How Many Quarts of Transmission Fluid Does A Chevy Silverado 1500 Take?

(Last Updated On: February 8, 2024)

Chevy Silverado is a hardworking and smart pickup truck that has one of the highest resale values in the industry.

The strong diesel engine can achieve over 33 MPG highway, and the built is super impressive and sturdy.

The new and improved Duramax 3.0 L is an industry-leading Turbo diesel engine that is highly durable for long journeys or quick trips.

A ten-speed automatic transmission system adds to the overall responsive and dynamic feel and helps to keep the rpm roaring.

The truck can offer up to 726 miles as the max highway range, which boasts its capabilities.

How Many Quarts of Transmission Fluid Does a Chevy Silverado 1500 Take?

11.1 Quarts for the automatic transmission.

  • Whereas the 4L60E version can take around 12 dry quarts of transmission fluid.
  • All the automatic models of the Chevy Silverado take only the automatic transmission fluid.

DEXRON – VI ATF is a perfect option.

Transfer fluid and its types:

We know that transmission is a process of providing speed and torque to the gearbox, which then provides the same to a rotating power source via an intricate network of gear and gear trains.

  • Transmission fluid helps lubricate the components of a vehicle’s transmission system, which optimizes its performance.
  • There are two types of transmission fluids viz. Manual and automatic.
  • ATF or automatic transmission fluid is there in all automatic transmission vehicles and on the type of tech used in your vehicle.
  • On the other hand, the manual transmission uses a plethora of oils, most of which should have an API specification of GL-4.

Requirement for a transmission fluid:

By now, we know that keeping transmission fluid up to the brim is helpful as it assists in lubrication and differs in usage for both manual and automatic transmissions.

So, let’s look at some more requirements of this fluid.

  • The transmission can experience some serious and significant wear if your TF levels are low.
  • Technically speaking, the synchro rings and their sliders need a smooth surface to match the acceleration during the shifting process.
  • On the condition of a low TF, the above components are going to wear quickly and make the process of shifting the gears a gruesome experience.
  • It keeps the metal surfaces safe from wear and conditions the gaskets.
  • TF enhances the cooling, thereby reducing the high operating temperatures as well.
  • Lastly, it also increases the rotational speed and the temperature ranges.
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Changing the Transmission fluid :

We know that these TF’s must operate at high temperatures and consistent heating also breaks the molecules of this TF.

Hence, they need a replacement from time to time and do not take them for life!

Otherwise, check your user manual for all the details.

  • Do the changes for every 30,000 miles/ 28 months.
  • One can do it DIY also; first, let your engine sit idle for some time and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
  • Remove the nuts and bolts from either side of the pan.
  • Drain the previous fluid and clean the gasket surface, then remove the O-rings and add the new version.
  • Seal with a threader and fill it with the TF, then start the vehicle and check for any leaks.

Some recommended items,

01. Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) $8.50 to $10.35 per Quarts

A Full synthetic ATF with 1 Qt.

The product comes with full-synthetic formulations and has advanced additives which help to meet the hard Automatic transmission conditions.

It helps prevention of leaks by deploying high-performing sealants to preserve the elasticity of the seal.

An anti-wear technology that improves transmission durability.

02. ATP Automotive AT-216 – $12.22 to $18.90

A premium and synthetic multi-vehicle use ATF.

The synthetic formula reduces the chances of heat and wear by protecting the transmission.

Able to perform for extended periods by resisting the varnish, sludge, and oxidation.

Gives protection from high temperature and severe duty with its film strength and high shearing ability.

Protection from freezing temperatures up to -56 F.

Some other questions,

Related Questions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1.) How much is the cost of the transmission fluid changed at the Jiffy?

Answer: The most basic one is a $100 automatic flush which is not recommended!

Because in this, neither they change the automatic filter, nor do they want to do it even on asking.

Q2.) Can you add the transmission fluid on a standing automotive?

Answer: Yes!

There isn’t any requirement for you to run a specific engine to complete the task.

