Transmisson Service

I want to change the transmission filter on my 2002 Cavalier. I read over the owners manual and could not find where to fill the fliud from or to check the amount (like an oil filter dipstick). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Well on my 97 2.2L the trans fluid dipstick is located at the back of the engine to the right alittle, and its should be a red handle on the dipstick.

Be careful if your going to add some fluid, i over filled my trans in my 1990 daytona and messed up the trans.

I'm going to do a trans fluid and filter change on my 97 aswell, the fluid looks alittle dark so i think i should just to add alittle insurance.

Why would you want to change the filter? The reason they don't have dipsticks from 2000 up is because the tranny fluid is filled for life, it doesn't really need service. How many kms on it so far.

Why would you want to change the filter? The reason they don't have dipsticks from 2000 up is because the tranny fluid is filled for life, it doesn't really need service. How many kms on it so far.


Well, I know it need to be change because I inquired about it at the dealership a while back. I was told that the dealer is the only people that can change it. It does not have a transmission dipstick. I figure it is set up like the rear axle pumpkin on most american cars where there is a fill screw on the side of the case. I just don't know where it is located on the cavalier. I put 40,000 on it the first year and usually thats the time the service manual states to change the filter and fliuds.

Opps, I forgot to memtion that it went in to the dealer 6 months ago for a recall on the transmission. It seems that the transmission had a crack on the casing and was leaking. I took it back to the dealer and was told that it is common on the cavalier and that they had a recall on it. I never recieved anything in the mail concerning the problem. The only was i found out was doing the oil change and noticed it leaking. The dealer didn't even replaced the transmission. They stated that they had a kit out to solved the problem. Well the kit was a liquid weld kit which they patched up the crack. I asked if they check the fluid level and filled it back up and was told they did but they would not tell me where they check or filled it up at, only it is a dealer thing.

Well, i've got a 99 ls with the 2.4 and auto trans. that has no dipstick for the trans. There is an oil fill hole on top of trans in engine compartment. You have to remove a plug on the side of trans from underneath and fill until it runs out. By the way if a dealer acted secretive about changing the trans oil like it sounds to me you related I would not give those grifters another dime of buisness.I've changed my trans fluid every 30,000 and its been burnt every time.The owners manual recomended changing every 50,000 but a chilton manual I bought recomended 30,000. I am wondering if there was a problem with the trans in my car from the get go?

steve, I own a 04 cav and the filler for the transmission is located on the driver side of the car on top of the transmission. Can't miss the dame thing it's red in color.

Hey guys, I really appreciate the feedbacks. Does anyone know exactly where the plug is that I take out to check the level of the fluid is at ?

You need to access the plug from underneath the car. I believe its on the drivers side of the trans. its about 1/4 inch diameter pipe type plug that can be removed with an adjustable wrench. This info is for the 4 speed auto I've got on my 99 ls.