2008 Chevy Cobalt LT / 2.2L 4 CYL / 138,??? miles / 3rd owner
I went to change my oil yesterday after watching one of your videos and when I finished I decided to check the fluid in the transmission. So I backed up onto the sidewalk and lifted the front of the car onto jack stands that got it about level. Let it run for 7 - 10 minutes and removed the drain plug. To my understanding the transmission is full when it is level with the lowest point of the drain. Yes this is an awesome [expletive deleted] dipstickless trans, which to my knowledge is still sporting the original fluid. Well upon releasing the drain bolt fluid, a decent amount of fluid, not just a trickle - came out indicating that it has well over the required fluid amount. Right? I dont have any problem with shudder or slippage, but every now and then it shifts what I would consider to be late. What should I do Scotty, I need your guidance.
Thank you!
P.S. I just found your channel, and I LOVE IT!
This is official fluid level checking procedure for the 4T45E automatic transaxle.
- Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid temperature has reached at least 40°C (104°F)
- Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK range.
- Remove the fluid vent cap. ( Notice: The fluid vent cap must be removed before checking the fluid level, in order to ensure the proper level. Improper fluid level may damage the transmission.)
- The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range.
(Caution: The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being expelled out of the oil fill opening. - Remove the transmission oil level control plug.
Add DEXRON VI automatic transmission fluid in increments of 0.5 L (0.5 qt) until the fluid drains from the plug hole.
Quantity (after pan removal) is 7.0 quarts.
GM recommends changing the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles.
vent cap
Automatic. Im not sure what fill bolt youre speaking of. There is the fill cap on the top of the trans, and the drain bolt on the side near the bottom.
It looks like on your transmission you fill from the top, but that bolt towards the bottom is really for checking the fluid level, it's not a drain bolt per se. (It appears you have to drop the pan to actually drain that transmission.)
I found this video that 'splains it pretty well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlJ4hzYpnvc
what should my next course of action be?
I posted the correct checking/filling procedure, in case you missed it. You should follow it, to the letter.
Yes this is an awesome [expletive deleted] dipstickless trans
Please watch language, this is a family site.
Well upon releasing the drain bolt fluid, a decent amount of fluid, not just a trickle - came out
Fluid level is checked at the fill bolt, not the drain bolt. If the fluid is original that does not bode well for the trans lasting a lot longer. You should have been able to check fluid condition to see if it's burnt or gritty.
Manual or automatic, please?
Automatic. Im not sure what fill bolt youre speaking of. There is the fill cap on the top of the trans, and the drain bolt on the side near the bottom.
Ok so I've done everything right so far. And that bolt that I called the "drain plug" is actually the fluid level plug. SO, since I had so much fluid come out of that hole its over filled right?? If so what should my next course of action be?
Ok so I've done everything right so far. ... SO, since I had so much fluid come out of that hole its over filled right??
No, in fact you have made a grievous error. As @imperator says, read and understand the detailed procedure he found for you.
What you actually did was empty a lot of the required fluid from your car's transmission. If you drive it that way you will probably ruin it in short order. You're going to have to go through the necessary steps to bring the fluid level back up to where it should be.
If fluid came out the control plug that means it is over filled, how exactly did I make an error?
If fluid came out the control plug that means it is over filled, how exactly did I make an error?
Did you follow the factory procedure for checking fluid level?
Yes. Although I just read in my Haynes manual hot weather can cause improper fluid readings. Maybe I should wait until its not 100 degrees outside.
Do that and recheck it following the factory instructions and see how it looks. Fluid level is critical in modern transmissions.
Maybe I should wait until its not 100 degrees outside.
It makes no difference. Again, the factory instructions say the fluid needs to reach at least 104F before you check it.