2004 Chevy Malibu Transmission

KMPIEFFER

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
78,000 MILES

My car started slipping gears when I would accelerate, especially getting on the highway. Now, it is running really hard, lots of exhaust and will not go over 30 miles an hour. It feels like it will not shift out of first gear. Please give me advice as to things I can do to resolve this issue before having to bring it to a mechanic. Check fluids? Change filter? Also, I can not find out how to check the fluid level of the transmission fluid in my car and my owners manual is not helpful at all. Is there a dip stick like the oil? Thank you for your help.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

THere is no dip stick. IT is a sealed system. There is a filler plug on the side of the trans that the ATF get to when it is full. At this point, it may need serviced, it may be low on fluid and you may have burned the clutch plates, or there could be a problem with the shift solenoids.

DO NOT over rev the engine if the trans isn't shifting. Get it to a place where they can service the trans and have them check the fliid first. IF it is full, chances are you will need a shop that can check the shift solenoids and trans control module (TCM).

LEt me know what you find.

Joe