The Chevrolet/owners website will print off a "maintenance" schedule for you. One of the links is what to do at each fill-up, another is for monthly check. The monthly check says to check the tranny fluid monthly.
Well.... I couldn't find a dipstick for it. And I'm not automobile challenged.

jerij

There is no dipstick. Its something the dealer would have to check.

Page 5-19 of the manual says you dont have to check it. I dont think there is one.

Good, I feel better.

jerij

* Make sure the safety belt reminders light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are working properly.
* Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
* Look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
* Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
* Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold, damp weather, more frequent application may be required.
* Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed.

Just so ya didn't think I was nuts.

jerij

I read something very simliar to that before from consumer reports.

What does the manual/service schedule say about frequency of changing the fluid? My Taurus says every 25,000 miles. If you don't do it yourself because it's such a bit## to do, a dealer gets $150 (that includes the fluid in the torque converter too). If you keep the vehicle 100,000 miles, that's $600 or 1/2 the cost of a rebuild!!!!!
My sons both had Cavaliers and there was only a cap on the top to add fluid through. I guess GM has finally perfected a transmission that never needs attention - until you have to call for a tow. :eek:

My sons both had Cavaliers and there was only a cap on the top to add fluid through. I guess GM has finally perfected a transmission that never needs attention - until you have to call for a tow. :eek:

It's the same way on the HHR, add only. I don't have my manual with me right now or I would check how frequently you are supposed to add fluid. I think you are supposed to add fluid like every 50,000 miles but I could be wrong. I wonder how I am supposed to add fluid to something without a dipstick? :confused:

I am nearly positive that the HHR has a sealed transmission (for the automatic) meaning that you can't check it or change it. Dealer service required.

Its not completely sealed, you can still add fluid. I posted that it was sealed and retracted it because it can't be sealed if there is a place to add fluid. Its that way for both the manual and automatic.

Cap'n,

Most of the auto's being made right now (and be BMW for many years now) are filled and closed at the factory.

They will sometimes have a fill hole on top of the transmission.
However, there is a special hook shaped filling tool that is used by a tech while having a scan tool on the car monitoring trans temp (this is general, not GM specific.)

There is no way to 'check' the fluid levels like regular old automatic transmissions.

It's not sealed you can check the level. It is a pain in the ass to do, you can get to it from underneath and there is no dipstick.

It's not sealed you can check the level. It is a pain in the ass to do, you can get to it from underneath and there is no dipstick.

Can you go into a little more detail on this?

I'll stick the car up on a rack this weekend if so.


Because they say this about our transmission. Used in the HHR, Cobalt, VUE, and tons of other things:

"The optional Hydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission offers reliable operation with seamless shifts. The 4T45-E uses Dexron III fluid and is "filled for life," meaning there is no scheduled maintenance required for the transmission under normal operating conditions"

Most information on this unit is using the quote "sealed for life"

I stand corrected I just looked mine over top to bottom and didnt see what I was looking for. I figured the 4T45 was the same as the 4T40 in the J-bodies. Those don't have a dipstick either but you can check the fluid level through a port from the bottom, on top of the trans.

So what do you suggest us to do about checking our Tranny fluid snsknr94. Afterall your are resident GM Tech and I respect your advise.

So what do you suggest us to do about checking our Tranny fluid snsknr94. Afterall your are resident GM Tech and I respect your advise.

Honestly just drive it until it blows up, just hope it blows within 3 years and 36k miles.

HA HA. I paid for extra warranty. I'm covered untill 48K Miles

There has to be some way. The manual says for severe service to change it every 50,000 miles on page 6-6. It tells you what kind of fluid to use also.

There has to be some way. The manual says for severe service to change it every 50,000 miles on page 6-6. It tells you what kind of fluid to use also.

I spent a few minutes poking around under the hood and didn't see anything. Granted I didnt put it up in the air, but the port I was looking for wasn't in the same location as the J-bods. If I get time tomorrow I'll rack it it give it a good once over.

There has to be some way. The manual says for severe service to change it every 50,000 miles on page 6-6. It tells you what kind of fluid to use also.

Cap'n.

Sealed tranmissions are serviced by being taken out, opened, inspected, serviced, refilled, sealed back up and re-installed.

Honestly, I think you guys are getting way to worried about this.

Cap'n.

Sealed tranmissions are serviced by being taken out, opened, inspected, serviced, refilled, sealed back up and re-installed.

Honestly, I think you guys are getting way to worried about this.

That sucks. I don't really mind because I am afraid to work on my transmission anyways. That is the only part of a car I will not work on and will always take it to a professional.

I sell Chevrolets Ecotecs come with sealed transmission we call it "filled for life"