The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that has been in production since 1935. It is known for its large size and spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families and those who need a vehicle that can accommodate a lot of passengers or cargo.
Over the years, the Suburban has undergone several redesigns and updates to its features and engines, with the latest model offering a range of advanced safety and connectivity technologies.
It is currently available in a variety of trim levels and seating configurations, with options for both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.
Keep your Chevy Suburban on the road longer with the help of proper transmission fluid maintenace. Learn more.
What Type of Fluid Does a Chevrolet Suburban Use?
Depending on the transmission the comes in your Chevrolet Suburban, the transmission fluid is pretty consistent. Since the Chevrolet Suburban has a 4l60e, 4l80e, 6l80, or 8l90 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.
- Backward compatible with previous Dexron automatic transmission fluids and can be used as a much-improved replacement for older vehicles/transmissions originally using previous Dexron fluids
- Improved performance over previous Dexron fluids in: friction durability, viscosity stability, aeration and foam control, and oxidation resistance
- Potential to enable improved fuel economy and longer transmission life
- Provides for extended drain intervals. Provides consistent shift performance, even in extreme conditions.
Chevrolet Suburban Transmission Fluid Capacity
The fluid capacity of your Chevrolet Suburban depends on what automatic transmission you have. In most cases, your Chevrolet Suburban’s transmission fluid capacity is anywhere from 10-14 quarts.
Here are the capacities by transmission that come in a Chevrolet Suburban
- 4l60e: 11.5 quarts
- 4l80e: 14 quarts
- 6l80e: 11-13 quarts
- 8l90: 11.5 quarts
How To Check Chevrolet Suburban Transmission Fluid
Checking transmission fluid in a Chevrolet Suburban 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.
How To Add Transmission Fluid To Chevrolet Suburban
Adding transmission fluid to your Chevrolet Suburban 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 Suburban, it is important to make sure you have the correct level, as mentioned before.
Chevrolet Suburban Transmission Fluid Change
The beauty of the Chevrolet Suburban like most GM vehicles is that it is easy to maintain, making them great vehicles for the average DIYer. The Chevrolet Suburban 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 Suburban.
How Often Should You Change Transmission Fluid In A Chevrolet Suburban?
The common automatic transmission fluid change interval for the Chevrolet Suburban 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 Suburban 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.
Chevrolet Suburban Transmission Fluid Temperature
The ideal transmission temperature for your Chevrolet Suburban 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 Suburban’s transmission to last at a given temperature.
Get A Transmission Cooler For Your Chevrolet Suburban
Looking to lower the transmission fluid in your Chevrolet Suburban? 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 Suburban to keep transmission temperatures down.
Looking For More Chevy Suburban Transmission Cooler Options?
View our Chevy Suburban transmission cooler guide
See All Chevy Suburban Transmission Coolers
