How do you change trans fluid in 2001 Malibu?

Answer 1

To check:

Start with a cool engine. Then, with the vehicle raised and safely supported, start the engine, then move the shift lever through all the gear ranges, ending in Park.

With the engine running and the transaxle at normal operating temperature (having idled 3 to 5 minutes) locate the check plug on the transaxle. The check plug is located near the pan, adjacent to the engine oil drain plug.

Place an oil container under the check plug and remove it. Observe the fluid as it drips into the pain, indicating correct fluid level.

The fluid level should be at the bottom of the check hole. If fluid pours out excessively, the transaxle may have been overfilled. Double-check to make sure the vehicle is level. If no fluid drips from the check hole, add small amounts of fluid through the vent/fill cap at the top of the transaxle until the level is at the bottom of the check hole. A long-necked funnel will be necessary to add fluid.

The condition of ht fluid should also be check along with the level. If the fluid in the drain pan is adark reddish-brown color, or if the fluid has a burned smell, the fluid should be changed. If you're in doubt about the condition of the fluid, purchase some new fluid and compare the two for color and smell.

Be sure to install the check plug and tighten it securely when you are done.

To change:

At the specified time intervals, the transaxle fluid should be drained and replaced. Since the fluid will remain hot long after driving, perform this procedure only after everything has cooled down completely.

Before beginning work, purchase the specified transaxle fluid and a new filter.

Other tools necessary for this job include jackstands to support the vehiclein a raise position, a drain pan capable of holding several quarts, newspapers and clan rags.

Raise and support the vehicle on jackstands.

With a drain pan in place, remove the front andd side transaxle pan mounting bolts.

Loosen the rear pan bolts one turn.

Carefully pry the transaxle pan loose with a screwdriver, allowing the fluid to tdrain.

Remove the remaining bolts, pan, and gasket. Carefully clean the gasket surface of the transaxle to remove all traces of the old gasket and sealant.

Drain the fluid from the transaxle pan, clean the pan with solvent and dry it with compressed air. Be careful not to lose the magnet.

Remove the filter and pry out the seal.

Push a new filter seal fully into its bore, then install the new filter.

Make sure the gasket surface on the transaxle pan is clean, then install the new gasket. Put the pan in place against the transaxle and install the bolts. Working around the pan, tighten each bolt a little at a time until the final torque figure is reached. Note: GM recommends using new bolts, and coating the threads with a thin film of RTV sealant.

Lower the vehicle and add the specified amount of automatic Transmission Fluid through the vent/fill cap and check the fluid level.

Check under the vehicle for leaks during the first few trips.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid: Dexron III automatic Transaxle fluid

Automatic transaxle

fluid and filter change: 7 qts

Dry, including torque converter: 13qts

Pan bolts and fluid level check plug torque: 108in-lbs