2004 Malibu transmission fluid level check

[bestoils]

I have a 2004 Malibu with an automatic transmission. There is not a dipstick to check the transmission fluid level. I guess there is a plug or oil level check hole somewhere on the transmission? Does anyone know how to check the transmission fluid level or how would you add fluid if the transmission was low on oil?

Thanks

[richtazz]

There is a red cap on the drivers side, right on top of the trans between the side cover and the engine. The fluid level should be up to this hole. GM's brilliant engineers and bean counters figured they could save $2 per car and not include a dipstick. They claim the fluid and filter are good for the life of the car, but if you decide to change the filter, it takes 7.4 quarts to refill. If your car is a V-6, good luck getting a funnel to the fill hole, as it is tucked tight under the exhaust crossover pipe.

[bestoils]

Thanks for the info.

[slls]

Originally Posted by richtazz

There is a red cap on the drivers side, right on top of the trans between the side cover and the engine. The fluid level should be up to this hole. GM's brilliant engineers and bean counters figured they could save $2 per car and not include a dipstick. They claim the fluid and filter are good for the life of the car, but if you decide to change the filter, it takes 7.4 quarts to refill. If your car is a V-6, good luck getting a funnel to the fill hole, as it is tucked tight under the exhaust crossover pipe.

The red cap is the fill hole, the check plug is under the car on the passenger side forward of the axle housing, its 11 mm hex. Car must be level, fluid warm and engine running to check.

[richtazz]

Thanks for the correction slls, I worded that wrong. I would hate to have his fluid overfilled.

[BNaylor]

I don't have any problems filling it with ATF (Dextron-III). Just use a funnel with a long hose attached. Of course checking the level is a different story. Gotta love those 4T40E/4T45E trannies. Tech procedure in the link below should help.

http://www.quality-trans.com/faq/faq8.html#41

[bestoils]

Thanks for all of the info.

[alblogg]

Yeah I would love to meet the dummy from GM that came up this genius of an idea of a location of the transmission filler. I bet he don't even drive a GM car.