cavalier fluid indicator

This is how I made a transmission fluid level indicator for my Cavalier. I still don't know why GM didn't put a dipstick on these cars.

[@MrGLENNPATRICKCORMIC]

Brilliant!!Thanks!!Got a 2001 cav!!Love that car to pieces!!

[@MrGLENNPATRICKCORMIC]

By the by?Could you do a video for changing the trans filter,with fluid capacity and fluid type!!Would be a big help!!

[@lukeFugate]

Glenn Cormican I may be doing a fluid and filter change on a 95 Lumina soon should be about the same process as the Cavalier. I'll try to film it when I do.

[@MrGLENNPATRICKCORMIC]

luke Fugate Thanks Luke!

[@shlomiya]

what's to love about it ? I have a 99 and I do like it, but only because it was actually ours since 99 and I waited years to get a license and drive it. but honestly it is the most unpleasant car to drive in the world... forget handling, even in normal city driving the steering wheel feel so bad and you slide a lot on the chair with every slight maneuver. ABS is terrible and what not.

[@lukeFugate]

shlomiya Wow, they must have changed a lot from 97 to 99 because mine drives great.

[@joshuaanzell5823]

I think they make alot different to make hook to machine my 2000 was full when idling n running out but if wasn't running it would not be at the hole level it would be way over by couple to three quarts.n my 2004 isn't full yet when idling n running out still needs couple quarts.They have fancy gauges ECT you use in trans diagnosis lol. They do have did stick you can buy which is best. My cars don't like anything but Valvoline trans fluid n oil. Only way shifts correctly n runs correctly. Regular Valvoline is getting scarce.

[@JimTMcDaniels1]

WARNING: BE AWARE that to properly check the transmission fluid level for the 3 speed w/overdrive 2.4L trans. you MUST follow the manual: 1. Have the engine idling, shift through all the gears then place into park and leave idling. 2. Find and unbolt the rearward 11mm bolt that is on the underside of the transmission side, across from the engine oil bolt(Not the same size bolt found at the front of the car transmission which is a trans. pump pressure gauge test port that will spray fluid out at high pressure volume if removed while idling). 3. If some fluid drips out the hole, the trans is full. Otherwise use a long funnel to add fluid to the top of the transmission screw off plastic cap until fluid starts dripping out of the hole. 4. Replace bolt into hole. 5. Turn off the engine. Note: The engine must be idling the whole time the full level bolt is removed because this keeps the transmission pump sucking up some of the fluid in the pan, into the transmission, otherwise if the bolt is removed when the engine is turned off, fluid will come out of the hole making it appear there is too much fluid in the transmission when this may not be the case at all. I had to research this info to get it right and wanted to pass it along because these videos can be misleading or incomplete. I'm an Owner of a '97 Chevy z24 2.4L 3 speed w/overdrive automatic. Paying it forward, take care.

[@trapperjohn3400]

Are you positive the fluid should be checked with the engine running? You are correct about having to warm the transmission up and cycling through the gears but my manual doesn't state that the vehicle should be running when you test the fluid. It doesn't mention at all whether it should be running or not

[@SoCalWatcher]

@@trapperjohn3400 As as a 2000 Chevy Caviliar owner, this is the correct method described by Jim

[@alm7707]

Or you could just pull out the plug and add oil at the red cap hole until oil runs out of the lower plug. Replace cap and plug.

[@lukeFugate]

That is the way the factory recommends you do it. The car is supposed to be perfectly level too. The only problem with that is after filling it up and replacing the plug you can't check it without taking the plug out and adding fluid again. This is very inconvenient and time consuming compared to just pulling a dipstick or looking at the clear tube. I keep a check on oil levels and transmission fluid levels on all my vehicles at least twice a week.

[@All2Skitzd]

IMPORTANT The car is supposed to be running and warmed up when you check it, transmission fluid has to be at 104F. Any service manual says don't turn the car off and to shift through all the gears holding it there for 3 seconds each then ending back in park. Also I don't think that fuel filter is going to stop water in the fuel or transmission.

[@patricksartdesigns]

You're right the filter won't do that. And why he didn't put the plug in the hose and clamp it in place makes no sense to me. And the way he has it routed is stupid, it's on the motor mount, and the wheel well that's not going to hold well with zip ties

[@jnunez1203]

That looks ugly besides and not safe and locked.

[@fowpoweredcycles3612]

Excellent idea to use a 3/8" pipe section to replace the check plug. My only recommendation would be to add a valve somewhere to the system. Under normal conditions the transmission is sealed at that plug, leaving it vented all the time is asking for trouble...even with a fuel filter. With a valve and you can open it to check levels then close it back up to go hard. Thanks for the ideas friend :)

[@lukeFugate]

Very good suggestion, thanks.

