Changing/checking tranny fluid

[brenscars]

I have a 1998 Cutlass 3.1 with 23,000 miles. It was my grandma's car until recently. Oil has been changed a couple of times a year. The tranny fluid has never been changed. I have no way to check it. There is no dipstick. Should I change it? And how do you check it? Thank's for your responses.

[steve_o]

I also have a '98.

You can find a lot of advice on this model year under the Chevrolet Malibu forum at this site.

There is no dip stick, the only way to check the fluid level is to remove a plug while the engine is running and the vehicle is level (good scam to funnel money back to the repair stream). Don't see grandma pulling this off.

I know it is hard to believe, but the plug is near (just across) the engine oil plug.

I have been told you can reach under while its on the ground, I am going to try that next oil change.