Chevy Malibu Automatic Transmission Fluid Check (Where is the dipstick)

In this video, I will show you how we checked the transmission fluid level on a 2003 Chevy Malibu. On this particular vehicle there is no automatic transmission fluid dipstick. In order to check the fluid on this vehicle requires a few more steps than just a simple dipstick. I think this design is not a very good one. I prefer a simple dipstick. Anyway I will show you how we did it.
Here is the procedure that I found online. (done on an engine hoist)
Inspect
The fluid level should be checked when the transaxle is near Room temperature or at 40°C (104°F) .
CAUTION: Removal of the fluid level screw when the transaxle fluid is hot may cause injury. Use care to avoid contact of transaxle fluid to exhaust pipe.
The engine must be running when the transaxle fluid level screw is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fluid level screw. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid.
WARNING: Do not turn the engine off with the fluid level screw removed as you can be injured by hot transaxle fluid being expelled out of the fluid check hole.
1. Let vehicle idle for three to five minutes with accessories off. 2. Apply brake 3. Move shift lever through all gear ranges, pausing three seconds in each range. 4. Place shift lever in Park. Important: Vehicle must be kept level on the hoist. 5. Raise vehicle on hoist. 6. Place oil container under fluid level screw. 7. Remove the fluid level screw with the engine running at idle. 8. Fluid level should be at the bottom of the fluid check hole. Because the transaxle operates correctly over a range of fluid levels, fluid may or may not drain out of the fluid check hole when the fluid level screw is removed. If fluid drains through the fluid check hole, this transaxle may have been overfilled. When fluid stops draining, the fluid level is correct and the fluid level screw may be installed. If fluid does not drain through the fluid check hole, the transaxle fluid level may be low. Proceed to ADDING TRANSAXLE FLUID. 9. Install fluid level screw. Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in) 10. Lower vehicle. 11. Shut off engine. Adding Transaxle Fluid: With the engine running, add fluid at the vent cap location in half liter (1 pint) increments until fluid drains through the fluid check hole. Allow the fluid to finish draining through the fluid check hole.
1. Install fluid level screw. Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in) 2. Lower vehicle.

[@tylertorch5914]

You're still a hero a decade later sir 🫡

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching his videos!!

[@GK-gi2qi]

This was awesome. Finally, AJ Pierce shows me how to do this right on my old Jalopy after I heard so many scary stories of "Don't underfill it! Don't overfill it! Have it totally level! Do it only while hot and running (No Way do I advise such danger!)!" Such relief to see you do it after showing the how to's step by step. Following your video, even a caveman/garage dweller/vehicularly challenged man like me can do it... And all I wanted was to keep my dignity and a working conveyance kept properly... Respect! :)

[@figibloom]

Glad the video helped! Thanks so much for watching!

[@solorio8504able]

Awesome job someone on KZbin and internet finally shows the correct sight hole to check the level .

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@bathnbahdy]

I can't thank you enough for your video. Now I can have a family member help me do this. I cannot afford to pay the dealers, they like to take advantage of us ladies. Again, Thank you !

[@figibloom]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!!

[@masautomx2131]

You ladies should learn more about your Cars! Cars are Made for everyone not just men. And everyone who has a car must give it maintenance and love 👌

[@ApartmentKing66]

They like to take advantage of everyone, and that's why so many are starting to learn how to do as many things as possible themselves.

[@ApartmentKing66]

@@masautomx2131 That's why I've had my Chevy Malibu for 16 years. Bought it in '06 at 5 yrs old and still have it. The cheapest car to own is the one you already have.

[@Sir_MaxD]

Thank you for this. You sir just saved me a lot of money.

[@figibloom]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching!

[@DarthSharingan101]

Thank you for jogging this memory of mine to check the fluid level. I thought it was this way, but my friend said a few sites said there was a dip stick.

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!

[@wearanter1]

I'm having a p0741 solenoid issue..1st thing I'm checking is my fluid..haven't been able to check it in years until I found this video..guarantee fluids is the issue..You're a God send

[@Sam2sham]

Thanks, this explains why I couldn't find the dipstick. I did find the fill plug.

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!

