So, I searched (even on Google! 
) and couldn't find a thread on a '13 Av tranny filter replacement so I think I am safe in posting this for those who may find it of interest.
I am assuming I have the 6L80e as I have a 6-speed tranny? Either way, it is done and works like a champ!
After reviewing many threads including on the Silverado truck forums, I felt I was ready to take a shot at doing my filter and fluid. I read some horror stories, mostly on the other truck forums, but found my '13 Av tranny service was not that bad at all.
Everyone was complaining about the shift linkage being in the way and having to remove two torx bolts from the top side of the tranny pan that held a bracket in place...the good news is, neither of these were an issue on mine. The linkage wasn't blocking any bolts (as you can see below) and I couldn't find any bracket so I figured GM must have done something different for the Av.
So, I used Valvoline Max Synthetic fluid and a new filter. Like may others, I didn't replace the collar seal around the filter tube that snaps up into the transmission. The original was fine. I also didn't use a new gasket, nor did I use any gasket sealer. There are two tabs on the gasket so it aligns itself nicely and stays in place when you put the pan in. This is the gasket from edge view showing the alignment tabs at the top...they are the two protrusions...apologies for the poor quality.
I must say, getting the pan in and out was a bit of a challenge as the exhaust gets in the way. I ended up having to take the gasket out by moving the pan around to give it clearance, then pull the filter out and let it fall into the pan, then maneuver the filter around to get it out of the pan, then I had to put a jack under the transmission and lift it up slightly to get the pan out. All in all, it wasn't too bad, but I would have preferred if it just came straight out.
One suggestion I took from others was to put a large piece of cardboard under the truck...this saved me a significant mess. Do yourself a favor...if you do this, do the same.
This is what my pan looked like after 43,300 miles. That is the factory fluid. Notice the donut-like magnet on the left...it had a bit of metallic 'mud' on it. Here are some before-n-after pics as well.
Wipe the residual fluid on the bottom of the transmission with a clean cloth...
After everything was wiped down, I reversed the process and slid the pan back in, then the gasket, then dropped the filter into the pan and maneuvered it around and snapped it into place.
After everything was back together, I carefully tightened each bolt in a cross pattern similar to how you tighten a wheel. I believe there is a bolt tightening pattern somewhere online if you care to reference it. Either way, use caution when tightening, you don't have to crank these bolts down. You will either warp the pan or strip the threads.
I believe I put about 6 or so quarts back in when I refilled it. Afterwards, I checked for leaks and took her for a spin.
Well, I sure hope this helps someone. After reading others experiences, I learned a lot and felt it was my turn to pitch in.
Chip
) and couldn't find a thread on a '13 Av tranny filter replacement so I think I am safe in posting this for those who may find it of interest.I am assuming I have the 6L80e as I have a 6-speed tranny? Either way, it is done and works like a champ!
After reviewing many threads including on the Silverado truck forums, I felt I was ready to take a shot at doing my filter and fluid. I read some horror stories, mostly on the other truck forums, but found my '13 Av tranny service was not that bad at all.
Everyone was complaining about the shift linkage being in the way and having to remove two torx bolts from the top side of the tranny pan that held a bracket in place...the good news is, neither of these were an issue on mine. The linkage wasn't blocking any bolts (as you can see below) and I couldn't find any bracket so I figured GM must have done something different for the Av.
So, I used Valvoline Max Synthetic fluid and a new filter. Like may others, I didn't replace the collar seal around the filter tube that snaps up into the transmission. The original was fine. I also didn't use a new gasket, nor did I use any gasket sealer. There are two tabs on the gasket so it aligns itself nicely and stays in place when you put the pan in. This is the gasket from edge view showing the alignment tabs at the top...they are the two protrusions...apologies for the poor quality.
I must say, getting the pan in and out was a bit of a challenge as the exhaust gets in the way. I ended up having to take the gasket out by moving the pan around to give it clearance, then pull the filter out and let it fall into the pan, then maneuver the filter around to get it out of the pan, then I had to put a jack under the transmission and lift it up slightly to get the pan out. All in all, it wasn't too bad, but I would have preferred if it just came straight out.
One suggestion I took from others was to put a large piece of cardboard under the truck...this saved me a significant mess. Do yourself a favor...if you do this, do the same.
This is what my pan looked like after 43,300 miles. That is the factory fluid. Notice the donut-like magnet on the left...it had a bit of metallic 'mud' on it. Here are some before-n-after pics as well.
Wipe the residual fluid on the bottom of the transmission with a clean cloth...
After everything was wiped down, I reversed the process and slid the pan back in, then the gasket, then dropped the filter into the pan and maneuvered it around and snapped it into place.
After everything was back together, I carefully tightened each bolt in a cross pattern similar to how you tighten a wheel. I believe there is a bolt tightening pattern somewhere online if you care to reference it. Either way, use caution when tightening, you don't have to crank these bolts down. You will either warp the pan or strip the threads.
I believe I put about 6 or so quarts back in when I refilled it. Afterwards, I checked for leaks and took her for a spin.
Well, I sure hope this helps someone. After reading others experiences, I learned a lot and felt it was my turn to pitch in.
Chip
