Automatic Trans Fluid Capacity - 99 Alero

[biv343]

First off, I know the transmission is "sealed for life". Not that I believe that myself.

Car is a 99 Alero, 2.4L, Automatic

Anyway, I'd like to change the transmission fluid and filter, since my past exeprience with GM FWD transmissions is a little less than stellar, but haven't found anyplace in my searches that says how much fluid to add after a fluid/filter change. I've been told by some that they "think it's about 4 quarts", but thats a little vague for me.

Anyone out there know how much fluid these critters take? Even better, anyone know why GM didn't put a d*mn dipstick in these things?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by biv343

First off, I know the transmission is "sealed for life". Not that I believe that myself.

Car is a 99 Alero, 2.4L, Automatic

Anyway, I'd like to change the transmission fluid and filter, since my past exeprience with GM FWD transmissions is a little less than stellar, but haven't found anyplace in my searches that says how much fluid to add after a fluid/filter change. I've been told by some that they "think it's about 4 quarts", but thats a little vague for me.

Anyone out there know how much fluid these critters take? Even better, anyone know why GM didn't put a d*mn dipstick in these things?

That's a really good question. I know the 4T45E on our V6 Alero tranny holds a total of 9.5 quarts of Dextron-III. But I wouldn't count on 4 quarts being the right amount. How can you ever verify without a dipstick?

One way around it is to collect all the ATF you're draining into a container/flat pan when you undo the tranny oil pan. Then change the filter. Put the old ATF into maybe an old Dextron - III 4 quart container like the Pennsoil type available from Walmart (lot cheaper than buying quarts) or big measuring cup and see how much was drained out.
If 4 quarts drained out then replace accordingly with 4 quarts. Better safe than sorry.

Regardless, good luck!

[biv343]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

That's a really good question. I know the 4T45E on our V6 Alero tranny holds a total of 9.5 quarts of Dextron-III. But I wouldn't count on 4 quarts being the right amount. How can you ever verify without a dipstick?

One way around it is to collect all the ATF you're draining into a container/flat pan when you undo the tranny oil pan. Then change the filter. Put the old ATF into maybe an old Dextron - III 4 quart container like the Pennsoil type available from Walmart (lot cheaper than buying quarts) or big measuring cup and see how much was drained out.
If 4 quarts drained out then replace accordingly with 4 quarts. Better safe than sorry.

Regardless, good luck!

Thanks for the info. I've been doing some other digging around and it sounds like there is a "level check" plug on the trans somewhere (similar to whats on a manual transmission it sounds like). Once it gets above freezing I'll look around and see if I can find it. Otherwise, you have a pretty good idea - didn't even think of that. I guess I'm still used to having a dipstick in the transmission.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by biv343

Thanks for the info. I've been doing some other digging around and it sounds like there is a "level check" plug on the trans somewhere (similar to whats on a manual transmission it sounds like). Once it gets above freezing I'll look around and see if I can find it. Otherwise, you have a pretty good idea - didn't even think of that. I guess I'm still used to having a dipstick in the transmission.

That's interesting. When you find it let everyone know. Hard to crawl around underneath the Alero due to the low ground clearance without jacking it up. Just a guess but I would suspect it is located towards the rear of the tranny and oil pan. Good luck!

[JTrujillo86]

Yep...you have it right. There is a plug where you can check the fluid. There is no trans fluid dipstick because this specific transmission is supposed to be "sealed for life". By the way, the transmission in the V6 is the same exact one as in the 2.4L I4.

Jeremy

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

Yep...you have it right. There is a plug where you can check the fluid. There is no trans fluid dipstick because this specific transmission is supposed to be "sealed for life". By the way, the transmission in the V6 is the same exact one as in the 2.4L I4.

Jeremy

Do you know exactly where it is located? And what is the procedure?
Hot or cold, etc. The only way to effectively check tranny fluid level even using the level plug is with the engine fully warmed up and in park.
I'm quite sure a lot of Alero owners are curious about this subject. Thanks.

[JTrujillo86]

I'm not sure exactly. I have the repair manual for my old Malibu sitting around here somewhere...I can check sometime tomorrow to see what the exact procedure is, but its going to be the same as the Malibu's because they all use the same transmissions. I'll get back to you on it. To be contiuned....

Jeremy

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

I'm not sure exactly. I have the repair manual for my old Malibu sitting around here somewhere...I can check sometime tomorrow to see what the exact procedure is, but its going to be the same as the Malibu's because they all use the same transmissions. I'll get back to you on it. To be contiuned....

Jeremy

The issue came up again. Here is some info since the last message:

It is a small plug located adjacent to the engine oil drain plug. It is located on the passenger side of the vehicle on the part of the housing where the right transaxle is located.

Plus here is the url/link to some info that might help and how to check the level via the hole, although it is for a 4T40-e tranny which should be similar.

www.quality-trans.com/fag/faq8.htm#41