Chevrolet Certified Service
Transmission Service and Repair in Longview, WA
Bud Clary Chevrolet diagnoses, services and repairs Chevrolet automatic transmissions, from the 10-speed in the Silverado and Tahoe to the Allison 10-speed in the Silverado HD, using the exact DEXRON fluid GM specifies. For trucks that tow or work hard, GM calls for new fluid and a new filter every 45,000 miles.
- 45,000 miFluid and filter on GM's severe-service schedule
- No dipstickLate-model units are sealed, so checks belong in the shop
- 2 yearsClary Repair Protection on qualifying repairs, unlimited miles
- SaturdaysService open 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Which transmission is in your Chevrolet
| Model | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Silverado 1500 | 8-speed with the TurboMax engine; 10-speed with the 5.3L, 6.2L and 3.0L Duramax. Every 2027 Silverado 1500 has a 10-speed. |
| Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD | Allison 10-speed automatic |
| Tahoe and Suburban | 10-speed automatic |
| Colorado | 8-speed automatic |
| Traverse | 8-speed automatic (2027) |
| Blazer | 9-speed automatic |
| Equinox | 8-speed automatic (2027). Some 2026 models used a CVT. |
| Trailblazer | CVT on front-wheel drive, 9-speed on all-wheel drive |
| Trax | 6-speed automatic |
From chevrolet.com and GM owner's manuals. Earlier model years can differ, so check your manual or ask us.
When GM says to change the fluid
On GM's normal maintenance schedule, the Silverado 1500, Silverado HD and Equinox do not call for a transmission fluid change. On the severe-service schedule they do: every 45,000 miles, and on the Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD that includes the filter.
Severe service means frequent towing, hilly terrain, heavy stop-and-go traffic in hot weather, sustained high speed, and delivery or work use. A lot of our customers tow, and around Longview that means hills and mountain grades, often in rain, ice or snow. If that sounds like your truck, ask us which schedule fits.
The 10-speed transmissions use DEXRON ULV fluid and the 8-speed in the Silverado 1500 uses DEXRON-HP. GM warns against flushes that are not GM-approved.
If your truck tows up these hills, it's on the severe maintenance schedule whether anyone told you or not.
Signs your transmission needs a look
If you see a transmission hot warning, GM says to stop safely and let the engine idle until it cools. Some shift feel is normal: GM transmissions adapt to how you drive and can shift differently when cold.
- The engine revs higher than your speed calls for, or the transmission slips
- Slow or delayed acceleration after a shift
- Whining, grinding or clunking noises
- A burning smell, or red fluid under the vehicle
- A TRANSMISSION HOT message, or the temperature gauge in the red
How a transmission visit works
- DiagnosisWe read the transmission's trouble codes and inspect it. Diagnostics carry a fee, and it goes toward the repair bill if you choose to go ahead.
- A quote you approveEvery job is quoted and approved by you before we start. You know the price first.
- Service or repairFluid service with the DEXRON fluid your transmission calls for, or repair with genuine GM parts.
- A ride while you waitOur free shuttle can drop you off when you leave your vehicle and pick you up when it's ready.
Qualifying repairs carry Clary Repair Protection, a 2-year / unlimited-mile warranty, and service and parts financing lets you pay over time. Regular maintenance and warranty work are excluded from Clary Repair Protection.
Dustin's Take
Dustin Schuler, Marketing Director, Bud Clary Auto Group
Why GM recommends it: GM's automatics adapt to how you drive, and the fluid is what lets them do it. When a truck or SUV spends its life towing or climbing, GM wants the fluid serviced on the severe schedule, not the normal one.
Why we recommend it: Between the hills, the towing and our winters, a lot of vehicles around Longview are on the severe schedule without their owners knowing it. I'd rather check it and tell you it's fine than see your transmission come in on a tow truck.
What happens if you skip it: Heat is what kills a transmission, and pulling a trailer up a grade makes plenty of it. The first sign is usually a shift that feels a little off, and by then the damage has already started.
What customers say
“The courtesy shuttle was nice so that I was able to wait from home.”
Book transmission service
Service is open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Visit our service department
Bud Clary Chevrolet1030 Commerce Ave.
Longview, WA 98632
Sales
- Mon - Fri
- 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Service
- Mon - Fri
- 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Frequently asked questions
How often should I change the transmission fluid in my Chevrolet?
GM's normal schedule has no fluid change for the Silverado 1500, Silverado HD or Equinox. If you tow, drive hills or sit in hot stop-and-go traffic, GM's severe-service schedule calls for it every 45,000 miles, with the filter on the Silverado 1500 and HD.
Is a transmission flush good for my Chevrolet?
GM warns against flushes that are not GM-approved. Ask us what your transmission calls for before anyone flushes it.
Why doesn't my Silverado have a transmission dipstick?
Late-model GM automatics are sealed. Checking the level takes the vehicle's own fill and check points at the right temperature, which is why GM says it should be done at the dealer.
Do you charge for transmission diagnostics?
Yes. Diagnostics carry a fee, and it goes toward the repair bill if you choose to go ahead. Every job is quoted and approved by you before we start.
My truck shifts differently when it's cold. Is something wrong?
Not necessarily. GM transmissions adapt to your driving and can shift later when cold. Bring it in if it slips, flares, clunks, or shows a warning message.
Is my transmission covered by the warranty?
On 2026 Chevrolets the transmission is covered by the 5-year / 60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, or 5 years / 100,000 miles on Duramax diesels.
Can I pay for a transmission repair over time?
Yes. We offer service and parts financing, and qualifying repairs carry Clary Repair Protection, a 2-year / unlimited-mile warranty.