How do I tell what transmission my Silverado has?
Knowing the type of transmission in your Chevrolet Silverado is crucial for maintenance, repairs, and ensuring compatibility with replacement parts. Whether you're troubleshooting an issue or planning an upgrade, identifying your transmission is a straightforward process if you know where to look. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to determine what transmission your Silverado has.
Why It's Important to Know Your Transmission Type
Your Silverado's transmission plays a vital role in transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Different transmission types require specific fluids, filters, and maintenance schedules. Additionally, if you're replacing or repairing your transmission, knowing the exact model ensures you get the right parts and avoid costly mistakes.
Steps to Identify Your Silverado's Transmission
Follow these steps to determine the transmission type in your Silverado:
- Check the Owner's Manual: The easiest way to find out your transmission type is by consulting your Silverado's owner's manual. It will list the transmission model and specifications.
- Look at the RPO Codes: Inside the glove box, you'll find a sticker with a series of three-character codes known as RPO (Regular Production Option) codes. These codes indicate the specific features and components of your vehicle, including the transmission. Common Silverado transmission codes include "M30" for the 4L60E and "MT1" for the 4L80E.
- Inspect the Transmission Pan: If you have access to the underside of your truck, the shape of the transmission pan can help identify the model. For example, the 4L60E has a rectangular pan with 16 bolts, while the 4L80E has a more irregular shape with 17 bolts.
- Use the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Your Silverado's VIN can provide detailed information about the vehicle, including the transmission type. You can decode the VIN online or consult a dealership for assistance.
- Contact a Professional Mechanic: If you're still unsure, a trusted mechanic can quickly identify your transmission type using diagnostic tools or by inspecting the vehicle.
Common Silverado Transmissions
Chevrolet Silverados are equipped with various transmissions depending on the model year and engine type. Here are some of the most common ones:
- 4L60E: A 4-speed automatic transmission commonly found in older Silverado models.
- 4L80E: A heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission used in models with larger engines or towing packages.
- 6L80: A 6-speed automatic transmission introduced in later models for improved performance and fuel efficiency.
- 8L90: An 8-speed automatic transmission found in newer Silverado models.
- 10L90: A 10-speed automatic transmission available in the latest Silverado models for enhanced power and efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Identifying your Silverado's transmission is an essential step in maintaining your vehicle's performance and longevity. By following the steps outlined above, you can confidently determine your transmission type and ensure proper care. If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional mechanic or visit Kevin's Autos for expert advice and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tell what transmission I have by the VIN?
You can find your transmission type on your window sticker, a Build Sheet, or a Vehicle Identification (VIN) Decode Letter.
Where is the transmission model number?
Locating the transmission tag and identifying the model designation. Transmission model designation (i.e. RT-12609A), and other transmission identification information, are stamped on the transmission tag which is attached to the side of the transmission.
Can I lookup my vehicle specs with VIN?
By using a VIN decoder--like the one found here - you can learn what each character of a VIN reveals about the unique vehicle in question. Can I look up my vehicle specs by VIN number? Yes. Enter a VIN here to discover vehicle specifications, options, and more.
How do I know if I have a 6L80 or 6L80E?
However, your identification method depends primarily on whether the transmission is still mounted in the vehicle or has been dismounted. If the 6L80E transmission is still mounted in the vehicle, you can only identify it using its RPO tag in the vehicle's glove compartment.
How do I tell what transmission I have on my Chevy Silverado?
Open the driver's side door and look for a white placard with small black lettering. This card contains specific details about the year the car was made, its transmission, engine specifications and other details.
What transmission is in a Silverado 1500?
It's paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can also choose the Silverado 1500 with a 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine with 420 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine also has Chevrolet's Dynamic Fuel Management technology.
What year Silverado has 6L80 transmission?
The 6L80 began manufacture in 2005 for release in 2006 model year GM vehicles, persisting until at least 2016 in both 6L80 and 6L90 versions.
Is the 6L80 a bad transmission?
GM designed the 6L80 transmission to be able to handle high horsepower/torque applications. However, they can often wear out prematurely. To correct the many design flaws of this gearbox, Street Smart Transmission upgrades and modifies many of the key internal components during the remanufacturing process.
What Chevy trucks have the 6L80 transmission?
The 6L80E transmission is widely used in such popular GM applications as the Silverado and Sierra trucks, Tahoe, Suburban, Denali, Hummer H2, Cadillac Escalade, STS and CTS, Camaro, and G8 .
How do you tell if you have a 4L60 or 4L80 transmission?
The 4L80E can be told apart from the 4L60E by looking at their transmission fluid pan. This is because the 4L80E has a pan that is oval in shape whereas a rectangular pan is featured by the 4L60E. Another disparity between both devices is the number of bolts used to secure the transmission to the engine.