[@dean6708]

I appreciate this I had no idea how I was going to add some transmission fix to my transmission.

[@troystone6567]

Man I got to tell you that I appreciate you doing this video I've been trying I've got a 2009 Chevy Malibu LT 2.4 I've been trying to figure out how to do that since I've had it I've had this vehicle for about 6 months got our owner's manual repair manual on this thing been trying to search for days appreciate the video man

[@figibloom]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!!

[@Wafaloo]

Thank you, I was losing it trying to figure this out. It was especially confusing as I’ve old older models and there was a dipstick then. I don’t know why they changed it to this.

[@figibloom]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@raddavidson1431]

thank you your video was great! you made a fckn frustrating task a little bit easier! I appreciated that you kept it easy to understand.

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@mohamedgamaleldien4216]

thanks sir for sharing this unique video. everyone telling about the procedures and there is bolt to check the level but no one show its location and practically the detailed job, thanks again.

[@freddyorozco5819]

Thank u very much had a shift solenoid go out mechanics were charging 1800 to 3000 dollars I did it my self and paid 110 dollars save alot of money the only problem was where is the plug to make sure it was full and your video well saved me more money and time so thank you

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@stayhooked]

Hey did the silinoid replacment work? And did you have a code? Im having a tcc silinoid code and not sure if i should replace it

[@someoneelse5162]

What a pain just to check fluid. Thanks for the info

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!

[@uropecx]

Thank you so much for making this video. I've worked on lots of cars and never have I seen something like this.

[@figibloom]

Thank you so much, and thank you for watching!

[@ArturoHernandez-es3ci]

Thanks for your information Say hi from México

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@TheFischers]

Thanks for taking the time to explain.

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment. Have a good day.

[@lupegonzalez6264]

This is the best video yet. Thanks.

[@figibloom]

Thank you for watching!!

[@OrdoSanctiBenedictus]

I made a comment earlier that I have since deleted. INVALUABLE VIDEO THANK YOU.

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!

[@karenjeffries2846]

I might need to have someone do that for me. Thank you for a video that is useful

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!

[@fayekemp7648]

I'm crippled I can't get under my car Not having a dip stick for transportation is just not thinking about the people who can't afford the dealerships

[@figibloom]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching.

[@1111comment]

I’m going to try this tomorrow with the car on the ground. You can see the check bolt through the drivers side wheel right behind where the axle goes thru the transmission.

[@wyattandwill12]

I probably won't check it and I'll go ahead and change it since the vehicle's about 21 years old with almost 70,000 miles and I believe it's all still the original fluid and filter.

[@jeremythompson6822]

Just take air box off and you can get to the filler cap much easier.

[@nerothederanged]

Its stepped on a little too much maybe baby laxatives or inositol. I think that's why the nose is running. Great video man. Helped a lot thanks

[@ApartmentKing66]

Huh?

[@itchyjohnson3328]

I don't feel dumb now. THANKS

[@Iflew727]

Thanks for posting! I searched and searched for a dipstick tube. This is the most idiotic design change I have ever seen! Very unethical of GM!

[@figibloom]

Hey I agree with you 100 percent, dumb design in my opinion. However I know some of the other manufactures are doing the same crap. I guess they really want you to bring in your vehicle and get it serviced by them. Well thanks for watching and thanks for the comment. Have a good day.

[@scootergreen3]

Yes. I would not buy a car with no transmission dip stick. I will stick to my 2000 toyota camry.

[@garnham21]

If you check your level this way you will be low on fluid. Just as the ATF is checked with the engine running on a vehicle with a dip stick, the same is true with this method of checking. Opening the plug with the engine off will deposit about 2 litres/quarts of fluid into your catch pan.

[@joeprete7424]

Yes, the engine needs to be running, but first you should put it though each gear for several seconds each.

[@figibloom]

He says in the video why he didn't do it that way. Thanks for watching!!

[@user-gk3lu1gg9t]

Best video yet!

[@figibloom]

Thank you for watching!

[@jodiepayne5136]

Awsome video right to the point and simple to understand you guys fuck n rock thanks for the video

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@rapturekevin]

11mm bolt lol they even threw in the oddball size.

