Chevy Cavalier transaxle...

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Jan 1, 2003 | 09:00 PM

mikemc

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From: Kentucky

Chevy Cavalier transaxle...

I know this is a Ford site and I drive a 2002 Ranger. My wife's car is a '99 Cavalier and has been a good vehicle for 57,000 miles. My question is, the owners's manual says I don't need to EVER change the auto tranny fluid and filter because the car does not fall into a 'severe service' category. Anyone follow this advice or is it best to go ahead and change it anyway? Thanks.

Jan 1, 2003 | 10:45 PM

groundrat

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From: New Hampshire

Chevy Cavalier transaxle...

I once owned a 99 Grand Slam and it recommened the same thing. Actually it did not even have a dip-stick to check the level. I called Pontiac and they said it was a sealed unit and did not require the service. I said OK and left it at that. Just my $.02.....

Jan 2, 2003 | 12:01 PM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

Chevy Cavalier transaxle...

A lot of companies are doing that nowadays. There are procedures for checking the level, but they are usually pretty complex. In the Jaguar XK8, with the ZF 4-speed auto, you have to remove the rear tranny mount and crossmember, and remove one of the bolts on the tailhousing. Then, you use a special service tool to check the level.

Jared

Jan 2, 2003 | 02:33 PM

jim henderson

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Chevy Cavalier transaxle...

Makes me nervous. If the pan can be dropped and there is a dipstick and if the manual calls out a spec for ATF, then I would try to change at least every 50,000 miles.

While the car may not be a "Severe Duty" vehicle, most people's driving habits put them into "Severe Duty". Stop and go, short trips, dusty conditions, hot weather, lots of idling etc put most drivers under "severe" rating.

Every vehicle I have changed ATF on has looked like it could use it at 50K or so. Usually the fluid is still red, but has some particles in the pan, metal fuzz on the magnet, a partially clogged filter etc. Of course I am no expert and would guess I have changed ATF maybe less than a dozen times in 30 years(I drove mostly sticks), so my experience is not proof of the need.

I would guess, the car is in the "disposable" category so GM doesn't expect you to hang onto it forever. If you do plan to keep it for a long while, I would change the fluid if convenient.

Just my opinion,

Jim Henderson

Jan 2, 2003 | 03:15 PM

mikemc

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From: Kentucky

Chevy Cavalier transaxle...

Thanks for the replies. I tend to agree with Jim, I will probably go ahead and change the fluid, since Chevy does recommend this at 50K for severe service. I am sure it won't hurt anything.

Jan 3, 2003 | 11:03 PM

tranny guy

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Chevy Cavalier transaxle...

your tranny oil should be changed every 50k the type of tranny in your car is called a 4T40E. has no dipstick. Has a fill plug by passenger side axle to fill, and then theres a bleed plug on drivers side by the axle you have to pull out. when the fluid comes out of the plug the tranny is full.