All you need to do is to start the engine, let it wait till the temperature reaches normal, and then check it finally.

One can do it DIY or follow a proper protocol to do accordingly.

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Q3.) What happens you over-fill the TF fluid in your car?

Answer: Overfilling should be avoided at all costs wherever possible.

The fluid will begin to look like foam, and that means erratic gear shifting due to oil starvation.

Q4.) Can one add the transmission fluid by themselves?

Answer: Yes, easily.

Just bring a funnel and a can of fluid and check the fluid level before adding anything new.

Q5.) How much can the transmission fluid change cost?

Answer: The cost is in the range of $80 to $220.

Wherein the average cost is around $100 for both the transmissions.

And one should also try to change the filter and pan each time the fluid gets cleaned.

Q6.) Should one flush or replace the transmission fluid?

Answer: No, both are different.

Transmission fluid needs to be drained if a replacement occurs, while for a flush, you need to get rid of everything from the converter to the pan and other lines.

Q7.) How much transmission fluid do you need for a complete replacement?

Answer: An individual needs a transmission filter service kit.

One also needs around three to six litres of Automatic Transmission Fluid, and this number can vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Q8.) What type of transmission fluid do we have to add in the 4I80e?

Answer: 6.3-quart fill.

The new DEXRON VI rule came in 2006 when GM superseded DEXRON III.

Q9.) Do you need to fill the torque converter?

Answer: Yes!

To do so, fill the converter up to the shaft hole in that converter and not the dipstick tube.

Allow it to sit down and fill for some more time until it fills to the brim.

Q10.) What kind of transmission fluid works fine with the 4l60?

Answer: DEXRON VI, just like others with automatic transmission fluid.

Some companies also sell DEXRON VI-certified fluids as well.

Q11.) How many quarts does one need to add to the 727?

Answer: 12 qtrs. is its maximum limit.

Any more than that, and it will not accept.

Q12.) How many quarts do we need to add in the 4l65e?

Answer: The total transmission capacity comes to about 14.

Or do another thing, simply pump it from the transmission pan and refill with about 5 quarts and then flush it.

Q13.) What are the symptoms of a transfer fluid when low?

Answer: Some noises such as humming or grinding ones indicate this issue.

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Also, these noises should become louder with higher vehicle speeds.

Q14.) Can one drive without any fluid in their transfer case?

Answer: Yes, driving is possible but not recommended at all.

Because it’s not safe, you can hurt your transfer case or do some damage to vehicle components.

Q15.) What are the clear symptoms of a transfer case fluid replacement?

Answer: Some of the common symptoms are as follow –

  • Difficulty in changing gears.
  • Some weird grinding noise erupts from beneath the vehicle.
  • Or the vehicle suddenly jumps out of the 4 WD.
  • Difficulty to stay in the four-wheel drive and puddle formation beneath transfer case.

Q16.) What is the shelf life of most transfer cases?

Answer: 30,000 miles is the ideal shelf life of most fluids, and also inspect the seals for any wear tear signs.

Final Verdict

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes with terrific towing ability and a powerful engine for comfortable long rides.

The interiors and overall ride quality, however, fail to match the other competitors.

It takes up to 11 Qt. of fluid for its automatic version, and in fact, most passenger vehicles fall in the same category.

They also take 12 to 16 Qts. of TF, and there can be two types of models, one that has a dipstick and the other that does not offer them.

The transmission fluid provides lubrication to the vehicle’s components, and mostly it is red, especially the automatic one.

One should change it periodically as it also degrades over time due to many reasons like over-heating.

Follow your vehicle suggested service card and always play the safe bet.

Lastly, one can try to do it DIY type as well by removing the fluid with a drain plug and then re-installing it later.

Overall, one should be vigilant and not keep the myth in their heads that transfer case fluids do not need change and that they are forever.

This will be your mistake and cause of damage to your vehicle, which no one wants.

So, follow the protocols properly and enjoy your ride for a long.

Thanks For Reading!