2000 Malibu trans. fluid

[ptrkintx]

How the heck do you go about checking/ filling the transmission fluid in a 2000 Malibu? I don't have an owners manual to give me tips.

[jennyree]

Originally Posted by ptrkintx

How the heck do you go about checking/ filling the transmission fluid in a 2000 Malibu? I don't have an owners manual to give me tips.

The funny thing about the 2000 Malibu is that there is no transmission fluid dipstick. The transmission is "guaranteed" to be leak-free for up to 100,000 or 150,000 miles (I can't remember which). So, if you're wanting to add more, you have to do it blindly; and, there is no way to tell if you are low on fluid.

That is, of course, unless you take it back to the dealer to have them check it for a minimal fee. Sneaky, sneaky they are.

I found this out the hard way on my Malibu.

[RahX]

actually you can check it. and actually it is a pain in the ass. on the rear of the transmission, passenger side right above the axle is a tiny plug. you have to run the engine and get it up to operating temp and lift the car. you then remove that plug and fill the transmission until atf runs out of that hole. Did i mention the thing has to be level? i hate those transmissions with a passion.

[jennyree]

Originally Posted by RahX

actually you can check it. and actually it is a pain in the ass. on the rear of the transmission, passenger side right above the axle is a tiny plug. you have to run the engine and get it up to operating temp and lift the car. you then remove that plug and fill the transmission until atf runs out of that hole. Did i mention the thing has to be level? i hate those transmissions with a passion.

So, in other words, its not something you'd want to do....


....EVER.

Take it somewhere.

[ptrkintx]

Originally Posted by jennyree

The funny thing about the 2000 Malibu is that there is no transmission fluid dipstick. The transmission is "guaranteed" to be leak-free for up to 100,000 or 150,000 miles (I can't remember which). So, if you're wanting to add more, you have to do it blindly; and, there is no way to tell if you are low on fluid.

That is, of course, unless you take it back to the dealer to have them check it for a minimal fee. Sneaky, sneaky they are.

I found this out the hard way on my Malibu.

Thanks. I saw the red cap and it looked like it would be a real pain.

[ptrkintx]

Originally Posted by RahX

actually you can check it. and actually it is a pain in the ass. on the rear of the transmission, passenger side right above the axle is a tiny plug. you have to run the engine and get it up to operating temp and lift the car. you then remove that plug and fill the transmission until atf runs out of that hole. Did i mention the thing has to be level? i hate those transmissions with a passion.

Sounds like a good one to hate. actually, there isn't much that I do like about that car.

[ptrkintx]

Originally Posted by jennyree

So, in other words, its not something you'd want to do....


....EVER.

Take it somewhere.

Agreed!

[slls]

It's easy when you have done it once, I find it no harder than an oil change. You just need a procedure that works for you .