How many liters of transmission fluid does the Buick LaCrosse require?
3 Answers
The transmission, also known as the gearbox, requires 7.1 liters of fluid for the Buick LaCrosse automatic transmission. The transmission fluid dipstick has two sides: 1. The COLD side indicates the transmission fluid temperature is between 30~50°C; 2. The HOT side indicates the transmission fluid temperature is above 50°C. Since it's difficult to maintain the transmission fluid temperature between 30~50°C, the HOT method is generally used to measure the fluid level in the transmission. The specific steps for measuring automatic transmission fluid are as follows: 1. Drive the car normally for about 5 minutes (to raise the automatic transmission fluid temperature above 50°C); 2. Park the car without turning off the engine; 3. Press the brake pedal and shift through all gear positions, staying in each position for at least 2 seconds, finally stopping at P (Park); 4. Keep the engine idling and open the automatic transmission fluid reservoir cover; 5. Pull out the automatic transmission fluid dipstick, wipe it clean with a dry cloth, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again; 6. The fluid level should be between the two marks on the HOT side; 7. Reinsert the dipstick fully to complete the inspection.
As a veteran LaCrosse driver with ten years of experience, I've changed the transmission fluid three times. The older 4AT LaCrosse typically requires 5.5 to 6 liters—I remember the technician at the dealership used the gravity drain method and added 6 bottles. Switching to the newer 9AT was more complicated, reportedly needing around 12 liters with a flush machine for thorough cleaning. A crucial reminder: never trust roadside stalls claiming '4 liters is enough for GM models.' My neighbor skimped half a liter to save money last time, and their transmission shuddered like riding a horse. I recommend checking the maintenance manual's final chapter directly—transmission fluid quantities vary significantly across different engine and transmission model years.
I often help friends with their cars. The transmission fluid quantity for the LaCrosse depends on the specific model. For example, the 2013 2.4L model with the 6T40 transmission requires exactly 6 liters for a gravity change, but turbocharged models need an additional 0.5 liters. Last week, I handled a case where the owner bought seven 1-liter bottles of Dexron VI standard fluid, but the mechanic said a flush with a machine would require a full 12 bottles. The safest method is to monitor the dipstick during the fluid change: with the engine warm and idling, the fluid level should be between the two notches in the HOT zone—top up on the spot if it's low.
