Whether you drop the pan to replace the filter, accidentally open the bung as I did, or just want to check on the fluid and top off. Here's how to do it. It really is not hard at all, mainly because we have trucks, I did not use a jack at all.
These transmissions are used in lots of GM vehicles and quite a few BMWs as well. It is called a 6L50, it's used in both the V6 gas and L4 diesel versions of our trucks. There is no dipstick or any way to fill or check the fluid level from anywhere in the engine bay so don't waste your time looking for it.
Here we go, look at the pictures I have attached for reference
Filling:
Here's what you'll need, don't worry about the thermometer, the truck's instruments tell you the transmission fluid temperature. Also won't need the regular needle nose pliers, just the bent type.
The fluid needed is Dexron VI, it will come in many brands
![Image]()
To fill, you have to find the little fill plug, it is on the passenger side (right side) of the transmission pan. (see picture)
Before you remove the fill plug, clean the area around it, I used to air in a can to spray away any dirt and dust around it. This is important because you do not want to contaminate the transmission fluid.
To remove the fill plug, use a pair of 90-degree bent needle nose pliers.
Find the top of the plug, it will first pop up, after this, you can wiggle the pin out with your hand:
![Image]()
![Image]()
I purchased a great little fluid pump from Home Depot for $10.00 and pumped in the fluid. (I originally bought 2, then did the run and drain procedure and nothing came out so I purchased another). I saw someone on a BMW forum make a siphon which was neat but using the pump very literally took less than 3 min to put all 3 quarts in with no mess at all.
Close the fill plug by reinserting the plug and pushing it down on the top of the plug to snap it back in.
Fluid Level Check/Drain Procedure:
You MUST do this to ensure the fluid level is correct, too much fluid is just as bad as too little fluid.
Get your truck level for this part, I drove my rear tires up on small flat bricks to level out because I did this in my garage and driveway which are slightly pitched.
There is a sticker on the transmission pan that explains the procedure:
![Image]()
Here is EXACTLY what you do:
1. Turn the truck on and leave it on for the draining procedure.
2. Get to the transmission fluid temperature in your display so you can monitor it.
3. When the temperature is between 86-122 degrees F (30-50C) you will open the bung (#14 Socket). You don't need to rush here, it warms up slowly, I'd recommend waiting until it reads about 95 just to be safe.
4. Let the remaining fluid drain out.
IF no fluid comes out you need to turn off the truck and add more
5. When fluid is slowly dripping out, replace bung and torque to 18-foot lbs (108NM)
![Image]()
And you're done!
It may seem counterintuitive here to drain the fluid to get the correct level but this is how it is done. In my case, I had to add 3 full quarts and about 1/4 came out when I did the draining so it took about 2.75 quarts.
Tips:
-Do they fill when your truck is cold because the exhaust pipe is right next to where you have to get the fill plug, your arm will definitely be touching it.
-Don't freak out if you accidentally opened the transmission fluid bung instead of the oil, the whole replacement took about 30 min. It takes longer to clean up.
-Don't drive the truck until you've filled and completed the fluid level check/drain procedure.
Here is a great video, literally the only one I could find of the process. The mechanic is great, he's changing a filter and replacing the fluid in a 6L50 in Australia. Note that he uses a thermometer which is why I got one ready but then realized we have a sensor.
This is another great video explaining exactly how the transmission pans and fills work. The pan in the Camaro in the video has the bung in a different spot but the concept and procedure are the same:
I hope this helps someone in the future!
These transmissions are used in lots of GM vehicles and quite a few BMWs as well. It is called a 6L50, it's used in both the V6 gas and L4 diesel versions of our trucks. There is no dipstick or any way to fill or check the fluid level from anywhere in the engine bay so don't waste your time looking for it.
Here we go, look at the pictures I have attached for reference
Filling:
Here's what you'll need, don't worry about the thermometer, the truck's instruments tell you the transmission fluid temperature. Also won't need the regular needle nose pliers, just the bent type.
The fluid needed is Dexron VI, it will come in many brands
To fill, you have to find the little fill plug, it is on the passenger side (right side) of the transmission pan. (see picture)
Before you remove the fill plug, clean the area around it, I used to air in a can to spray away any dirt and dust around it. This is important because you do not want to contaminate the transmission fluid.
To remove the fill plug, use a pair of 90-degree bent needle nose pliers.
Find the top of the plug, it will first pop up, after this, you can wiggle the pin out with your hand:
I purchased a great little fluid pump from Home Depot for $10.00 and pumped in the fluid. (I originally bought 2, then did the run and drain procedure and nothing came out so I purchased another). I saw someone on a BMW forum make a siphon which was neat but using the pump very literally took less than 3 min to put all 3 quarts in with no mess at all.
Close the fill plug by reinserting the plug and pushing it down on the top of the plug to snap it back in.
Fluid Level Check/Drain Procedure:
You MUST do this to ensure the fluid level is correct, too much fluid is just as bad as too little fluid.
Get your truck level for this part, I drove my rear tires up on small flat bricks to level out because I did this in my garage and driveway which are slightly pitched.
There is a sticker on the transmission pan that explains the procedure:
Here is EXACTLY what you do:
1. Turn the truck on and leave it on for the draining procedure.
2. Get to the transmission fluid temperature in your display so you can monitor it.
3. When the temperature is between 86-122 degrees F (30-50C) you will open the bung (#14 Socket). You don't need to rush here, it warms up slowly, I'd recommend waiting until it reads about 95 just to be safe.
4. Let the remaining fluid drain out.
IF no fluid comes out you need to turn off the truck and add more
5. When fluid is slowly dripping out, replace bung and torque to 18-foot lbs (108NM)
And you're done!
It may seem counterintuitive here to drain the fluid to get the correct level but this is how it is done. In my case, I had to add 3 full quarts and about 1/4 came out when I did the draining so it took about 2.75 quarts.
Tips:
-Do they fill when your truck is cold because the exhaust pipe is right next to where you have to get the fill plug, your arm will definitely be touching it.
-Don't freak out if you accidentally opened the transmission fluid bung instead of the oil, the whole replacement took about 30 min. It takes longer to clean up.
-Don't drive the truck until you've filled and completed the fluid level check/drain procedure.
Here is a great video, literally the only one I could find of the process. The mechanic is great, he's changing a filter and replacing the fluid in a 6L50 in Australia. Note that he uses a thermometer which is why I got one ready but then realized we have a sensor.
This is another great video explaining exactly how the transmission pans and fills work. The pan in the Camaro in the video has the bung in a different spot but the concept and procedure are the same:
I hope this helps someone in the future!
