Having changed the filter on my '97 3.0 shorty [89,000 mi.] and going to do the gentle flush soon, I thought about the fluid in our other car. It is a 2000 Chevy malibu with a 3.1 V6. There isn't even a tranny dip stick to check the fluid. I looked in the manual and it said that unless there were signs of leaking or the car was used constantly under harsh conditions, the trans fluid never had to be checked or changed, period. And then had to be checked or changed by the dealer.
Knowing how concerned the guys on this forum are about the Aero's trans filter and fluid change I thought this is strange.
The malibu has been a great car [80,000 mi.] and the trans shifts very smooth.
Trans fluid is trans fluid isn't it?
Beaned

 

Well, the Malibu is designed to eventually fail, as an economy car. However, they are designed to last at least 120,000 miles. Designes and claims that these parts are not meant to be serviced are bogus. Fluids do not last forever, and parts do wear down when the fluid starts to fail and becaome contaminated. I'm not sure if those instructions are based upon a long term plan to make the car fail and need replacement, or if it is based upon arrogance from the engineers that designed it. Overall, the Malibu is a good car. But that transmission statement would be false. I would ask a transmission shop abot their professional opinion on this car.

 

It's a bold assumption on their part that a tranny will never leak and therefore never need the fluid level checked. It's our disposable culture I guess.

 

That's a good idea, to ask a transmission shop of their experiences with the "never change" attitude of the Chevy engineers.
Seems rediculous to me. I'll get it changed along with the filter.
Beaned

 

the 4T40 transmission is a standard 4 sp clutch pack and band auto tranny...the friction material wears off and contaminates the ATF plus there is eventual ATF breakdown from heat and wear out of additives
the ATF has to be changed

How do you check the transmission fluid in a 2000 Chevy Malibu?
Answer link

You can not check the transmission fluid it is sealed off. You should take it to get it checked! actually you just have to jack the car up and make sure its level, leave the car running and go under the car and take the higher plug out of the transmission just above the pan, if tranny fluid starts to come out, it is fine but if nothig comes out you should start filling it up from the top until it comes out.

Answer

This is one of the reasons that GM is on their way out of business. The assine engineers that planned this one should be shot. There is a red cap that is under the throttle body below the exhaust manifold. Don't remove it unless the engine is running or you'll start losing fluid. It is meant to be checked at room temperature (104 degress f). It is full when there is nothing running out. It is a real ******* trying to get the cap back on when the manifold is screaming hot. The first attempt usually winds up with a burn on your hand (wear gloves), and losing the cap behind the transaxle. WARNING: Here's the kicker when that happens-you can't shut the car off or it will spew oil. So you need to raise the car while it's running to try to get to the dropped cap. Be careful on this one.

When you change the filter, it calls for 6.9 quarts to refill. The dry fill is around 12 quarts. Well I had 12 quarts into it and it still wasn't to the overflow point. I'm not sure where that leaves me. Somthings rotten in Detroit is all I know. The pan gasket is reusable if you take it off carefully.

 

I asked a trans shop today about the Malibu. He says they are sealed, but he could check it. He said he has been in business over a year and has never had a Malibu in the shop.I don't know what that means.
He also said that a lot of automakers are going to the sealed trannys. Like BMW, Volkswagon etc.
My guess is that by the time the trans fails, the car is off warranty and the consumer pays. Makes sense if you're an automaker.
I like my '38 Plymouth P6 coupe...I can fix almost anything with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver.
Beaned

 

Thanks 96 4wdr for the information.
Beaned

 

I would like a drum of whatever fluid they used, and a handful of whatever that engineer was smoking

 

No kidding!!!

 

Beaned,

In GM's defense, consider that four out of five owners will never check the level of their trans fluid. Of those who do, three out of four will do it wrong, resulting in excessive fluid level, and foamimg.
GM has learned that only a few owners can be trusted with even basic maintenance and level checks. So, why spend the money on an unused, or misused, tube and dipstick?
The folks on this forum are car folks. Most owners are not. Ask your associates and co-workers a few simple questions, like the oil capacity of their car, the number of valves it has, and whether those valves are operated by an overhead cam, or pushrods. Only a few will know, correctly.
So, while I am with everyone above as to the need for a dipstick with which to check ATF level, as well as add fluid as needed, I also understand why GM deleted the dipstick.

 

I appreciate lastaero's comments however, I reserve the right to own a real car. I will watch for this next time I'm in the market.
Add this (go here for more dumb ideas) to the other attempts to protect us from ourselves:

 

I agree with their decision to not include the dipstick. However, transmission service should be scheduled maintenance in the owners manual.

 

khantyranitar,
And it is not! I mean their dealers would make money if it were. such is life.
Beaned

 

Thats crazy. What if a sensor inside of the pan throws out a trouble code and has to be changed? Even the POS 97 KIA I have can have a tranny service done and its really is a "disposable car"