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@classicalvintagecollector]

Thank you for the video!

[@danielreiss3443]

Thanks AJ and friend for lending this time to make your video ! This week my Malibu 2000 3.1 is up on jackstands getting its intake manifold gaskets, water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, and a few hoses changed out ! But thanks to your transmission video, I can go look for the fill plug down under the throttle body, maybe next month do the tranny fluid and filter !

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@65bu57]

Thanks for the free advice AJ. I do have to challenge you on this, of course you know why the general made this so complicated, you said it yourself. Look up car company is lobbying Washington to protect their vehicles under intellectual property law. The general leads that charge

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I am quite sure the car has to be running at operating temperature when you check that. At least on my 2013 Malibu you have to do it that way. I imagine it’s the same concept.

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!

[@timhodges9763]

That's true

[@Xenozillex]

"it just so happens i have an engine right next to me"

[@blazedpyro5055]

yea i felt like it was one of those moments from one of those cooking shows where they show you how to prep some shit and then open the oven and pull out an already cooked version

[@figibloom]

Lol. Thanks for watching!

[@65bu57]

Alex instead of complaining or rolling your eyes about the fact that some of us who do lots of work on their vehicles have extra parts laying around for your benefit. You should just shut the fuck up and take the free advice

[@ThefrypodiPod]

@@65bu57 no one's complaining dumbshit

[@germanbarrera5714]

Well thank you for your video

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!

[@KeithAlumbaugh]

I just changed out the vehicle speed sensor located on the passenger side axle housing. I think its a little higher up than that check plug and I did have the passenger side jacked up so I could get under the car to change it. I still lost about a half quart of fluid. I think whoever had it must have overfilled it. I'll drive it to see how it does.

[@MarshaMoore-pw6rp]

This may be a dumb question but I have no way to raise my car to get under it. Can I just add fluid at the top? How do I know from the top if I’ve added enough?

[@InsaneMex]

Great videos😎

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@michaeltanksley1343]

The transmission pan can be taken down and the filter replaced. Some people reuse the gasket also!!

[@figibloom]

Thanks for the tip and for watching his video.

[@foxygrandpa2757]

I know you put in what you take out but I don’t understand how much is supposed to come out? I was able to get 1 quart out of my 01’ Malibu aster following your advice. Does that mean it was over filled by a quart? Or do I have to run the engine multiple times to get everything out?

[@ms38355]

I suppose you have to remove the trans pan to change the fluid?

[@CiscoB80]

Im not getting under any car so how often should i fill up my transmission fluid or do I just rely on my oil changes?

[@rafaelcondado7232]

Thanx .....good video....

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@leegrubb6753]

I'm sure other have all ready thanked you: But thanks!!! We are now as we speak plotting our revenge on the engineer who designed this piece of crap!!! (A) We won't have the cost of the dipstick! (B) If they want their transmission fluid checked they will have to go to a dealer!!! It is a win,win for us!!!! Said the clueless engineer! Thanks again for the very helpful information!!!!

[@figibloom]

Yeah I personally hate that system, give me a dipstick. Hey thanks for the comment and thanks for watching. Have a good day.

[@wyattandwill12]

I’m gonna see what the OEM manual says for checking the level and come back and edit this Update: I haven’t checked the OEM manual yet but I’m studying a video on KZbin which is the tape GM released for the transmission and it says to check it with the vehicle running, level and warm.

[@ashleydawn1447]

Thank you!

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!

[@yancywood376]

thanks man

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!

[@waimeaguyz9074]

Silly design. mine is still working, so far. if the transmission isn't working and you to have fix it, would it be cheaper to buy a new one and get someone to put it in?

[@joeprete7424]

This was not one of General Motors better ideas!

[@figibloom]

Sure wasn't. Thanks for watching!!

[@brightful5]

Jeremy from jersey just subscribed

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimmyleblanc5372]

I will never buy a GM. My family has 5 GM cars in the driveway, and every time I try to do some routine maintenance on one of them I run into another one of these features. You either need some obscure tool or you need to get the car up on a lift. I'm convinced that GM either has actual Children designing their cars, or they don't want you working on them yourself. I've never had this problem with Ford or Toyota.

