Ive learned that my '02 malibu with 24K has no ATF drain plug or dipstick. The owners manual says under normal usage that no change is needed. Under heavy usage every 50K a flush is needed. So, Im thinking I wait until about 50K, then have the 9.5 quarts flushed and filled with Amsoil or Mobil 1 or something long lasting. Then if they car makes it to 100K while I still have it, another flush with synthetic. Is this reasonable or too long (50K). Should I try to get some auto RX in there before its flushed?
Changing ATF on a car with no drain plug/dipstick? 2002 malibu
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We have a Grand Am GT with that trans. I did a drain and fill at 40k, and another at 70k. I used Pennzoil Dex III both times. Dropping the pan allows you to remove about 7 qts.
I would not wait until 50k, personally.
I would not wait until 50k, personally.
Well, Ive got no floor jack or jackstands, my driveway is sloped, and I dont really want ATF all over my garage floor.
How do you add ATF to these transmissions? is there a bolt? What all parts (gasket, etc) do you need to drop the pan? I would rather switch to syn so I dont have to drop it as often if I decide to.
How do you add ATF to these transmissions? is there a bolt? What all parts (gasket, etc) do you need to drop the pan? I would rather switch to syn so I dont have to drop it as often if I decide to.
MolaKule
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The service manual for the 2002 Malibu shows a screw on the side of the transaxle to check the fluid level. With the engine running and fluid at 100ºF (slightly above room temperature) remove the screw and watch for fluid to dribble out.
It shows the refill holes as being a labeled vent cap on the top of the transmission. If you want the exact specifics from the manual just let me know and I'll either write them here or send them to you in e-mail.
It shows the refill holes as being a labeled vent cap on the top of the transmission. If you want the exact specifics from the manual just let me know and I'll either write them here or send them to you in e-mail.
Or, since the Haynes manual had poor photos and vague descriptions, remove the identical looking plug on the TC instead and watch 5 litres of freshly poured synthetic ATF fly out all over the bottom of the radiator! I'm such a meathead at times.
That was on a 99 Sunfire GT 4spd. The plug I opened was at the front of the transmission. Use the one on the side, near the back if yours is similar.
Nice idea, but you have to know where to punch the hole so your screw doesn't interfere with any of the internals. Then you could drain it, drop the pan, and install a B&M drain plug kit ($8 at Autozone) like I had installed in my wife's Aerostar. The shop that did my drain plug said there were only a couple places you could put it because of stuff in the way. Works great, no drips.
Whatever you feel comfortable with. It sounds though, like you might not have the resources to do it at home.(level driveway, extra jack stands, ect.)
For what it's worth, I'm in the same boat myself. I've never had to bring my car to a mechanic and have done most of the work on my families cars, but this might not be worth the hassle. My sister has a 00 Malibu and is due for a transmission fluid change. I guess I'll check it out and will probably do it myself, but it doesn't look fun.
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