Transmission issues when cold...

I have a 2000 Malibu, and after its sit all night, it is really slow to build pressure or something. Almost like a clutch slipping on a 5-speed, at the end of the street tho, it seems ok, and after driving 1/2 mile its 'normal'. Is this just a dirty filter in need of a change? I havent seen too many pics, but by looking at a picture of a new filter, it seems pretty straight forward. I'm guessing I have to see how much fluid comes out, and replace the same amount? Should I do the draining warm? Is there a way to flush it? Thanks!

My .02 is: No such thing as "lifetime" tranny fluid. I now change mine every 100K with Synthetic (damn cold where I live). Every single minor issue this tranny had is gone (226K on it right now).
Is the car getting a few moments to warm up before you move? I advocate letting an unplugged (block heated) car to stabilize her revs (kick down ~ 1000 rpm) before moving her.
Hope that helps.

I was kind of wondering about that too. Its pretty damn cold here latley.. getting down to single digits. I was wondering about if might have a pressure issue or if it keeps the revs up to help warm the fluid? I have no clue, I dont drive automatics. :) If my SHO is doing that.. it means I get to pull the motor and swap a clutch.. :) Anyway.. I seen something about two different fluid levels.. one being when u drain the pan, and say .. swap a filter.. and another where its evidently flushed out?

I also seen another thread that says there is an overfill hole in the side of the transaxle? Kinda like on a manual? Just needs to be level? I'm sure its a blast to reach, but I like that way a lot better, but also know if they are overfilled it would cause damage? This is why I dont like autos! :)

If you want to change all the fluid a flush will do the job, but it won't give you the benefits of dropping the pan, such as a new pan gasket and screen filter.

IMO and what I've heard, the best thing to do is drop the pan, fill it up, and take it to get flushed. Differences of opinion lie in what kind of flush, but it's the only way to get it all out.

As far as the check plug goes, I can't fit under my car so I can't really check myself. My understanding is you (or a helper) pour fluid in until it just drips out of the hole. If you keep track of how much you take out when you drop the pan you'll be close.

much luck

When it's really cold, that standard tranny fluid is mighty viscous. Even in a manual. My 740 turbo (Volvo) is a 5-spd and it sits in high idle for a little while until it kicks down as well. It also wasn't shifting its usual "snick-snick" style during the winter until I put in a synthetic for her too. For an auto, standard petro-fluid in the tranny must be like pushing a golf ball through a garden hose through all the little passages/valves at these temps.
I have a feeling you're talking imperial temps when you say single digit. I live in northern Canada and right now it's -32c with the wind chill; which is about -26F.
Yea, there's no stick to check the fluid level, just the joy of guestimation and oily fingertips. Best to drop the pan and change it all out, fill 'er up and go.
When I get home I'll try to find the diagrams and post 'em.