[@joshuaanzell5823]

You must have it running also.if not running n not pouring out it's very low.

[@juanaranda9265]

My saturns Eco tec 2.2liter 4cyl has the same problem wish there was easier way to check the exact level and conditions of transmission fluid, GM did an irresponsible decision on not putting a dipstick ! Thx for the video by the way I got the same engine with 279,000 miles on it many oil changes only put hub bearings replace on front axles and a starter today but keep that engine it will last a very long time and go & go I knw of another utube poster that has hit beyond 300,000 k on it and currently has 315,678 k up to date my name is jay good job and thx for the info will help me out

[@kimberlyhood4095]

I know this posted years ago but what year is this Cavalier? Mine is a 2002 and depending on the year this feature changes. I took it yesterday and the guy said it was sealed and didn't need to be checked but it's shifting hard and I want it checked. I paid to have all fluids checked and changed. Ugh

[@lukeFugate]

It is a 96 model. It is a very bad design. Even a "sealed" transmission can develop leaks over time.

[@kimberlyhood4095]

@@lukeFugate yeah, it's a mess!

[@RVBOY2]

Thanks for the info. Who's the rocket scientist at GM that decided not to install a dipstick? smh

[@SoCalWatcher]

He's probably past away by now, what a joke of a design

[@michaelvalone907]

How can you tell now if your transmission fluid I'd burning up or needs to be changed?

[@lukeFugate]

If it is black or smells burnt. Fluid should be red and look clean.

[@TheChuckools]

Snazzy idea but here’s my question you added you dip stick Line on where it used to be a plug. Now why did you leave it open breatheable? Shouldn’t you’ve plug it sense it was plugged before?

[@lukeFugate]

The transmission is vented anyway through the cap on top. It has been working for a long time now, so I don't think it is a problem. I have thought that maybe a better design might be a straight pipe leading to a 90 and then another pipe going up under the hood. Then you could get a dipstick that would reach to the bottom and it would seal everything up. It could then be checked by just pulling out the dipstick under the hood.

[@jnunez1203]

Its going to be taking air in now😂

[@jonscanlon5849]

If you change your fluid and filter at proper intervals you are all set. The idea of leaving hoses hanging and attached to moving suspension or motor mounts is foolish. Road debris can rip that right off exposing the transmission to contaminants.

[@wespo74]

ps. when i check my fluid clarity. i stick one end of a long q- tip straight into the fluid level plug and make sure it touches some fluid. If it comes out bright red, i know the fluid is good. takes about 5 minutes from start to finish.

[@jantobias2937]

My manual Cavalier won't shift gear when the car is on. When It is off, It would shift fine. Can you tell me what is the problem.

[@lukeFugate]

check the brake fluid in the clutch master cylinder. If there is fluid in it up to the fill line you may have either a bad slave cylinder or bad master cylinder.

[@mustang69m1]

Drain completely after changing filter then put in 6 quarts Castrol dex mer then let engine run transaxle in all gears including reverse after that check fluid plug on level surface. If there is any fluid not seeping then add a little.

[@lachachi1968]

My cavalier has a stick to check the transmissiom fluid almost next to the brake fluid reservoir...👍 and is year 2000😳

[@lukeFugate]

That's great. I guess they finally figured out people need to check fluids.

[@Jetmech1781]

The 2002 I just changed the radiator on is just like this one.

[@archie977]

can you stick anything inside the top hole to see?

[@lukeFugate]

Unfortunately there are a whole lot of transmission parts and pieces in the way. You can't get anything through to the pan.

[@wespo74]

you can remove the plug without taking the wheel off. You just have to know where to locate it from underneath by feel without actually being able to see the plug. Im not saying its easier. just saying it can be done.

[@brandonlight2318]

see this video explains it perfectly... Thanks man 👍

[@Waiting_To_Retire]

How do you know if there is a leak if you can't check the level? I park on a dark damp surface with 47 years of fluid drippings over the years. Strange way to do your own version, but I like your rethink in the comments.

[@A55563]

Very intelligent thank you. Oh by the way who's cheap skate idea was it to exclude a $4.00 dip stick?.

[@lukeFugate]

I guess they want you to drive it until it burns up the transmission so you have to buy another one.

[@spiffdaddy]

im just trying to figure out were to put the fn fluid.... no video shows this at all so far not even this one

[@spiffdaddy]

nope no cap that i see to poor in in have a 98 caviler so my car must be fucked up

[@lukeFugate]

Give me a little while and I'll put up a video showing just that! Going outside right now.

[@lukeFugate]

Now there's one I just put it up check it out here--------->kzbin.info/www/bejne/goWpeqCpdrqBfNE Hope it helps you out, subscribe if I've earned it.

