The GMC Safari is a minivan that was produced and sold by the GMC division of General Motors. It was introduced in 1985 and was produced until 2005, when it was replaced by the GMC Acadia.
The Safari was based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Astro and shared many of its design features, including its front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and its boxy, rugged appearance.
It was available in both standard and extended-length versions, and was offered with a range of engines, including V6 and V8 options.
The Safari was known for its spacious interior, which could seat up to eight passengers, and its versatility, with options for both cargo and passenger configurations.
Keep your Safari on the road longer with the help of proper transmission fluid maintenance. Learn more!
What Type of Fluid Does a GMC Safari Use?
Depending on the transmission the comes in your GMC Safari, the transmission fluid is pretty consistent. Since the GMC Safari 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.
GMC Safari Transmission Fluid Capacity
The fluid capacity of your GMC Safari depends on what automatic transmission you have. In most cases, your GMC Safari’s transmission fluid capacity is anywhere from 10-14 quarts.
Here are the capacities by transmission that come in a GMC Safari
- 4l60e: 11.5 quarts
How To Check GMC Safari Transmission Fluid
Checking transmission fluid in a GMC Safari 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 GMC Safari
Adding transmission fluid to your GMC Safari 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 GMC Safari, it is important to make sure you have the correct level, as mentioned before.
GMC Safari Transmission Fluid Change
The beauty of the GMC Safari like most GM vehicles is that it is easy to maintain, making them great vehicles for the average DIYer. The GMC Safari 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 GMC Safari.
How Often Should You Change Transmission Fluid In A GMC Safari?
The common automatic transmission fluid change interval for the GMC Safari 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 GMC Safari 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.
GMC Safari Transmission Fluid Temperature
The ideal transmission temperature for your GMC Safari 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 GMC Safari’s transmission to last at a given temperature.
Get A Transmission Cooler For Your GMC Safari
Looking to lower the transmission fluid in your GMC Safari? 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 GMC Safari to keep transmission temperatures down.
