I bought a 2013 chevy sonic 1.4L Turbo (automatic) with 140,000 miles on it (I know, not the wisest choice I have ever made). I have no Idea if the transmission fluid in it has ever been changed before, but it seems to shift alright. Should I change it now, or just let it go? I really wish this thing had a trans fluid dipstick like my last car did, but sadly it does not, so I have no idea what condition the fluid is in.
Well, in my chevy Sonic owner's manual, it literally says "it is not necessary to check the automatic transmission fluid level." How should I check it on this vehicle then? Drain a little bit out into a pan, look at it, then put it back in? I assume this would be the only way
You could do it that way, or take out the fill plug and a little should drip out, or dip your finger or a screwdriver in there to get a small sample.
Change the fluid and filter about every 30-50K miles. Do not flush.
Is there any way to tell what condition the fluid is in without having a fluid dipstick? And if the fluid turns out to look like it is in bad shape, and maybe has not been changed in over 100,000 miles, is it still wise to replace the fluid? I've heard some horror stories about old GM cars that had dirty trans fluid replaced and started to slip because of new fluid was put in after it was too late
All your questions are answered in the Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you, I really appreciate being linked to where this info is, and apologize for the repeat/redundant question. I still have one question about this though. On this FAQ page, it says to check the trans fluid based on the owner's manual. Well, in my chevy Sonic owner's manual, it literally says "it is not necessary to check the automatic transmission fluid level." How should I check it on this vehicle then? Drain a little bit out into a pan, look at it, then put it back in? I assume this would be the only way
Unfortunately your ability to monitor the fluid was taken away, so you can't do it. This seems to be trend on most cars now, and it's really stupid because more cars will end up in the scrap heap. The reality is that they do it for profit (costs less, and leads you to buying another car sooner). It accelerates the consumption of cars, and it's not very "environmentally sustainable" which everyone claims to be DEEPLY concerned about.
So anyway, all you can do is replace the fluid regularly. Every 50-60k and the filter too. And hopefully it lasts as long as possible.