My Son's Silverado Was Having Transmission Issues And I Helped Him With The Same Fix, But Warn You To Never Have a Transmission Flushed

Chevy Silverado owners, particularly those driving older models, know their trucks can go the distance. But when transmission issues arise, it often feels like the truck’s heart is faltering. Transmission problems can feel like the beginning of the end for your truck. Transmission issues seem to be a recurring theme for Silverado owners, whether it's a 2016 model or even a brand-new 2024 Silverado facing unexpected challenges. The panic of an unfamiliar clunk or rough shifting can leave you wondering if a hefty repair bill—or even worse, a transmission replacement—is on the horizon. That’s exactly the scenario Derek Erickson faced when his son’s 2016 Chevy Silverado started acting up. Thankfully, Derek’s years of experience with Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks had already prepared him for this challenge.

Here’s what Derek shared in a comment on Torque News article, titled "45,000 Miles In I Got Transmission Flush Done To My 2021 Silverado At Dealership, But After Spending $400 It's Worse Than Before."

"One of my sons owns a 2016 Silverado and was having issues with his transmission. Having owned several Silverados and GMC Sierras over the years, I had dealt with this issue as well. I normally didn’t have any issues until the mileage was 100k or higher, but the fix was the same. I would never have a transmission flushed. As stated in the article, it tends to loosen debris which then gets worked back into the components of the transmission. Instead, I would drain the fluid, clean the transmission pan, and replace the filter. Once filled to the proper level, the transmission worked like a champ. This is my experience with Chevy and GMC, and others may have had different experiences altogether."

This statement carries two important lessons: Derek not only fixed his son’s transmission, but he also delivered a valuable piece of advice for truck owners everywhere—never flush your transmission. But what is it about flushing that causes so much controversy? And why did Derek’s method of draining the fluid, cleaning the pan, and replacing the filter work so well? Let’s dive into the details.

The Problem With Flushing a Transmission

A transmission flush might sound like a thorough and effective way to maintain your vehicle, but for many drivers, it leads to more harm than good. Here’s why: flushing forces fluid through the transmission at high pressure. While this process clears debris, it often dislodges tiny particles of metal and dirt that can lodge themselves in critical transmission components, such as the solenoids or the valve body. The result? A potentially worse-performing transmission than before the flush.

Instead of a flush, Derek’s approach is a tried-and-true alternative. By draining the fluid, cleaning the pan, and replacing the filter, he avoided stirring up debris and ensured only clean fluid would circulate through the system. This method is both preventative and restorative, extending the life of the transmission without introducing unnecessary risks.

For those considering how to handle transmission issues with their Silverado, this story of a 2021 Silverado owner who encountered gear-shifting problems right after purchase sheds more light on common challenges with Chevy’s 8-speed transmission and how to approach them.

Why Derek's Transmission Fix Works

Let’s break down the process Derek used:

1. Drain the Fluid: This step removes most of the old, contaminated transmission fluid. While it doesn’t clear out every drop, it gets rid of a significant amount of the dirt and debris suspended in the fluid.
2. Clean the Transmission Pan: The pan often collects sediment and metal shavings over time. Cleaning it ensures that new fluid won’t immediately pick up contaminants.
3. Replace the Filter: The filter traps particles before they can circulate through the transmission. Replacing it ensures the system has optimal protection.
4. Refill With Fresh Fluid: Filling the transmission with clean, high-quality fluid keeps everything lubricated and running smoothly.

This process is less aggressive than a flush but more thorough than simply topping off the fluid, striking a balance that can help restore a struggling transmission to full function.

Why This Matters for Silverado and GMC Owners

Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks are known for their reliability, but no vehicle is immune to wear and tear. Transmission problems often surface as mileage climbs, and how you choose to address them can significantly impact the longevity of your vehicle.

Derek’s experience is a powerful reminder that sometimes, less is more. A well-thought-out, methodical approach like his, can save truck owners from expensive repairs and unnecessary frustration. It’s a fix rooted in experience, and it’s one that Silverado and GMC drivers should consider before opting for a flush at the dealership or repair shop.

What to Do If Your Truck Has Transmission Issues

If your Silverado—or any vehicle—starts to show signs of transmission trouble, here’s a checklist based on Derek’s method and recommendations from transmission experts:

1. Pay Attention to the Symptoms: Look out for slipping, rough shifting, delayed engagement, or warning lights on the dashboard.
2. Avoid Quick Fixes: Resist the urge to jump to a flush. Consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic for guidance.
3. Inspect the Fluid: If the fluid is dark, smells burnt, or contains debris, draining and replacing it may be necessary.
4. Service the Pan and Filter: As Derek recommends, cleaning the transmission pan and replacing the filter ensures your transmission gets a fresh start.

Should You Never Flush a Transmission?

While Derek’s experience emphasizes the risks of flushing, it’s important to note that some manufacturers and mechanics do recommend it under specific circumstances. If a vehicle’s transmission is regularly flushed as part of routine maintenance—well before it shows signs of trouble—the risk of stirring up debris is minimal. However, for older vehicles or those already experiencing problems, a flush may do more harm than good.

Share Your Story

Derek’s fix transformed his son’s Silverado from a truck with a shaky future into a reliable workhorse again. What about you? Have you ever dealt with transmission issues on your vehicle? Did you try a flush, or did you stick with a more conservative approach like Derek’s?

Despite these occasional transmission challenges, the Silverado remains a favorite among truck enthusiasts, with models like the 2024 Silverado ZR2 offering best-in-class off-road capabilities and advanced engineering.

What are your thoughts on flushing transmissions—do you think it’s a maintenance must or an unnecessary risk? Let us know in the comments below. Your experiences and insights could help other drivers avoid costly mistakes.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.