transmission fluid check?

If there is no dip stick than you can not add it yourself. The transmission is sealed. I too have an 04 Ion and you have to take it somewhere to get it changed.

Hello,

I have found what the manual says about transmission drain and fill with diagrams (BELOW)

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
Remove the drain plug (819) from the transmission. Allow the fluid to completely drain.
Remove the gasket (820) from the drain plug (819) and discard.
Install the new gasket (820) on the drain plug (819).
Install the drain plug into the transmission.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions. See: Service Precautions

Tighten the drain plug to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) .
Lower the vehicle.
Important: Do not attempt to remove the 3rd gear anchor band bolt, located on top of the transmission. Removing the bolt will dislocate the internal components, resulting in removal and disassembly of the transmission.

Remove the transmission level gauge bolt (1) and gage (2).
Important: Do not use ATF (P/N 21005966 or P/N 21019223). These fluids are not compatible with this transmission.

Add approximately 3.1 Liters (3.3 Qt) of Saturn T-IV fluid (P/N 22689186) through the transmission level gauge tube.
With the vehicle on a flat level surface, start the engine and operate until the transmission fluid temperature reaches 60-70°C (140-158°F) .
Apply the parking brake.
Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever slowly through all gear ranges, pausing approximately 3 seconds in each range.
Return the shift lever to the park position.
Important: Make sure the fill level tube is clean and free of debris.

Push the transmission level gauge into the level gauge tube until fully seated.
Pull the transmission level gauge from the transmission in order to check the proper fluid level on the gauge.
If the fluid is not within the proper range, adjust as necessary.
When complete, install the transmission level gauge bolt (1).

Please let us know what happens. I am curious ;)

Cheers, Ken

I have the Sedan model. It has a sealed transmission meaning there is no dip stick. If it the transmission is sealed do I need to change the transmission fluid? I do not think it has ever been changed. It is an automatic and when I drive it shifts gears really hard. Would that be an indicator that it needs to be changed out?

It's not sealed there's a small yellow dipstick that is bolted down with a 12mm bolt on the side of the transmission facing the radiator.Its down towards the bottom.It gets changed every 50,000 miles on that transmission.If it's doing what your saying that's not a sign it needs to changed that's a sign there is a problem with the transmission. Have you had the transmission scanned for codes yet?

No not yet I was just thinking getting the transmission fluid changed would fix it.

I think that would be wishful thinking there isn't a filter change on that service with the fluid so that isn't going to be clogged.

I purchased a three quad earlier this month, as is. At the time the car was test driven, late December, there were no noticeable problems. It was pending an oil change, an inspection sticker and detailing.The car was purchased a couple of days later. I was told an oil change, inspection and detailing were done. The day after purchase the transmission hesitated when taking off of a full stop. I took it back. He tested it and took it over to his mechanic. When he returned i was told the car lacked over one and a half quarts of transmission fluid. They added oil and i was told the car was fine to be easy on it for one hundred miles as the car had lacked oil and it had not been moved a couples of months. A couple of day later it lost power on the highway. The car dealer suspected a switch. The following day his mechanic stated the transmission burned. The dealer is replacing the transmission and i am paying for the labor. What would be most effective, to replace the transmission or to rebuild the existing one?

I do not think parts are available to rebuild them anymore. Also, I do not think any new or rebuilt ones are available as well. I would not recommend getting a used one and putting it in. I worked for Saturn for over sixteen years and I am factory trained on that car and transmission. Those transmissions are pure junk and always fail they were never any good. They were less problematic then the Vue because they were in the car. But there still a piece of junk transmission. I wish I had a better answer, but that is my honest answer.

Also, to properly repair the transmission you would have to do a transmission pressure test with the special pressure tester gauge and scan tool capable of commanding the line pressure control solenoid to different amps. If you have a bad valve body or bad pump that caused the transmission to fail. then you just replace the side cover which has the two sheaves with the belt.Then the transmission will quickly go out again.

i need to check the level of fluid in the transmission.
it looks like there might be a dip stick on it but it is held down by a bolt. The supposed dip stick is yellow
and has what it apears to be picture of a gear on it.
is this wear the fluid goes and will it tell me the level?
Saturns are messed up.

yes thats where u check it its a 12mm bolt holding it down i belive.check it while idling in park and hot.u change it every 50,000 miles.also donations and feedback greatly appreachiated.
louie

When going the transmission revs up then Shifts gears. there's plenty of Fluid in the Transmission.

I would try a transmission service first here is a guide to help walk you through the steps with diagrams below to show you how on your car.

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


Fluid Types
AF23-5 Automatic Transaxle


Transmission Fluid .................... Saturn T-IV Fluid P/N 22689186
Capacities
AF23-5 Automatic Transaxle


Transmission Fluid

Complete Overhaul .................... 8.2 quarts (7.8 liters)


Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.

Wow thanks for the help I did the service and the car seems much better ;) fun site.

Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.