Transfer Case Fluid Change

[Dennis]

These H3's have basically two models of Transfer cases..The Base model H3 has the Borg-Warner 2:1 Transfer case and the Adventure package model has the Borg-Warner 4:1..They both hold about the same amount of Fluid (1.6 qts).

Since the Transfer Case (TC) is such a vital part of the driveline..I feel it is important to change it's fluid every 25K to 30K miles of driving and more often if you do heavy duty wheeling.

TOOLS:

10" adjustable wrench
3/8" drive ratchet
Waste oil pan
Rags

Hand Pump

2 qt. bottle that the pump will fit in, measured off to 1.6 qts.

2 qts. of Transfer Case fluid..USE ONLY this product.

No need to jack the Hummer up..



Begin by removing the TC drain Plug (Just use the 3/8" drive shank of the ratchet) and let the old fluid drain all out..Watch out..it will shoot quite a ways out once the plug is removed, so have your pan ready.

While it's draining..Disconnect the electrical connector from the Speed sensor (Upper left and to the rear a bit on TC) ...Gently pry up the little tab just enough to unhook it from the speed sensor while pulling out..Don't break it off.

Clean the area around the sensor, then with an adjustable wrench, Unscrew the Speed Sensor..Be careful..it is not on very tight so a lot of force is not needed.
Once you have it out..wipe off the end that was inside the TC..it contains a magnet and may have metal fillings stuck to it.

You should be left with a hole for filling like this..make sure there is no dirt around it to get knocked in.

Once the TC has quit dripping, re-install the Drain Plug

Next fill your Bottle with approx. 1.6 qts of the fluid..you want at least that amount put in..don't over fill either...

FYI: Early models of the 06 H3 TC's had a problem with not being able to get enough fluid in via the normal fill hole, which is just a little above the drain hole (came up short by 250 mL)..So there was a service bulletin issued stating to fill from the Speed Sensor hole in order to get the proper amount in (1.6 qts)...So it works to fill them from there for any of them.

Pump it in

Once you have pumped in 1.6 qts..Re-install Speed Sensor (careful, don't over tighten) and re-connect the connector..wipe up any spills and your done.


By comparison..the Old fluid with only 25K miles on it of normal city driving, vs the New Fluid

 

[DJinCO]

Another very helpful post with photos!

This is great!

 

[f5moab]

Great write up, but some critical corrections are needed.

This statement is almost correct...."FYI: Early models of the 06 H3 TC's had a problem with not being able to get enough fluid in via the normal fill hole, which is just a little above the drain hole (came up short by 250 mL)..So there was a service bulletin issued stating to fill from the Speed Sensor hole in order to get the proper amount in (1.6 qts)...So it works to fill them from there for any of them. "
To be correct, it must say, ALL 2006 H3 Transfer cases require an additional 250 ml of fluid to be added via the speed sensor hole. And ANY 2007 H3 with a VIN of 56TDN13E778100102 or prior also requires the additional fluid to be added via the speed sensor hole. (As a note, I was responsible for that technical bulletin.)

As for the fluid, you are supposed to use Dexron VI. The 06/07 owners manual might have said use Dexron IV since VI was not out when they were published. There was some confusion with the release of Dexron VI and Borg Warner, but it was eventually decided upon that Dexron VI is the recommended fluid for the BW T/cases. 2008 Owner manuals state to use Dexron VI, and I have just checked the 2006-2010 GM service manuals and they state to use Dexron VI for the T/C. But at no time was the fluid shown recommended by GM service engineering that I am aware of.

 

[Dennis]

Great write up, but some critical corrections are needed.

This statement is almost correct...."FYI: Early models of the 06 H3 TC's had a problem with not being able to get enough fluid in via the normal fill hole, which is just a little above the drain hole (came up short by 250 mL)..So there was a service bulletin issued stating to fill from the Speed Sensor hole in order to get the proper amount in (1.6 qts)...So it works to fill them from there for any of them. "
To be correct, it must say, ALL 2006 H3 Transfer cases require an additional 250 ml of fluid to be added via the speed sensor hole. And ANY 2007 H3 with a VIN of 56TDN13E778100102 or prior also requires the additional fluid to be added via the speed sensor hole. (As a note, I was responsible for that technical bulletin.)

As for the fluid, you are supposed to use Dexron VI. The 06/07 owners manual might have said use Dexron IV since VI was not out when they were published. There was some confusion with the release of Dexron VI and Borg Warner, but it was eventually decided upon that Dexron VI is the recommended fluid for the BW T/cases. 2008 Owner manuals state to use Dexron VI, and I have just checked the 2006-2010 GM service manuals and they state to use Dexron VI for the T/C. But at no time was the fluid shown recommended by GM service engineering that I am aware of.

Thanks F5..I remember your involvement with this campaign..Good that you clarified to use Dexron VI in 2008 and up models..


But, My Owners manual said originally to use Dexron III and with it came an amendment insert to that, to use the fluid I showed (#888861800) per #PIP3836B..

