Need help with '97 Cavalier Manual Transmission.

[ptuxbury]

Okay, please forgive me for being an auto repair novice, but my '97 Cavalier with manual 2.4L engine has started seeping a very small amount of transmission fluid. Since it already has 182,000 miles on it, I don't think I want to repair it, but I do want to know how to check the level and top it off if I need to. The problem is that I cannot seem to locate the transmission dipstick.

I have a couple of Cavalier repair manuals. Yes there is a dipstick, according to the manuals, but I still cannot locate it based on their very limited descriptions.

Could someone please give me a very detailed description as to where I could look to find the dipstick? I keep looking below the master cylinder (as per one of the descriptions), but cannot seem to see it. Am I looking in the correct area, and if so, how far below the master cylinder should I be looking (3 inches, 6 inches, 12 inches?).

If you could help, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

[jamesgky]

97 cavaliers do not have a dipstick. All they have is a red cap on the very top of the transmission. Check the right side of the transmission and you should find a plug. If I'm not mistaken you will need an allan wrench to remove it. To fill up your tranny, just take out the plug, pour the fluid into the hole on top of the tranny, and when fluid starts to run out of the plug hole stop and put the plug back in. It should be full.

[gmcarguy]

There previous guy is correct, there is a red cap on the top of trans.
No tools needed, it a flip cap and pull out.

However, your leaking is a problem. Those trans are a problem, when a Psg side) long one piece axle shaft is used. The axle will vibrate and eventually take out the axle seal (source of problem). Problem is once that seal is gone usually the inner diff bearing has worn and needs replacement (trans re/re).

long story, sell car will your ahead.

[bigdaveangell]

an axle seal is easy and cheap to replace if you know what your doing. If you dont it could be expensive. If you know someone that works on cars you should see if they could do it for cheap

[emailastro]

I have a 1991 and there is a dip stick. It is white and its about 1 inch tall. My question is, my Haynes manual says the manual transmission oil is in the manual it says to fill it with GM transaxle lubricant (part No. 123549) or equivalent. What is the equivalent?

Tim
Http://emailastro.us

Oh!, the dipstick is located under the master cylinder.