other than the sensor going off saying trans hot idle engine. I checked it and the liquid was black. So I followed this video and I only added 4.5 new quarts of fluid. It ran great for a few mins and then cut itself off. Should I just add more fluid? Should I try to do a flush? I keep reading a flush could ruin it and a friend told me that a drain and fill could have ruined it but I see so many comments saying it worked fine. One thing to note, my cv axle boot tore the other day and came off. I'm going to replace that but I'm wondering if maybe debris got in it from that.?

[@MagicSwizzle]

did you ever figure it out?

[@4evaknockin51]

My girl car only goes in reverse but in D,1,2,3 it doesn’t move it jus revs up or act like it wants to move but still doesn’t. It’s a 2011 Chevy Impala Lt If she does this on your video will it work once she put it in D again?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I don't think it will help. This looks like a transmission in the act of failing.

[@chevyfordchaos3995]

This looks so simple. I followed the steps and ended up with a broken piece of the old transmission filter stuck in the hole where the filter is supposed to go in. Anyone else ever had this trouble?

[@captngravity]

No but i just did mine last sunday on my 2007 G6. Nobody shows how to remove the seal..that was a little difficult. My filter came out fine, didnt break. Did you get it to work?

[@TitanFlare]

This job was a pain in the ass. It took me 4 hours to even get the filter out, but it was in one piece. I used I think a threaded 1/2 or 1/4 inch pipe in that hole (NOT screwed all the way in) just enough where the plastic grabs the threads, and yank it down hard. Then while reinstalling the pan my dumbass sheared three of the pan bolts. Absolutely would not recommend an impact tool if you’re a beginner, and don’t even bother with a torque wrench. Do it by feel

[@captngravity]

Yeah the trans pan bolts are not even on very tight. Sorry it was so tough for you.

[@chevyfordchaos3995]

Well I know it's 3 months later. Had it towed and put on a lift. There they helped to get it out and they helped me finish up the trans fluid change. They told me that it was a common problem. Next time I guess I'll just try to be a little more careful.🤔

[@brandenbermudez2412]

Yes, just had this issue

[@ariesmoises8947]

One my car drives for 2 minutes then stall doesn't drive forward or reverse then I turn the engine off , turn the engine again and it runs for 2 minutes would changing the transmission fluid and filter would fix my problem . Or my transmission is broken ?

[@satochinakamoto6129]

Changing transmission filter and fluid is a gamble and a hard process. If you do , it may work or not. Only thing I would use is hand starting tightening on bolts to get feel for cross threading. Break a bolt inside the hole your life will be extremely difficult. That's why I would Not use a power tool on 10 millimeter bolts. I would clean the transmission bolts examine the heads and threads for for damage with paper towel and paint thinner in a glass jar for soaking no more than 20 ish minutes . I don't know what to use I would consider putting a cotton ear swabs in bolt hole swirl around to pull any debris in all 20 holes. Get a glass jar to put used fluid in to examine the color and move a n 35 neodymium magnet on outside of the jar to see movement of metallic particles. Secondly when you drain the fluid with pan off put 2 or 3 quarts of New transmission fluid in the top of the engine transmission fill tube with a clean bucket underneath to catch it. Examine the fluid for color and sludge etc. At $ 11 a quart I know that's expensive but it will get additional sludge out. Arm chair non mechanic advise given here. I worked on a Lamborghini engine several times but took about 2 days to change the battery so I'm not a mechanic. Ended up touching the handle of the socket wrench to both battery positive and negative terminals due to very minimal clearance , blowing a hole in terminals causing battery acid to eject and welded the handle of the socket wrench to battery terminals causing sparks to fly and got shocked burned as well. Over torque the bolts with a power tool and break the head off a bolt it's worth the extra hour to hand the tiny bolts. Have a good one.

[@ragalyisp]

I'm in the middle of doing this job and I can't get the filter in. I think its a matter of defect. The fit is just too tight. Did you get it to slide all the way in?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Yes it did. Take a look at the seal (either old or new) to see if it is somehow impeding the filter install.