"Manual Transmission fluid p/n #888861800 is currently available through GMSPO. Current and past model vehicles listed above (Models 2007 Hummer H3 and prior) with either a Manual Transmission or Transfer Case that required Dexron III should use the Manual Transmission and Transfer case fluid #88861800. This fluid is a direct replacement for Dexron III used in manual transmissions and transfer cases. DO NOT use Dexron VI in place of the #88861800 fluid in any manual transmission or transfer cases as a failure may result"

This is what I'm going with for my 2006 H3...I asked the dealer the last time I was in for this fluid, and they said this is all they use now for my Model year...Not Dexron VI..and that was only used in Automatic Transmissions...I trust them as they don't want the liability of ruining my TC or anyone elses.

 

[DJinCO]

I really appreciate this forum and the information that F5 and Dennis provide.

 

[f5moab]

Thanks F5..I remember your involvement with this campaign..Good that you clarified to use Dexron VI in 2008 and up models..


But, My Owners manual said originally to use Dexron III and with it came an amendment insert to that, to use the fluid I showed (#888861800) per #PIP3836B..



This is what I'm going with for my 2006 H3

Got the III and IV mixed up, but I'm just trying to get the correct information out to anyone who wants it. You can use any fluid you want in your t/case; however, some might want to use what GM recommends.

This is from the GM electronic service manual. You can note the model year at the top and then read the GM recommended spec for the t/case fluid. (These are the latest and greatest specs from GM...note the date at the bottom.) I'm showing 06 and 07 in the following charts. If anyone wants later fluid spec charts tell Neo and he can pass on the information and I'll email them to you.

 

[Dennis]

Just trying to get the correct information out to anyone who wants it. You can use any fluid you want in your t/case; however, some might want to use what GM recommends.

This is from the GM service manual. You can note the model year at the top and then read the GM recommended spec for the t/case fluid. And do I need to also publish the 07 fluid recommendations too? They are the same...

You are very Welcome DJ...thanks for the compliment.

F5, We'll let this rest now...Just that, anyone doing this project should consult with their dealer for their year of Hummer and get whatever it is they recommend..

to quote your signature: TIME TO MOVE ON

 

[DJinCO]

I was wondering, could Dexron III be used?



I don't really mean to be so dumb.

(2006 H3 )

 

[f5moab]

Yes, it is time to MOVE ON. and it was my mistake of coming back to this forum and trying to pass on information that might be helpful to others.
So sorry if I upset you, Dennis, with the addition of the correct information. I really didn't mean it to hurt your feelings, I just didn't want others to damage their t/cases due to information that was incorrect and not even
your fault.

My new signature sums it up....

 

[DJinCO]

Doug, send me an e-mail or PM.

I just noticed your avatar. I am so sorry.

 

[Pappibri]

Thanks Gentlemen. I appreciate the posts. If I do it myself I am going to use the Dexron VI, because that is what is shown to be used, if the dealer does it and they use something else then that is on them. I am covered and they are good about honoring the warranty... But seeing is beleiving..

 

[Dennis]

Yes, it is time to MOVE ON. and it was my mistake of coming back to this forum and trying to pass on information that might be helpful to others.
So sorry if I upset you, Dennis, with the addition of the correct information. I really didn't mean it to hurt your feelings, I just didn't want others to damage their t/cases due to information that was incorrect and not even
your fault.

My new signature sums it up....

Where do you get that..?..I don't appreciate you shadowing me every time I post something with your righteousness…You maybe right and I know I am correct in regards to MY vehicle..I just did this about a month ago and had this very discussion with the dealer..and not just a Hummer service, also at two other GM dealers as well..My information is well researched...when it says DO NOT USE Dexron VI...I won't use it..Pretty simple..Just affirming my position and information, I conceded, that if in doubt, ALWAYS check with and expert who is still working for GM or did you miss that?…

Why is it you can't win or have a discussion unless you end it with some condescending sarcasm?...Sorry to see you have not changed in your personality, you must be a lonesome person...Again I'll remind you, you are NO LONGER working for GM and there is an obvious and probably a good reason why they showed you the door..

 

[Dennis]

I was wondering, could Dexron III be used?

View attachment 3069

I don't really mean to be so dumb.

(2006 H3 )

No it's not a dumb question..My 2006 OM said the same thing..

but there was an amendment insert to correct for that information to use only Manual Transmission and Transfer Case fluid #88861800 and NOT TO USE Dexron VI...I don't think Dexron III is made anymore.

 

[MUTAINT]

Dennis, don't worry about F5. He has onced again taken to the "superior to all" attitude. He thretens to never come back, but he always does.:gaah:

I have had the same discussion with the parts and techs at several HUMMER service centers and they ALL said to follow what is in the manual that came with the H3. My 08 H3 manaul states: Transfer Case - Manual Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. US 88861800, in Canada 88861801). Just like the quart you have a picture of above. That's what I used too!:cheers:

Thanks for the informative and visual write up. :thumbs:

 

[Pappibri]

Well its nice that got cleared up.... So I guess I will follow what it says in the manual to use.. Thanks Dennis and Mutaint...

