What transmission is in a Silverado 1500?

The Silverado 1500 uses automatic transmissions that vary by year and engine: most modern versions use an 8-speed automatic, while the 3.0L Duramax diesel and some high-output V8 configurations use a 10-speed automatic; older generations used a 6-speed automatic.

Understanding which transmission your Silverado 1500 has depends on the model year and the engine you choose. This article outlines the current common options and how to verify the exact unit in your truck.

Typical transmission options by engine and year

Below is a concise guide to the two main automatic transmissions you’ll encounter in the Silverado 1500, along with notes on when they appear in the lineup.

• 8-speed automatic: This is the most common transmission in modern Silverado 1500 configurations, including many 2.7L Turbo and various gasoline V8 setups.


• 10-speed automatic: Used with the 3.0L Duramax diesel and some high-output V8 configurations, providing more gears for towing and highway efficiency.


• 6-speed automatic: Found in older Silverado 1500 generations; less common in current production but may appear on older used-models.

These two main automatic transmissions cover the majority of current and recent Silverado 1500 models. The exact pairing can vary by trim, market, and production year, so it’s important to confirm your specific vehicle's transmission configuration.

How to verify the exact transmission in your Silverado 1500

To confirm which transmission is installed in your truck, use these practical steps: check the window sticker or build sheet, look up the VIN in GM/OnStar’s services, consult the owner’s manual or official brochures, or inspect the transmission code stamped on the transmission itself or in the service manual for your model year.

Why the transmission matters for maintenance and towing

The transmission type influences towing capability, fuel economy, maintenance intervals, and parts compatibility. Knowing whether you have an 8-speed or 10-speed unit helps with fluid specifications, filter replacement intervals, and potential service bulletins specific to your model year and engine configuration.

Summary

In summary, the Silverado 1500 primarily uses either an 8-speed or a 10-speed automatic in current production. The 8-speed handles most gas- and hybrid-style configurations, while the 10-speed is used with the 3.0L Duramax diesel and certain high-output engines. Older generations featured a 6-speed automatic. For the exact transmission in your truck, verify via the build sheet, VIN, or owner’s manual.

What kind of transmission is in a Chevy Silverado 1500?

This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The automaker also offers an available 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

How do I tell if I have a 4L60 or 6L80?

Control like the other GM automatics the easiest way to identify a 4L80 is to look at the shape of the pan. And you can see compared to this 4L60 pan that the 4L80 pan is just enormous.

How do I know what transmission I have in my Silverado 1500?

You can find your transmission type by checking the driver's side door jamb placard, looking in the owner's manual, or using the VIN decoder. For automatic transmissions, you can also often identify the number of gears by using the manual shift mode and pressing the "+" button on the shifter, as shown in this YouTube video. 
This video demonstrates how to identify the transmission by counting the gears: 47sCodemans autoYouTube · Nov 2, 2023
Method 1: Check vehicle information placards

• Location: Open the driver's side door and look for a white sticker or placard on the door jamb or the side of the door frame. 
• Information: This sticker contains a lot of vehicle details, including the transmission type, engine specifications, and RPO (Regular Production Option) codes. 
• RPO codes: If you see a code like MD8 or MYC, it corresponds to a specific transmission. For example, MYC often means a 6-speed transmission. 

Method 2: Use the owner's manual 

• Your owner's manual will have a section dedicated to the vehicle's specifications, including the transmission type.
• It may also include a list of all RPO codes for the different options available for that model year, including the transmission. 

Method 3: Use the VIN

• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains all the information about your vehicle. 
• You can use a VIN decoder to look up your transmission type. Many websites offer free VIN decoding, such as AutoZone.com. 
• Decoders often list details like the engine and transmission type in a specific section of the VIN. 

Method 4: Identify by gear count (for automatic transmissions) 

• How to check:
  1. Start your truck and pull the gear selector down to the manual/lowest setting. 
  2. Press the "+" button on the shifter to cycle through the gears. 
  3. Count how many gears display before the shifter reaches the manual "L" or "M" position. 
• Interpretation:
  • Up to 6: Likely a 6-speed transmission (e.g., 6L80 or 6L90). 
  • Up to 4: Likely a 4-speed transmission (e.g., 4L60E). 
  • Up to 8: Likely an 8-speed transmission (e.g., 8L90). 

Method 5: Inspect the transmission case (less common)

• Location: The transmission case itself has information stamped or engraved on it, but this can be difficult to see. You may need to get under the vehicle. 
• Information: The tag or stamp will include the model number and serial number. You can use this to cross-reference with GM transmission codes, as shown in this YouTube video. 
• Note: This is a more advanced method and is not always necessary, as the other methods are usually sufficient. 

What trucks have a 4L60E transmission?

The GM 4L60E transmission was used in a wide variety of trucks from 1993 to 2013, including many models from Chevrolet and GMC. Common examples include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet C/K 1500, GMC C/K 1500, and various other trucks, SUVs, and vans like the Chevrolet Astro and GMC Sonoma.
 
Chevrolet and GMC trucks

• Chevrolet: C/K 1500 (1993–1999), Silverado 1500 (1999–2013)
• GMC: C/K 1500 (1993–1999), Sierra 1500 (1993–2013)
• Chevrolet: S-10, Colorado (1993–2012)
• GMC: Sonoma, Canyon (1993–2004)
• Chevrolet: Tahoe (1995–2010)
• GMC: Yukon (1992–2009)
• Chevrolet: Avalanche (2002–2008)
• Chevrolet: Express and van (1996–2014)
• GMC: Savana and Vandura (1993–2014) 

Other GM vehicles

• Cadillac: Escalade (1999–2006)
• Oldsmobile: Bravada (model years vary)
• Hummer: H3
• Saab: 9-7X (2005–2009)
• Isuzu: Ascender (2003–2008) 

Important considerations

• Engine compatibility: It's crucial to note that transmission compatibility can vary depending on the engine it was paired with, particularly between early and late models with different engine families (e.g., Gen 1/2 vs. Gen 3 LS engines). 
• Transmission type: While this list focuses on the 4L60E, there are related and upgraded versions like the 4L65E and 4L70E that were also used in some trucks, often featuring stronger internal components. 
• Transmission end of production: The 4L60E was phased out in favor of 5 and 6-speed transmissions by 2013, but some trucks with the 4L60E were still produced around this time.