How to Fix a 2002 Chevy Silverado
Repair Advice on Chevrolet Transmission and Transfer Case Services
Your auto repair questions answered about a 2002 Chevy Silverado's automatic transmission fluid, filter, and transfer case fluid replacement.
This weekly Q&A session answers your questions about cars and trucks. This week explores a 2002 Chevy Silverado automatic transmission fluid, filter and transfer case fluid replacement.
Question: 2002 Chevy Silverado
Hi Vince,
We have a 2002 Chevy Silverado 1500 with 46,957 miles. We are the original owners and have very little wear and tear on this truck. Chevrolet suggests changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter and automatic transfer case fluid at 50,000 miles.
Do you agree with this suggestion? What can we expect in regards to costs for the above maintenance?
Sincerely,
Patrick
Hollywood, FL
Answer:
There are 2 different maintenance schedules for every vehicle, Normal Service schedule and Severe Service schedule. First, you must understand the difference between them:
Maintenance Schedule Definitions
Maintenance schedules are provided in 2 different formats:
- Schedules that use a specific mileage interval for service and a specific type of driving to determine when service is required.
- Schedules that use a maintenance indicator to determine when a specific service will be required.
Vehicles With Mileage Intervals
Routine Service
This article lists maintenance items that do not follow any specific mileage interval pattern, such as "Monthly", "As required" or "Periodically".
Normal Service
This schedule lists maintenance recommended at specific mileage intervals for vehicles used for general transportation.
Follow the NORMAL schedule only if none of the conditions from the SEVERE schedule apply.
NOTE: Some vehicle manufacturers provide only a single schedule (Normal) for all driving conditions. Some of the components listed in the schedule may have notes describing alternate service intervals for that component depending on driving conditions.
Example:
Many vehicles have an "Engine Oil Life Monitor" lamp that can illuminate anytime between intervals depending on driving conditions. The oil should then be replaced at that time, regardless of mileage, and the "Engine Oil Life Monitor" reset.
Severe Service
This schedule lists maintenance recommended at specific mileage intervals for vehicles used under extreme conditions.
Follow the SEVERE schedule if any one of the following are true:
- Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly important when outside temperatures are below freezing.
- Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop and go traffic).
- The vehicle is operated in dusty areas frequently.
- Trailer towing or using a carrier on top of the vehicle frequently.
- The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial applications.
NOTES: Some vehicle manufacturers provide separate maintenance procedures for vehicles operated under Severe or Special circumstances. Other manufacturers provide recommendations for service at more frequent intervals for vehicles operated under severe conditions. For any vehicle operated under severe conditions, as defined by the vehicles manufacturer, always check the regular maintenance schedule for procedures that may not appear at the similar interval under severe service, see Example 1.
Example 1:
Manufacturer recommends tire rotation at 10,000-mile intervals under regular maintenance. There is no tire rotation recommendation shown in the severe service schedule, which has 3,000-mile intervals.
At a minimum, recommend rotation at 9,000 and 18,000-mile intervals etc., or as close to the regular schedule as possible. Depending on vehicle usage and obvious tire wear, this recommendation should be increased as necessary.
Also, some vehicle manufacturers provide only a single schedule (Normal) for all driving conditions. Some of the components listed in the schedule may have notes describing alternate service intervals for that component depending on driving conditions, see Example 2.
Example 2:
Many vehicles have an "Engine Oil Life Monitor" lamp that can illuminate anytime between intervals depending on driving conditions. The oil should then be replaced at that time, regardless of mileage, and the "Engine Oil Life Monitor" reset.
Vehicles with Maintenance Indicator
Follow the manufactures instructions for the services required. Use the Normal or Severe procedure when provided, and perform any additional service when required.
Now you understand what the services are. Basically no one drives under "Normal" conditions. It's always hot or cold or dusty or rainy or stop and go driving or long freeway trips. So the 50,000 mile is a good recommendation for replacing the transmission fluid and filter and the transfer case fluid. However, do not get a transmission flush service. Even though you have low miles and chances are it will do little damage General Motors specifically recommends against flush services of any kind. So if you go to get the service done and the shop says it's recommended, walk away from them because they are outright lying to you.
As for cost a transmission kit, which includes the transmission filter and transmission pan gasket, will run about $40.00 from the Chevy Dealer. You can also figure on 1.0 hours labor. This can be more or less if you have an Allison transmission with an internal (1.2 hours) or external spin-on filter (0.4 hours). Again, depending on the transmission type, you will need anywhere from 5 to 7 quarts of transmission fluid to refill the transmission. Only type DEXRON III Automatic Transmission Fluid is approved for the 2002 model year transmissions. Most shops have a flat charge for a transmission service that can range from $59.95 up to $89.95.
That's all for this week. Feel free to browse the archives for past topics. And, as always, if you are stuck and need an immediate answer you can always call Vince on the phone.
A response to the comment made below can be found at A Disagreement On Flushing.