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching.

[@cldhg]

Una pregunta: ¿Debe estar el vehículo totalmente en horizontal para revisar el nivel de aceite? Thanks

[@lupegonzalez6264]

El dice que deberia de estar en level para ser este trabajo.

[@azmadmonk1]

Thank you!!!!

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@nathanielclark1490]

I hate that it's this difficult to check

[@figibloom]

Yes. Thanks for watching!!

[@wranglercjseven69]

that was a quick flush lol

[@sbond1963]

I have a 2005 chevy classic which is the old style malibu and it says use dex III ???

[@fastrack2170]

God that's a stupid design! My roommate is gonna flip when I tell him it's a 2 man job.... thank you sir

[@figibloom]

Sure is. Thanks for watching!!

[@TheRaven757]

I can't unscrew the cap on mine. So now is It's in a bad spot AND impossible to get to. I'm so mad.

[@hectora3692]

This cars was built this way . So when required for service unfortunate you will be forced to take it to the dealer so they can charge arm and leg . For such transmission fluid service and there is no way for you to monitor in what condition is your fluid if it is dirty ,or how low and how you know if where ever you take the vehicle for service if they really drained the old fluid ? I just can’t trust anybody 🤛🏻

[@jakensdieudonne4021]

Wow i wish i could give 10 Likes

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@annkennedy1831]

There is a dipstick on the 2007 Malibu 3.9 liter V-6 behind the engine in front of the firewall.

[@figibloom]

Oh yeah did not know that. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching. Have a good day.

[@Boz1919]

How many quarts does the transmission take

[@ManuelRodriguez-js1vr]

6 to 7 quarts

[@gamerawesom3]

I bought an 05 Malibu on 3/23/18 and it shifts pretty hard. Theres no lag in the shifting, it just jolts when it shifts. It basically sat for 2 years before I bought it, and I noticed there is a small leak in the trans fluid pan gasket. Could the it be that because the car sat for awhile, most of the fluid drained out so my Malibu, so it is low on fluid hence the hard shift?

[@k.bowers8372]

I have an 05' also doing the same thing...did you ever find out what the problem was and if so what fixed it? Thanks!

[@chrisfitzgerald2524]

Got a question!?!

[@jeremiehenks7880]

Well it’s hard to do when it’s hot u just might get burned

[@DavidGonzalez-uo6pf]

I just got a 4T45-E from a malibu 06 at the junk yard but i refill mine with drex III, whats the diffrence vs Drex IV??

[@sbond1963]

Dex VI is a newer upgraded fluid that is thinner, but its more stable, lasts longer without breakdown. Usually synthetic.

[@rafaelloma3675]

thayou grasias amigo.!

[@figibloom]

De nada amigo.

[@menesesp1728]

I was about to buy a Malibu maxx, but a tried to find the dip stick and I just find that little cap, so there’s no way to check if the trans it’s shut or still in good shape cause the oil tells you to much about life of transmission, crappy cars gm most be ashamed.

[@michellebybee3460]

Mines under passenger front tire but no one will listen 😑

[@pitomartinez]

I overfulled 1 cuard + Lucas oil transmisión

[@edgarhernandez3044]

if any one can help me it would be greatly appreciated. I have a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. How do I check for the correct level of fluid with no dipstick. I undid the fill plug on the transmission and it appeared to be dry. Transmission has no problems but I just bought the car and I am curious to know if it the fluid is low or in bad codition. I do understand that these cars need to be brought to a certain temperature to be checked with special tools. Where do you recommend going? to big stores like aamco or local mechanic?

[@figibloom]

I would think just about any full service mechanic shop could have that checked out for you, and probably most general maintenance service type places could probably get that done for you. Just call around and get an estimate for checking and possibly changing the fluid. Transmission fluid service would probably be between 100-200 dollars I would think. Well I hope this info helps you out. Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment. Have a good day.

[@almaspaulding311]

Nissan versa is the same, no dipstick. Now I got another one with this 06 malibu. WOW! What we women go thru. Thanks for showing us.

[@arelyarredondosolis6646]

what kind of transmission oil should be use???

