2004 malibu 3.5 transmission fluid
Asked by Jim Mar 20, 2018 at 12:32 PM about the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Just got this car. Runs very good. Certified no problem.
Checking fluids found transmission fluid did not come up to
the bottom of the fill plug. Was told this is the only way to
check the level as there is no dip stick. I have added 7 liters
so far but still no sign of it being full. It has a 12L dry
capacity. Should i just keep adding? At a loss. There are no
leaks i can see and i suspect its never flushed etc. 250k on
the car. Any advice?
5 Answers
There's a reason why car makers removed the transmission dipstick. Too many owner's were overfilling or underfilling their trans fluid because they did not have the transmission at the proper temperature when checking it. Or level. Tranny needs to be at a very specific temp. Let a transmission shop handle this.
My understanding is the reason for no dip stick is the horizontal nature of the mounting and the complications of having a dip stick. But thanks for the reply. I will take your advice.
Heed the advise that KenF is giving you. Go to the experts. Do not mess with it!!
Keep filling until you either get the level up to the fill plug or you use 12 liters of fluid. Then test. If OK - done. If not - take to a shop.
First thing in the morning my transmission does not shift properly on a take off
