i did not see those two plugs either. I did not see the drain/check plug either that is shown on the diagram, Obviously that plug on the bottom should be easy to see providing the location of it but I must be crazy or it is just not there.

This is good stuff, but you should note that it's for Auto Trans in the title or back in the first post. I was getting confuzeled this early in the AM...

Is it possible to check the fluid level without a lift? Can the plug be reached with the passenger side tire off?

The fill plug is easy to find, at least with the 2.2L. While standing on the driver's side, just look down into the space between the air and fuse boxes. There might be a hose or wire in the way, but the black cap is easy to spot.

Use 4 jack stands.....

you can buy a new pan with removable plug and gasket from Napa for about @60.00:thumb:

Haven't done it on the HHR but you can buy a drain plug kit and install it on your stock pan like I did on my Ranger for under 10 bucks.

I've already dropped the pan, and replaced it with one with a plug do to damage. I just want to check the level which could be done by feel.

I was thinking of jacking up the passenger side, remove the wheel, and then lower the jack down until the car is level again (the spare might be the right thickness to use as a stand for this). Is it possible to reach the plug from the side? Or is there too much stuff in the way, or the bolt too much of PITA in the tighter space?

Hey trollbait, is that black cap you refer to ruber, around 2-3 inch diameter, and just pops out, and if so you just fill it up until you see fluid?

Anyone know how much does it cost to have it done by the dealer?

That sounds like it. If you are looking in the right area, there isn't anything else there to confuse it with.

Filling it up to that port is too much. I just added 6.9qts after dropping the pan. I wonder if the fluid can be seen in the filler port, for eyeball checking, while the car is running.

The dealer I called quoted $150 for the service.