Check fluid level

150,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JOHNHARR
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  • 1 POST
How do you check the fluid level in the automatic transmission of a 1997 Sunfire. There is a fluid cap but no dip stick?
Nov 16, 2008 at 1:38 AM
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JDL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 16,098 POSTS
There are different styles here are all of them int he diagrams below.


Important: Vehicle must be kept level on the hoist.

Raise vehicle on hoist.
Place oil container under fluid level screw.
Remove the fluid with the engine running at idle.
Fluid level should be at the bottom of the fluid check hole. Because the transaxle operates correctly over a range of fluid levels, fluid may or may not drain out of the fluid check hole when the fluid level screw is removed. If fluid drains through the fluid check hole, this transaxle may have been overfilled. When fluid stops draining, the fluid level is correct and the fluid level screw may be installed. If fluid does not drain through the fluid check hole, the transaxle fluid level may be low. Proceed to ADDING TRANSAXLE FLUID.
Install fluid level screw.
Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)

Lower vehicle.
Shut off engine.
Adding Transaxle Fluid:

With the engine running, add fluid at the vent cap location in half liter (1 pint) increments until fluid drains through the fluid check hole. Allow the fluid to finish draining through the fluid check hole.

Install fluid level screw.
Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)

Lower vehicle.

I believe the plug is down low, passenger side, close to half shaft. The fluid needs to be hot, and the level should be at the bottom of the hole with plug removed.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken
Nov 17, 2008 at 4:45 AM
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LLOYDERBAUM08
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  • 26 POSTS
its by the enigine oil plug. there is a llittle scew type notch there. un-screw it and that the "dipstick" lol
Nov 22, 2008 at 10:47 AM
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