QuestionQUESTION: 2001 Pontiac Grand-Am (3.4L) has no AT dipstick or tube. How can I change AT fluid and filter and add a ATF cooler and fill the transmission to the correct level?
ANSWER: Well there is three different questions here.
Here is the fluid level check procedure
Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid temperature has reached operating temp.
Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK range.
Raise the vehicle . The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range.
Caution: The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being expelled out of the oil fill opening.
Remove the transmission oil level control plug located below and to the right of the right axle output shaft housing. I tried to attach a picture but I am unable. It is easily recognized. It has only four sides to the head.
Important: The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the threaded plug hole.
Is the fluid level low?
Add DEXRON® III automatic transmission fluid in increments of 0.5 L until the fluid drains from the plug hole.
The fill hole is located under the air intake tube, it is a red cap that is unthreaded.
Important: Before installing the fill plug apply GM P/N United States 12345382, GM P/N Canada 10953489 to the thread of the line pressure plug.
Allow fluid to finish draining out of the plug hole. Install the plug and tighten to specified value.
(9 lb ft)
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QUESTION: No question, just a follow-up comment: What a retarded idea to omit the AT dipstick & tube assembly. For the purpose of saving $3 or $4 dollars GM has made transmission failure one step closer to reality by eliminating the possibility of detecting early fluid loss and examining the fluid condition as part of a routine maintenance program that about 1/2 of all vehicle owners would normally do.
AnswerI agree with you 100%. Some of the smaller shops and lube shops don't even know how to check the tranny fluid level on those particular transmission. Makes you wonder what 44 points they were looking at on your vehicle if something as basic and as important as trans fluid level isn't being checked.
Hope you found the level plug and checked it successfully.
