If you are looking for a compact pickup truck, the 2004 Chevy Colorado will be best for you. This rigid, compact, reliable truck is a mainstay for Chevrolet pickup enthusiasts and its builders. It’s because this 2004 Chevy Colorado is designed to be bolder, bigger, and more potent than the S-10. Additionally, this vehicle could be your best vehicle, and you should maintain it properly.
For your 2004 Chevy Transmission, you should use the best transmission fluid. But what’s the 2004 Chevy Colorado transmission fluid, you may wonder. Basically, transmission fluid is a lubricant that works to make up your car’s transmission. Let’s know what fluid type you should use, its capacity, and more information about it.
Chevy Colorado transmission Fluid Type
There are mainly two transmission fluids you can find: manual transmission fluid and automatic transmission fluid. Depending on the vehicle’s make and model, you can use both types for your Chevy Colorado transmission. But before using any liquid, consider the quality, quantity, and types you need. Let’s know which type should be used for Chevy Colorado.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Before using manual transmission fluid, you should consider their viscosity and API GL standards.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Automatic transmission fluid, or ATF, usually comes in red or green to distinguish them from other oils. Yet, you should use the oil your Colorado owner’s manual recommends. Depending on the model, some types of automatic transmission fluid can be used in your Chevy Colorado.
- Dexron III:
For 2004 to 2009 Chevy Colorado, you can use this Dexron III transmission fluid.
- Dexron VI:
The improved version of Dexron III is Dexron VI. If you use this product, you can get excellent performance and high thermal stability. At low temperatures, it provides fantastic anti-oxidant and performance. For the 2006 Chevy Colorado vehicle, this fluid is perfect to use.
Note: You also can use ATF, Mecron, Dexron 4, And Manual transmission fluid depending on your model and year.
2004 Chevy Colorado Transmission Fluid
For your 2004 Chevy Colorado 4-speed transmission, it’s best to use Dexron ATF +3 fluid, while the 5-speed takes 75w90 gear oil. In addition, over time, this transmission fluid will break down because of the generated heat. You can find many transmission fluids in the market.
It would help to use transmission fluid depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Hence, the price range of liquid for your 2004 Chevy Colorado starts from $9.99 to $41.49. Nevertheless, some of the best 2004 Chevy Colorado transmission fluids are:
- Valvoline MaxLife (ATF) automatic transmission fluid
- Castrol automatic transmission fluid
- Mobil 1 transmission fluid
- FRAM Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid
2004 Chevy Colorado Transmission Fluid Type:
However, if you are looking for a 2004 Chevy Colorado Transmission fluid type, you can use Dexron III, Dexron V, Dexron VI, Mecron, and ATF fluid. Let’s know in detail about the types:
- ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid):
For any automatic transmission system, ATF is an essential element. Typically, this fluid helps ensure your automatic transmission’s proper performance, operation, and safety. From different types of ATF, which is better will depend on your vehicle’s make, year, and model. Always check your owner’s manual to know what type of ATF will be better for your 2004 Chevy Colorado.
- Dexron III:
ATF Dexron III, which is a power steering and automatic transmission fluid. This fluid type is suitable for pre-2005 general motors and other mechanical transmissions. That means you can use this fluid where you must use Dexron (II or III) or Mercon.
- Dexron V:
Dexron V automatic transmission fluid is a high-quality transmission fluid. Generally, this type of automatic transmission fluid contains high viscosity and thinner density. Because of its stable consistency in cold climates, it performs very well by resisting chafing and abrasion.
- Dexron VI:
ATF Dexron VI is a synthetic blend and high-performance transmission fluid. In particular, it meets and exceeds the GM’s Dexron VI specification. So, you can use this automatic transmission fluid in your 2004 to 2009 Chevy Colorado vehicles with warranty protection. Also, from this fluid, older vehicle owners can get improved performance.
- Mercon:
Mercon is a premium-quality automatic transmission fluid. Moreover, you can use this fluid in your 2004 Chevy Colorado transmission systems. Once you use this fluid, it can control your automatic transmission automatically.
2004 Chevy Colorado Transmission Fluid Capacity:
As we have mentioned earlier, for your 2004 Chevy Colorado, you can use Dexron III ATF fluid. Manufacturer reports say you must use 10 quarts of Dexron iii fluid on your Chevy Colorado vehicle. To keep the transmission running correctly, you should service your ATF fluid and filters every 60,000 miles.
It’s essential because, in this way, you can decrease transmission slippage and other problems. If you use the wrong transmission fluid, it doesn’t lubricate your transmission correctly. It can cause gears to grind metal to metal inside the transmission, leading to additional problems.
2018 Chevy Colorado Transmission Fluid Type:
Changing the transmission fluid is usually lower prices than transmission flush. It’s because you need less fluidity and time to do this job. Likewise, you should change the fluid in time to lubricate and cool your 2018 Chevy Colorado transmission. But to change your 2018 Chevy Colorado fluid, you must use the proper transmission fluid type.
Actually, for your 2018 Chevy Colorado vehicles, you need to use Dexron VI Mercon automatic transmission fluid. Therefore, to get adequate performance from your 2018 Chevy Colorado, you should change your fluids at least every 3,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual to know the particular mileage intervals of your 2018 Chevy Colorado vehicle.
Chevy Colorado Transmission Fluid Check
Most Chevy Colorado owners generally want to know the Chevy Colorado Transmission fluid check process. We give some easy steps to check transmission fluid levels easily and quickly.
