transaxle fluid

I have a 2000 Alero. When you take the red tranny fluid cap off next to the engine & then look down inside. Should you see tranny fluid? Because when I look down inside the hole i see straight down and see meatal..

thanks
Steve

Welcome to AF.

Good question. The red cap is just the filler hole and I would not use looking down the hole as a proper indication on ATF fluid level. I realize it doesn't help not having a dipstick. To check tranny ATF level there is a level plug located on the right (passenger) transaxle housing extension. It is adjacent to the engine oil drain plug but you will need to safely jack the car up and crawl underneath. There is a procedure to follow to check fluid level in past posts.