How do you check the automatic transmission fluid level on a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu sedan?

Answer 1

The short answer is, you don't. Just service it at the appropriate interval and look for leaks. On the GM 4T40E and 4T45E transmissions, there is no Transmission Fluid dipstick. GM is continually moving toward the "lifetime fill" with their transmissions, although the actual service interval for these models is 100,000 miles with the original Dexron III (using Dexron VI fluid supposedly doubles the service interval). Anyway, there is a red fill cap on the top of the transmission and a small check-bolt on the side of the transmission. The way to check the transmission fluid level is to open the fill cap, raise the whole car (make sure it's level, not just the front of the car), remove the check bolt. If ATF does not drip from the check bolt, the it's low. Fill through the fill cap until it drips from the check bolt. Check out this website for instructions and an illustration. http://www.quality-trans.com/faq/faq8.html#41