Step 1.
You should warm up your engine when you check the fluid level of your Chevy Colorado. Start the process by starting your car. Put your vehicle in “park,” then come out and pop the hood.
Step 2.
Find out the dipstick first. You can find your dipstick to the right of your Chevy Colorado oil dipstick. Read your owner’s manual if you need any instructions.
Step 3.
Remove the dipstick. Touch the transmission fluid and test it closely. Usually, the fluid color should have a slight pink tint. In particular, if you see the liquid color is discolored or has a burnt smell, change your fluid immediately.
Step 4.
With a rag, wipe your dipstick. Now, reinsert the dipstick. Remove it again and check the fluid level. Add more fluid if the liquid is under the “full” mark.
Step 5.
Please add a funnel to add more fluid until it reaches the marks. Be careful; don’t overfill your transmission with the liquid.
How Does the 2004 Chevy Colorado Transmission Fluid Change?
Following the maintenance schedule is very important to know the changing of your transmission fluid. Any time you can face any transmission problem. Due to neglected maintenance, your high mileage vehicle condition will be poor.
Removal Method:
Put forward and support your vehicles. Complete the following to disconnect the range selector cable (3) from the transmission range selector lever ball stud:
- Put a flat-blade tool between the range selector lever and the cable end.
- Place the end of the range selector cable away from the range selector lever.
- Secure the transmission range selector cable bracket to the transmission and remove the bolts.
- Put the transmission range selector cable bracket aside for clearance when taking down the pan.
- Place a container under the oil pan.
- Remove the oil pan bolts from the pan sides and front only.
- Loosen the back oil pan bolt for about four turns.
- Tap the oil pan lightly with a rubber mallet to loosen the pan. Now, wait to drain the transmission fluid into the pan.
- Take aside the remaining oil pan bolts, gasket, and oil pan.
- Grasp firmly while pulling down to remove the filter.
- Put off the filter seal. If you can see the filter seal stuck on the pump, use pliers to remove the seal carefully.
- Inspect the transmission liquid color and filter.
- It would help if you cleaned the transmission case and oil pan gasket surfaces with a solvent. All old gasket element traces must be removed.
Installation Method:
- Coat the new oil filter seal with clean ATF (automatic transmission fluid).
- Install the new oil filter seal. Clasp the filter seal into place with an appropriately sized socket.
- Then, install the new oil filter into the transmission case.
- After that, install the oil pan, gasket, and oil on the bolts.
- Tighten the oil pan to transmission case bolts to 16 N·m (12 lb-ft) alternately.
- You must remove the pan from under the vehicle to catch used fluid.
- Place the transmission range selector cable bracket.
- Again, install these bracket bolts and tighten them firmly to 25 N. M (18 lb-ft).
- Adjust the transmission range selector cable.
- Lower the car.
- Finally, fill your transmission to the appropriate level with the recommended transmission fluid.
- Check cold liquid level reading for primary fill only.
- Finally, to avoid any leaks, please inspect the oil pan gasket and be done.
2004 Chevy Colorado Transmission Fluid Problems:
A vehicle with automatic transmission is a genuinely complicated hydraulic pressure system. Subsequently, low transmission fluid is the most common problem for transmission. A leak within the transmission itself typically causes a low transmission fluid. Indeed, to seal the transmission leaks, you should replace the gasket seals in the transmission.
A tranny flush can do more harm than good, depending on the Chevy Colorado vehicle’s mileage. Make sure you use the correct fluid and keep it topped up. Low fluid can cause slippage or premature clutch plate wear. That’s why you need to change ancient and pollutant fluids. Just Make sure you fill it appropriately.
Chevy Colorado Transmission Fluid Replacement Cost:
To prevent transmission failure, following scheduled maintenance is the best way. Different manufacturers set the owner’s service intervals for vehicles. So, check your owner’s manual and see the transmission fluid replacement schedule.
The average cost for a Colorado transmission fluid change is $170-$200 between materials and labor. In contrast, you need a 2004 Chevy Colorado transmission fluid change after every 30,000 miles.
2004 Chevy Colorado Transmission Fluid Problems:
A vehicle with automatic transmission is a genuinely complicated hydraulic pressure system. Subsequently, low transmission fluid is the most common problem for transmission. A leak within the transmission itself typically causes a low transmission fluid. Indeed, to seal the transmission leaks, you should replace the gasket seals in the transmission.
A tranny flush can do more harm than good, depending on the Chevy Colorado vehicle’s mileage. Make sure you use the correct fluid and keep it topped up. Low fluid can cause slippage or premature clutch plate wear. That’s why you need to change ancient and pollutant fluids. Just Make sure you fill it appropriately.
Final Word
In short, using a proper transmission fluid can save your 2004 Chevy Colorado vehicle from costly repair. It’s the best idea to use the recommended fluid for your car. So, what’s the 2004 Chevy Colorado transmission fluid? This was the question. Specifically, we have cleared the above about it.
Ultimately, for your 2004-2005 Chevy Colorado, you can use Dexron 3, 4, and 5 fluid. On the other hand, for the 2006 model, you can use Dexron 6. Note that you can use Dexron 6 on any Chevy Colorado year. Before performing this service, consult your dealer about the fluid type and proper filter.
Check: How to Choose Best Transmission Fluid for Chevy: Top Tricks and Tips