Chevrolet Avalanche Transmission Fluid

Chevy Avalanche

The Chevy Avalanche is a full-size pickup truck that was introduced by Chevrolet in 2001. It features a unique design with a midgate that allows the truck bed to expand into the cabin, creating additional cargo space.

The Avalanche was available in two- or four-wheel drive and comes equipped with a powerful V8 engine. It also offers a spacious interior with comfortable seating for up to six passengers.

Overall, the Avalanche is a versatile and capable truck that can handle a variety of tasks like all full-size GM trucks and SUVs.

Keep your Avalanche on the road longer with proper transmission fluid maintenance!

What Type of Fluid Does a Chevrolet Avalanche Use?

Depending on the transmission the comes in your Chevrolet Avalanche, the transmission fluid is pretty consistent. Since the Chevrolet Avalanche has a 4l60e, 4l80e, or 6l80 transmission, it will take either Dexron 3 or Dexron 6

The great thing about  Dexron transmission fluid is that you can use Dex VI in older GM transmissions that call for Dex III. 

These transmission fluids are common in most GM vehicles. 

Chevrolet Avalanche Transmission Fluid Capacity

The fluid capacity of your Chevrolet Avalanche depends on what automatic transmission you have. In most cases, your Chevrolet Avalanche’s transmission fluid capacity is anywhere from 10-14 quarts. 

Here are the capacities by transmission that come in a Chevrolet Avalanche 

  • 4l60e: 11.5 quarts
  • 4l80e: 14 quarts
  • 6l80e: 11-13 quarts

How To Check Chevrolet Avalanche Transmission Fluid

Checking transmission fluid in a Chevrolet Avalanche is simple and quick to do. It’s always recommended that you check transmission fluid when the vehicle is on and in park on a flat surface.

transmission fluid on dipstick showing correct levels

How To Add Transmission Fluid To Chevrolet Avalanche

Adding transmission fluid to your Chevrolet Avalanche is a done by filling transmission fluid through the transmission dipstick tube, which is located on the passenger side near the firewall.  

When adding transmission fluid to your Chevrolet Avalanche, it is important to make sure you have the correct level, as mentioned before. 

Chevrolet Avalanche Transmission Fluid Change

The beauty of the Chevrolet Avalanche like most GM vehicles is that it is easy to maintain, making them great vehicles for the average DIYer.  The Chevrolet Avalanche was designed for ease of use, making transmission fluid changes an easy task for the average weekend mechanic. 

This video below shows step by step how to change the transmission fluid on your Chevrolet Avalanche.

How Often Should You Change Transmission Fluid In A Chevrolet Avalanche?

The common automatic transmission fluid change interval for the Chevrolet Avalanche is every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on condition of the fluid.  

For “severe” use such as towing often, hauling heavy weight, or sitting in stop and go traffic, it’s better to change the fluid every 30-45,000 miles. 

The best indicator to determine how often to change transmission fluid in your Chevrolet Avalanche is by looking at the transmission fluid every so often to see what condition it’s in. In the fluid color chart below you will see how transmission fluid gets darker over time die to wear and overheating. 

Transmission Fluid Color Comparison chart

 

Chevrolet Avalanche Transmission Fluid Temperature 

The ideal transmission temperature for your Chevrolet Avalanche when fully warm is in the 150 – 180 degree range. This is a safe transmission temperature that will allow for tens of thousands of miles of fluid life.  

The transmission temperature chart below shows how long you can expect your Chevrolet Avalanche’s transmission to last at a given temperature.

Transmission Fluid Temperature Chart

Get A Transmission Cooler For Your Chevrolet Avalanche

Looking to lower the transmission fluid in your Chevrolet Avalanche? Install a transmission cooler! Our helpful transmission cooler buyer’s guide gives you all the information you need to install a transmission cooler and find the right one for your needs.

In our recommendation, a medium sized plate and fin or stacked plate style cooler would be best for your Chevrolet Avalanche to keep transmission temperatures down.