 

[Bigunit]

Dennis, once again - thank you for the great detailed write-up! I really appreciate it! :thumbs:

 

[3Hummers]

Looks like a good tech section thread.

 

[alrock]

This is a great debate all over the Internet - the use of Dexron VI vs. Dexron III vs. manual transmission fluid. The arguments are almost always heated and rarely (never?) answered. The opinions and sources vary greatly. Honestly, do I know the right answer? I don't know. There are a lot of people with good experience, knowledge and access to that knowledge. Do I trust every GM rep, whether at HQ or a dealership? No. When dealers choose to send out service bulletins saying I need new plugs at 50K miles, or oil changes every 3000 miles, I don't listen to that. When GM tells me I can go X,000 miles before a fluid change I may not follow their guidance and I may change it earlier. I don't automatically follow all to the statements I hear and neither do any or most of us. I get as many facts as possible and make the decision for myself based on the information I've received.

For the record, I put in Royal Purple manual transmission fluid in the last change. I'm going to change the oil again soon and I'm unsure what I'll use.

And one bit of added opinion from me - always make sure you can remove the fill plug before you undo the drain plug. Tough to get that oil back in from the bottom when the fill plug doesn't come out. :wink:

 

[Bigunit]

Has anyone's TC blown-up because they used Dexron III, IV or Purple Cranium and not Dexron VI or has there been an case where GM refused to cover a TC issue under warranty because someone used Dexron III, IV or Purple Cranium instead of Dexron VI?

 

[DJinCO]

I doubt it.

My H3 has 135K miles so it's out of the warranty window.

At 135K, it not even in the warranty nieghborhood.

I have about a gallon on Amsoil Universal ATF, clearly labeled Dexron III, on my garage shelf. I'll be using that.

I believe that changing is a key factor in fluids. If one used canola oil and changed it every day, it would probably work!

(OK, not really, but everyone get's the point!)

 

[alrock]

The concern I've heard is that Dexron VI is thinner or more slippery and some t-cases might benefit from a heavier oil. I don't know the facts behind it, just parroting an opinion I heard elsewhere.

 

[MaxPF]

My guess on the Dex III vs Dex VI thing is seal compatibility. This is the case with 05-earlier Allison transmissions, where you do NOT want to use Dex VI as it will cause the seals to harden and leak. Personally, I wouldn't wash my toilet with Dex VI, but that is another thread. The absolute best stuff you can use in your transmission is Allison Transynd or Mobil Delvac 1 synthetic ATF (not the regular Mobil 1 synthetic - myst be DELVAC 1). These fluids are so superior to Dex VI or anything else it isn't even a contest.

Back to the transfer cases, it has been found that they are surprisingly hard on fluid. Dennis showed pics of his fluid being nearly black after relatively few miles (nice post BTW Dennis :thumbs. The cause is heat - chain drive cases, whether BW or NP, get the oil amazingly hot with sustained driving. DMax guys with the NP261 and NP263 have been known to literally evaporate so much fluid away from heating that their cases fail. So, the best fluid to use are ones that resist thermal breakdown the best. This invariably means synthetics. Again, Transynd and Delvac 1 are good choices here, as both are pure group IV PAO (polyalpha olefin) base stocks with good heat resistance. Royal purple fluids are also group IV AFAIK.

There is a spec on fluid called the NOACK evaporation loss test. As a rule, group V POE (polyol ester) and diester based fluids reign supreme for high temp resistance, even better than group IV PAO's. That is why they are used as base stocks for jet engine oils. So, if you really want the best, longest lasting fluid you want one with a POE base and the proper viscosity. There you have pretty much two choices: Redline MTL and redline D4 ATF. Either one will work interchangeably. I have had the same fill of redline in my NP241 for 30,000 miles with no loss and no discoloration. It's good stuff :thumbs:

 

[Dennis]

Again thanks for the compliments..But I'm beginning to regret writing anything up anymore..The Brake Job thread is causing some to foam at the mouth a little, and F5 got his undies in a bundle here..So I'm sorry for stirring up such a commotion..

I'll think about the next DIY posting whether or not is will cause any heated discussions...Otherwise it has been my pleasure to share the practical experiences with y'all

 

[MUTAINT]

Dennis, don't stop with any thread let alone your great DIY threads because of anything.

Your DIYs HELP current DIY'ers and WILL help future DIY'ers if not for the written word just the pictures alone. I can't count how many time I have read "where is the drain plug on this" or "where is the blah-blah-blah for that". Keep up the great documentation of the DIYs!!!!:cheers:

 

[Bigunit]

i agree. Please keep adding more DIY threads. It's appreciated not only by me, but I'm sure by many others as well. Like I've said before, we all benefit when we exchange information & it's one of the many ways that we all learn. As the old aying goes, WE ARE SMARTER THAN ME & if you know me, you know that I am humble enough to admit it!