I know its not Third gen, but maybe someone will know.... does a 98 auto with the 3100 have GMs stupid sealed life transmission? I have a malibu, and I cant find a dipstick, all there is is a plug, but no way to check the fluid level.... and I think my tranny is toast, it makes some pretty nasty noises.

 

It should have a plug somewhere on the side of the tranny kind of like a manual trans. You are suposed to take the plug out and check the level with the engine running and take the red cap off the top of the trans and add fluid intill it starts dripping out of the plug on the side.

 

ok, well the plug is there... so just add until it wont take anymore I guess. Thanks

 

WRONG. The new FWD automatics don't have dip sticks or ANYWAY to measure level. I've got a '99 Alero that has the same thing.

GM designed it so that the only way you would need fluid (unless replacing it) is if you physically see it leaking. There is NO other way to check/measure it.

 

well that is the stupidest ****ing thing I have ever heard of in my life. Heres to you GM engineers

now supose you are one of those people that never gets under their car... now I am not, but if I was, how and I suposed to know I need trany fluid, or that it way possibly even be low. I should have bought a Ford, old school and proud of it.

 

The new GM trans don't leak like our high mileage third gen trans do. Don't worry about the Ford thing they do the same stupid things only more often. I work for a multi line dealer group GM/Ford/Chrysler & they all F up only Ford gets top prize.

 

Your Malibu should have a 4T40E or maybe 4T45E trans. Coming off the long piece that wraps around the back on the right there will be an 11 or 12 mm bolt. Start the car and get it up to temp. Remove the plug and add fluid until it runs out. When it stops running out put Loc-Tite 242 on the plug and screw it back in.

 

All most all new transmissions from all car companies, don't have dipsticks. The are sealed so that no maintenance is required. THey do it because they don't want anybody screwing with stuff. Cars no a das are very user friendly, no maintence is required for along time. And when you do need work you sure as hell can't do it yourself, you have to take it to the dealer.