[@ccc2803]

arely arredondosolis dexron 3, or now known as MD III.

[@albertogarza6677]

donde se ebcuentra la pcv de un malibu 98 4cil

[@1998rage]

Can you use the oil dipstick instead doing all that

[@amandagiannini3503]

Really?

[@ashadedreflection4486]

yea i heard a mechanic gave this advice at the dealer, just wipe off reallly clean

[@smokinpurpleyt7267]

Ummmmm did all have a blue Chevy logo 😮 I think I have ur car

[@user-hn3rf9pg5e]

Exelet video

[@eugenew6717]

How tight on plug,, torque spec

[@Ptiou99]

10 ft lbs

[@obxladyone]

yea I saw the same as far as the car needs to be on and get the fluid at a certain temp. what am I doing baking friggin cookies geez.... I like your way wayyyyyyy better ty!! but it also said the car had to be even.. so

[@figibloom]

If you search online people say different ways of how they got this job done. I have mixed feelings about the procedure, and I mention a few issues and reasons for the way we did it, but I also posted what the tech book procedure says in the video info section under the video. Which I would probably follow that procedure if I had a drive on 4 post lift, but no way would I ever get under a running car sitting on jackstands, (nor would I suggest anyone else do that, because it is unsafe) and try to mess around under a vehicle that is running, or burn my arm on a hot exhaust trying to add fluid. So all I can tell you is decide for yourself how you want to go about it. Well anyway thanks for the comment and thanks for watching. Have a good day.

[@hosearobinson9986]

Is this the same for a 2.4

[@figibloom]

I am not sure never worked on a 2.4 Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment. Have a good day.

[@georgedori51]

Wtf did gm do this?

[@figibloom]

I dont know, but I prefer a dipstick to check for sure. Well thanks for watching and thanks for the comment. Have a good day.

[@georgedori51]

AJ Pierce you to thanks

[@drkn9t]

They did it, so the home gamer cant fix there own vehicle.

[@martinlara496]

Cómo Kito un cartel no sale trrae como 3 tiorniyos de lado y lado

[@khloerabnta4995]

This is kinda dumb like I am never gonna be able do this lol tf

[@michellebybee3460]

I took my car to get oil change check trani fluid... they busted seals etc then said ohh we didn't do that

[@herbertmclaren9752]

thx for info o u sic wid it 4 saying its stupid I agree LoL

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@ayashin19]

I hate my malibu

[@gabrielmarquez6379]

Me too

[@price5560]

Yeah same

[@Gevans5472]

Another reason I gave up on GM vehicles long ago. Stupid crap like this

[@valium6144]

this is all confusing asf 😒 I'm bout to set this car on fire.

[@jbmz]

I have the 3.5 v6 malibu maxx and its much easier

[@aaronp4291]

And Ghetto Motors makes good cars???? Lmao! You have to do all this shit for the transmission and if you change anything in the cooling system, it's got to be bled. Ignition switches are prone to failure as well. Ghetto Motors didn't deserve a bailout. This is why they had to even have a bailout.

[@wickerman9569]

I have a 2014 that’s like this no spare tire ether. This is the last chevy I will ever own. Much rather have a dodge. They don’t do stupid 💩 like this. I bought an 2008 Dodge Ram new it’s been far more reliable then any chevy truck I’ve had. Hope cutting corners on there cars was worth it. No more Chevys in this family. Over priced an under engineered junk

[@figibloom]

Thanks for watching!!

[@NabilAmaruSC]

Malibu's are the worst cars

[@anthonyromanzocarr7712]

Patrick Washington I agree also have to take the stupid bump off to change head light Malibu POS....

[@slimbear1687]

@@anthonyromanzocarr7712 huh? that's the easiest thing on the car to change, you can do it with a butter knife!

[@anthonyromanzocarr7712]

@@slimbear1687 you will have to show me that way.

[@slimbear1687]

@@anthonyromanzocarr7712 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYHdap-ua9eGe7M

[@slimbear1687]

Maybe yours is different though.

[@eduardoserafin7486]

This This is why I don’t buy American cars and I lose the value in one fucking year don’t buy this crap import is the best vw Audi Bmw Honda Nissan