Checking transmission fluid

Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 SATURN ION
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 139,000 MILES
I want to know how to check the transmission fluid level and where is the dipstick on this car? I have had the car almost six month now I have never check the transmission fluid level. Does this car have a dipstick to check the transmission fluid level? I looked for the dipstick but I have not found one where is it located.
Thursday, January 30th, 2014 AT 9:28 PM

18 Replies

Tiny
MLDANIELS2000
  • MECHANIC
  • 227 POSTS
Does not have a dipstick tube. Has a plug to check fluid from underneath. Suggest having a shop do it due to special care needed to check and change fluid.

No special tool. Plug can be taken of with ratchet. Just a pain to do. Will list procedure.

Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid temperature has reached the value specified.

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.
Note: Refer to transmission fluid vent cap removal notice in cautions and notices.
Remove the fluid vent cap.

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.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the park range.

Remove the transmission oil level control plug.

Important: The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
Check the fluid color. If necessary, use a small screwdriver as a dipstick.

CHECK THE DIAGRAM BELOW! #65
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Friday, January 31st, 2014 AT 10:40 AM
Tiny
COLLEGE101
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
MLDANIELS2000:

I have a similar question.

My new 2003 Saturn Ion coupe says my transmission is "hot trans" when I
reach about seventy five to eighty mph on the highway. I am trying to locate the level plug.

Is this the same transmission as pictured previously above?
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Yes it is.
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Monday, February 6th, 2017 AT 4:37 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It has to be on level ground or a hoist where it is level then a plug has to be pulled to see if it is correct level or not. Vent cap must be removed first after transmission is hot or warm. Then plug must be removed and fluid added.5 quarts at a time until it comes out. Item 52 in one picture is vent cap.
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Monday, February 6th, 2017 AT 4:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BAMBICONN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 SATURN ION
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,304 MILES
How and where do I check the transmission fluid?
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Monday, February 6th, 2017 AT 4:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
On that one there is no dipstick and unless the car is level the level hole will not give you a accurate reading. Why do you think it is low? Do you have a leak? How many mikes has it been since you changed the fluid?
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Monday, February 6th, 2017 AT 4:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SHAUN320
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 SATURN ION
My car is a four cylinder, automatic with 97,151 miles. It does not have a transmission fluid dipstick for checking the fluid level. Is there a way to check for the fluid level, or maybe a fill plug somewhere? If so, where would I find either of these?
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
There is a dipstick on that transmission it is between the radiator and transmission down low. it is yellow and held in with a 12 mm bolt.

Here is a guide and some diagram (below) that should help you get the job done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JMASATURN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you so much. This was just what I was looking for thanks! I have been told that the transmission is sealed and they suggested I have it flushed. Is there some special way of doing this? Or even a way of checking fluid levels? The quotes I have gotten for a flush are very expensive.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
How many miles do you have on the car? You change the fluid every 50,000 miles. I would not flush it just have it changed. The fluid is expensive for that car and it also takes an additive with fluid which is also expensive. As far as checking the fluid, unless you have a leak and are loosing a good deal of fluid there really is no need for that. There is no dipstick, there is just a level hole and it is a little complicated to check the level.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JMASATURN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I just turned over 60,000 miles on it. I am not having any issues with it. For me, it is a really good car. No issues. I just put eight hundred miles on it this last week. Thanks for the advice. I will call around and check prices.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
If you have that mileage and it has never been changed then you need to change it. Also, make sure you take it somewhere that they know that the transmission is different from most transmissions and has a different changing and filling procedures. It is really important it is done right and with the correct fluid. I would get the fluid and the additive from the dealer.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JMASATURN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you. I will.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
You are welcome, that is what we are here for.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
S.A.M.
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 SATURN ION
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 88,000 MILES
Where do I replace transmission fluid after CV joint replacement on passenger side. Cannot find fill plug to replace lost fluid during repair, approximately two quarts. Is there a dip stick? Have Dexton six transmission fluid for replacement. How much fluid does transmission hold? It is a five speed automatic. If there is a picture or diagram you can point me to that would also be helpful. Thanks, Sue-seventy years young and learning all the time.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Fluid capacity7.5 qts. Saturn T-IV fluid Remove bolt holding check rod and fill through there
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
S.A.M.
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks! Answered my question and gave me the help I needed.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
It will not hold no where near 7.5 on a drain and refill maybe like between4-5 quarts the fluid gets changed every 50K mileage. If the fluid was black just do a drain and refill.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)

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