[@ragalyisp]

@@TheOriginalMechanic i just worked it until I was confident it stuck in there. Not sure what else to do🤷‍♂️

[@MrNouhshishani]

Thank you much.

[@chinolopez572]

Thank you. Good video

[@mid-ohioguardian6927]

Fist you said the filter would have some oil in it ..WHAT !! You never showed how you got that stuck bushing out or how the new one went on the new filter !!

[@KentrellBraxton]

If the fluid in my car is a dark brown color and my gears aren’t shifting. Will doing this help my gears shift again?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Definitely needs changing and it can't hurt. But I doubt if it will bring your transmission back to life if it has failed completely.

[@markz215]

Is this the same for the 04 impala SS

[@dynamiteojos324]

Yessir

[@carcarr811]

Could this stop the car from moving in gear and being pushed in neutral

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I think it would have to be completely out of fluid and not merely dirty. What your describing is more likely transmission failure.

[@1jboda]

Not Cool to skip parts of the repair… We need to know how to remove the filter bushing

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Somebody out there there must have pulled that #**!!** thing out. Keep looking.

[@MrGariepy]

dont forget after doing that to shift on the street 1 gear after a oder one at 2500 rpm that will take of the air and it will shift ok after

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I had not heard of that but sounds reasonable and harmless.

[@ragalyisp]

@@TheOriginalMechanic as a mechanic I would say the only procedure I would recommend is to go from neutral, drive, reverse and repeat shifts while holding foot on the brake. Its good to run through the gears with no load to let the air move out.

[@satochinakamoto6129]

Thanks for information. Could you explain more details about air in transmission.

[@jorgenvonstrangle000]

what kind of filter is that? im trying to do a change on my impala limited 2015

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I bought the filter from NAPA

[@SteelJays47]

make sure it is the same. the engines are different so the trans may be also

[@AbeVicious]

Ordered all my stuff on Amazon, fluid and filter. Filter came with pan gasket and the grommet for the filter to fit into

[@jasonburtch]

Do you recomend just changing the fluid or a transmission flush?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I don't recommend a flush. I've heard of this creating problems. I always just change the fluid.

[@andrewhuver1913]

How did you get your stuck gasket out. Cant seem to get it

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I've confessed to this before. I didn't get it out despite great effort. In the name of completing the job this decade, I made the call to leave it in.

[@RashadAkachi]

How did this remove the bushing tho?

[@dariuscoleman2046]

I used some pliers

[@dariuscoleman2046]

Hope that helpd

[@bruceburford2209]

Interesting that General Motors didn't put a drain plug in the transmission pan like they did in an oil pan. How difficult would that have been?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I agree. Disappointing that this isn't a standard design.

[@Anon1mous]

They want the car to fail on you so you buy a new one. Same with the Fords I’ve owned too. My Honda had a trans pan drain plug though.

[@leetaylor2280]

@@Anon1mous they want you to change filter thats why

[@marymelchert6394]

Little tyranny fluid on the gasket, is what I know and do. Like canning a jar of something,

[@GhostGaming-bi2ms]

This video is fine and all but it’s not 7 litres later. When you drain the pan to replace filter and gasket you only give back the initial fill. You only fill what was lost from the pan and filter. Which you add 4 Litres back into it. 7 Litres is after a complete transmission fluid flush out of all the lines and tranny

[@kicassleo]

He measured how much he took out

[@atouchofroyalty]

By doing this can it help fix a broken transmission

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

No it can't. This type of regular maintenance can only prolong the life of a transmission.

[@jimcapelli1431]

Do you think a fluid change will help hard shifting?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Possibly, but it certainly won't hurt.

[@tbump74]

So I just got my transmission fluid changed (drain and fill) for my 2013 Chevy Impala. I was told before the service that the transmission would have to be taken apart to change the filter. After watching your video I wish I would have done the deal! How hard is to go back in and change the filter?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I don't know if the procedure for the filter change in this 2006 Impala is the same or even similar to your 2103. If it is, you would have to remove the pan, drain the fluid and then the filter can be removed.

