Cadillac Repair: Cadillac Cateria Transmission service, oil drain plug, cateria

Question
I have a  1998 Cadillac Cateria and I was wondering how to top up the transmission fliud. There is no dipstick for the transmission and I think I have a transmission fluid leck.

Thanks,

David Picot

Answer
Hi David, This is definately not an easy one to check and here  is the procedure. 1) get the trans fluid up to operating temperature. A 30 minuit drive should be enough. 2) raise and support the vehicle so that it is level and you have access to a fill plug on the side of the main trans pan. 3)Start the engine and shift the trans through all gear positions with your foot on the brake pedal and then put it back in park. 4)With the engine still idleing in park remove the fill plug on the side of the main trans pan. The  level should be at the lower edge of the plug opening. Add DexronIII fluid with a suction gun as needed. 5) Tighten the plug to 33lb ft. This seems a little tight to me so I would go snug just like the engine oil drain plug to be safe. 6) lower the vehicle and turn off the engine