How to Change the Transmission Fluid on a 2006 Chevy Trailblazer

Changing the transmission fluid in your 2006 Chevy Trailblazer will extend the service life and performance of the transmission. The transmission in the Trailblazer uses Dextron VI transmission fluid available at the Chevy dealership and many auto parts stores. If you are not sure what fluid to purchase, check with the associate at the parts counter for assistance. Using a transmission fluid other than Dextron VI may damage the transmission as well as voiding any warranty on the transmission from Chevy.

Raise the front of the truck off the ground with a jack. Position a set of jack stands under the front suspension to support the truck then remove the jack for now.

Position a wide oil drain pan under the transmission then remove the retaining bolts from the front and sides of the transmission oil pan. Loosen the bolts along the rear of the pan far enough to allow the front of the pan to hang down, letting the transmission fluid drain from the pan.

Remove the rear bolts once all the fluid has drained from the pan and lower the pan down from the transmission. Clean any debris or particles of dirt from the transmission old pan and remove the old gasket from the pan and mounting surface on the transmission with a gasket scraper.

Install a new gasket on the mounting surface of the transmission oil pan and raise it up to the bottom of the transmission. Install the mounting bolts in the four corners of the pan to support it. Install the remaining bolts in the transmission pan and tighten them all evenly with a socket and ratchet.

Support the front of your Trailblazer with a jack and remove the jack stands from under the truck. Lower the front of your Trailblazer to the ground and open the hood. Locate the dipstick for the transmission fluid near the firewall on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment.

Remove the transmission dipstick from the dipstick/filler tub and insert a funnel into the tube. Fill the transmission with Dextron VI automatic transmission fluid. Start with two to three quarts then start the truck and allow it to run in park until it reaches normal operating temperature.

Insert the dipstick into the tub then pull the dipstick out and check the fluid level. If the level is not up to the section that reads “hot”, add more transmission fluid, wipe the dipstick clean with a rag and insert the it back into the tube then remove it to recheck the level.

Continue adding transmission fluid until the level shows full on the dipstick. Close the hood and drive the truck normally. Recheck the transmission fluid level in a few days.