Chevrolet S10 Transmission Fluid

chevy s10

What Type of Fluid Does a Chevrolet S10 Use?

Depending on the transmission the comes in your Chevrolet S10, the transmission fluid is pretty consistent. Since the Chevrolet S10 has a 4l60e 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 S10 Transmission Fluid Capacity

The fluid capacity of your Chevrolet S10 depends on what automatic transmission you have. In most cases, your Chevrolet S10’s transmission fluid capacity is anywhere from 10-14 quarts. 

Here are the capacities by transmission that come in a Chevrolet S10 

  • 4l60e: 11.5 quarts

How To Check Chevrolet S10 Transmission Fluid

Checking transmission fluid in a Chevrolet S10 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 S10

Adding transmission fluid to your Chevrolet S10 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 S10, it is important to make sure you have the correct level, as mentioned before. 

Chevrolet S10 Transmission Fluid Change

The beauty of the Chevrolet S10 like most GM vehicles is that it is easy to maintain, making them great vehicles for the average DIYer.  The Chevrolet S10 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 S10.

How Often Should You Change Transmission Fluid In A Chevrolet S10?

The common automatic transmission fluid change interval for the Chevrolet S10 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 S10 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 S10 Transmission Fluid Temperature 

The ideal transmission temperature for your Chevrolet S10 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 S10’s transmission to last at a given temperature.

Transmission Fluid Temperature Chart

Get A Transmission Cooler For Your Chevrolet S10

Looking to lower the transmission fluid in your Chevrolet S10? 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 S10 to keep transmission temperatures down.