[@eddieberto5]

Will changing oil and filter stop winning noise?

[@DIYeverything513]

The trans whine when the fluid is low.

[@davonwalker7336]

what is that thing called with the lines coming out?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

??

[@efraindiazeze2641]

My wife's 2011 impala is leakn a little transmission, fluid i was told its the pan gasket.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Looks like a good time to change out some of the fluid. A filter kit should will come with a new gasket.

[@leetaylor2280]

thats usually the transmission lines leaking at the tranny ! buy new bushing connectors to put on them and leak will stop Google it

[@mmabouts]

I guess we don't explain how to take that ring that goes before the filter huh?!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Maybe you can tell me. I left the little seal in there this time. It looked OK, was a mega stubborn part to get, and I'm not worried about it.

[@haroldstein6251]

i take it that you didn't replace the bushing and just left the old one. If you did, why didn't you show that.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I couldn't get it out in any kind of reasonable time, despite trying several methods with tools on hand. I didn't want to risk marring the metal of the orifice so I left it in. I regret not mentioning that in the video as it has upset several viewers.

[@markj6681]

You didnt change filter seal. Any problems?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

There were no problems.

[@AstronautSpaceCake]

Does the gasket require lubricant before installing?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I didn't use any and had no problems

[@AbeVicious]

Agree.

[@bowski_]

How did you get the bushing out? Mine is stuck

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Confessional: I tried several methods and couldn't get it out. I ran out of time and it seemed to be in good shape so I left it. I believe a viewer in the comments down below had advice on that.

[@bowski_]

@@TheOriginalMechanic I ended up doing the same thing.

[@michaeljoseph4492]

How many quarts of fluid did you have to put back in?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

At 5:42...7 quarts

[@AbeVicious]

All data says 7.5Qts actually what mine took as well. Just did it this morning

[@bwduval904]

did you use any gasket sealant

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I did not. The included gasket did it's job just fine.

[@bwduval904]

@@TheOriginalMechanic you didnt show how you got the stuck bushing out how did you get it out

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

@@bwduval904 Try prying into the side with a flat blade screwdriver. Be careful not to mar the metal

[@stimey2]

If you look up the torque on 8.8 6mm bolts it is 7.5 ft. lbs, not 10. Bolt breakage is imminent at 10!!!.

[@rickszabo4312]

That's pretty funny! 'm sure that 40 dollar t/wrench in calibrated yearly,

[@trysomehonesty9643]

Had no issue with 10lbs.

[@satochinakamoto6129]

Thanks for torque specs. I saw one video where he broke the bolt but say how he got it out.

[@Bwebb38804]

How did you remove the bushing?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

True confession. I never could get it out despite great effort. Caused no problem.

[@MrManuel1329]

Just use an angle pick

[@AbeVicious]

Lol. Did my service this morning and that bushing was a BITCH to remove lol. I won't say how I got it out personally but anyone doing this service. Best of luck. Lol

[@satochinakamoto6129]

@@TheOriginalMechanic had the same problem with the ring is it brass?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

@@satochinakamoto6129 Mine is rubber

[@jeff9228]

2011 Chevy Impala. Deal wants $1400 USD to do this job! Are you kidding me!?

[@artificial.inteligence8900]

7 quarts i put out 7 quarts I’ll put in

[@kyleoutdoors7914]

It wasn't in the cross hatch mark...

[@rascielrodriguez9390]

The best 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@mikeallen2988]

oh

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

That must be a miss-print. Maybe 100 inch pounds on a transmission pan bolt.

[@taytaytheoriginal4850]

100 ft pounds is INSANE! THats the torque for your lugnut! We don’t even tighten that tight for some pipe flanges!

[@robertdavis4005]

Do This Stop It From Slipping

[@Yaqoobalvi]

Changing transmission oil doesn't repair already done damage. It may make it worse but prevents further damage from happening.

[@leetaylor2280]

@@Yaqoobalvi not true if its a minium slip like 1st gear only clean fluid may do the trick

[@gamefadayz4121]

How not to install a pan🤣🤣🤣🤣