Where is the transmission dipstick on a 2001 Chevy Malibu?
UCLABruin
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Al Haunts
<UseLink...@AutoForumz.com> wrote:
>Where the heck is this god-forsaken thing?!?!
There isn't one. The red cap under the exhaust cross-over is the fill
port & there is a level check plug on the right side of the transaxle
near the CV shaft.
To check fluid level, engine must be running, transmission warm & in
park, vehicle level. Fluid should just dribble out when check plug is
removed.
I change fluid & filter on mine every 50,00 miles.
A royal PITA, but doable.
Regards, Al
'99 Malibu LS, 3.1 v6
176,000 km (109,400 miles)
Henri
minutes, vehicle level and with the engine OFF..The transmission fluid level
should be checked via the check plug.If the level is checked with the car
running the transaxle will be over filled.
"Al Haunts" <hau...@cogeco.ca> wrote in message
news:73jpe1h05ru60q5iv...@4ax.com...
Al Haunts
wrote:
>The service manuals I have, say that the transaxle should be warmed up 3-5
>minutes, vehicle level and with the engine OFF..The transmission fluid level
>should be checked via the check plug.If the level is checked with the car
>running the transaxle will be over filled.
>
My GM factory service manuals say engine RUNNING, or a large fluid
spill awaits you. If you want to try it the other way, be my guest
:).
Al.
Henri
I have talked to 2 GM dealers service departments both say "Check auto
transmission on 1997-2003 Malibu's with the engine off". Engines with
dipstick check with engine running - engines with check plug not running. Go
figure, my manual says check with engine off.
"Al Haunts" <hau...@cogeco.ca> wrote in message
news:r7qve1581cqh99od2...@4ax.com...
Al Haunts
wrote:
>We have a conundrum!!!
>
>I have talked to 2 GM dealers service departments both say "Check auto
>transmission on 1997-2003 Malibu's with the engine off". Engines with
>dipstick check with engine running - engines with check plug not running. Go
>figure, my manual says check with engine off.
>
Well Henri, no flame intended. I think the advice you are getting
will result in a low fluid level in your transmission. My GM (Helm)
manuals are explicit about the need for the engine to be running
during the fluid check.
To corroborate this view, the spec calls for 6.5 liters of ATF after a
pan drop & filter change. The several times I've done it, I dump in 7
liters & sure enough, about a half liter dribbles out when checking
fluid level, WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Regards, Al.
Al Haunts
wrote:
Also, here's the proceedure from Alldata for the 4T40-E transmission:
The fluid level screw is intended to be used for diagnosing a
transaxle fluid leak or resetting the transaxle fluid level after
service that involves a loss of fluid.
Inspect
The fluid level should be checked when the transaxle is near Room
temperature or at 40蚓 (104蚌) .
CAUTION: Removal of the fluid level screw when the transaxle fluid is
hot may cause injury. Use care to avoid contact of transaxle fluid to
exhaust pipe.
The engine must be running when the transaxle fluid level screw is
removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Since the actual fluid
level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fluid level screw.
Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid.
WARNING: Do not turn the engine off with the fluid level screw removed
as you can be injured by hot transaxle fluid being expelled out of the
fluid check hole.
Let vehicle idle for three to five minutes with accessories off.
Apply brake
Move shift lever through all gear ranges, pausing three seconds in
each range.
Place shift lever in Park. Important: Vehicle must be kept level on
the hoist.
Raise vehicle on hoist.
Place oil container under fluid level screw.
Remove the fluid level screw with the engine running at idle.
Fluid level should be at the bottom of the fluid check hole. Because
the transaxle operates correctly over a range of fluid levels, fluid
may or may not drain out of the fluid check hole when the fluid level
screw is removed. If fluid drains through the fluid check hole, this
transaxle may have been overfilled. When fluid stops draining, the
fluid level is correct and the fluid level screw may be installed. If
fluid does not drain through the fluid check hole, the transaxle fluid
level may be low. Proceed to ADDING TRANSAXLE FLUID.
Install fluid level screw. Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)
Lower vehicle.
Shut off engine. Adding Transaxle Fluid: With the engine running, add
fluid at the vent cap location in half liter (1 pint) increments until
fluid drains through the fluid check hole. Allow the fluid to finish
draining through the fluid check hole.
Install fluid level screw. Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)
Lower vehicle.
Hope this helps, Al.