[@michealsmith1707]

luke Fugate

[@david6205]

You never spoke of the type of transmission to use on a 98 Chevy Cavalier just wondering what kind??

[@Jetmech1781]

The kind GM makes for it. As for fluid, Dexron III, I believe.

[@michaelbuseck2301]

I notice that the hose runs right over the exhaust how do you keep it from melting right through ?

[@lukeFugate]

it's not as close as it looks in the video, but it is close enough to get warm. It's been like that for almost a year and hasn't presented a problem. I suppose you could make a heat shield for it by slipping a piece of electrical flex tubing over the hose for added protection.

[@williamwebber6533]

Thanks That was a nice video . Very informative.

[@mksboysal]

Doesn't make you wonder: Who was the dumb engineer that designed such an inconvenient way just to check the transmission fluid level of this car?

[@ClaytonBridges]

it has mnore to do with the fact you really arent supposed to fill it

[@mksboysal]

Planned Obsolescence - Products Designed to Fail = So people will keep buying stuff.

[@codyskyrimvolen]

its meant so that you have to take it to a dealer to get it looked at, that way they make more off of you

[@michaelvalone907]

They don't want you to check it, they want to sell you a new car

[@magoolew5131]

I have a manual shift and it has a dipstick so no worries for me than checking the level.

[@x-man5056]

I appreciate good "imagineering" but I think you've outsmarted yourself. There is a good reason that no car that I know of runs fluid lines exposed to the outer diameter of the wheel wells. This is great example of opportunity for unexpected consequences, that being road debris flying up and compromising the integrity of you AT fluid level line. I have a Cavalier with AT but I wouldn't do this.

[@lukeFugate]

True. I can see how that could happen. It hasn't happened yet, but that don't mean it won't. It would be better with hard lines ran and supported to a dipstick tube.

[@joshuaanzell5823]

Lol you don't do it that way you start car n fill while running till fluid runs out of level hole lol.I am mechanic lol.

[@lukeFugate]

Yeah, I've heard that before. I checked it both ways tough, and there's very little, if any difference in level when running or not. With the tube visible you can check it either way. You are right though, to check it according to GM's procedure it should be running.

[@-m.d.n-9019]

My moms 98 Cavilair has a dipstick in heres. I guess it's cause it's a sedan or something.

[@lukeFugate]

That's wierd, good though. I wonder if someone changed the transmission at some point.

[@-m.d.n-9019]

@@lukeFugate I wonder too. We had it over 10 years , and it always had it.

[@lukeFugate]

That's a new one on me, maybe it was an optional transmission.

[@magoolew5131]

I have one on mine too, but it is a manual trans.

[@claytonwillis2253]

thanks this helped me out about it need to get the parts now to do it

[@crajneelchand5382]

they have the dipstick at dealers only and only they can service those vehicles. that's why they don't include the dipsticks for those vehicles so only the dealers can make money out of it by doing services.

[@theshookinator]

VERY GOOD video for those of us who have never had this issue before. HOWEVER, wouldn't it be possible to use the 1/8" nipple taht you screwed into the trans, then connect a 90 degree union pointing upwards to the nipple, then attach a dipstick tube to the now-upward pointing 90 degree union and make yourself your very own dipstick? Or is there something in the way that would prevent that from happening? I only ask because my girlfriend seems to have a trans issue, and before I decide to dive into it, I was wondering if there was a way to do that. So far, she doesn't put out enough to make it worth my while. But if she comes around, I might. and for those of you who ask, WTF was GM thinking? Well, I'll tell you, it was a cost issue. If they could save 50 friggin cents on something, they WOULD. These cars were built when the 50 pound heads at the big 3 were starting to think, "What if we built a car that would destroy itself after 10 years? THEN we can FORCE people to continue buying new cars..." So they decided that if they can remove those items which allow us to take care of the car, it will perpetuate the cars' ultimate demise and make us buy a new one. My 25 year old BMW has 'sealed' U joints...you can't repair them, you can only replace the driveshaft. Automatic cars nowadays STILL don't have dipstick tubes. Even some new cars don't have OIL dipstick tubes. Did you know that both Mercedes and BMW use this procedure to check oil...1)drain oil into a container. 2)measure that oil. 3)refill engine WITH THE REMOVED oil and add however much new oil you need. THEY RE-USE YOUR OIL!

[@lukeFugate]

+theshookinator You should be able to do that. It wouldn't be able to come straight up but you could use two 90s and bring it forward to come up by the radiator. very good idea.

[@dabcorn]

+theshookinator - make sure that you have some 'vibration dampener' - high pressure/temp/ hose - attached just before or after the nipple or you may find the metal parts cracking/ splitting/ joint leaks....

[@simply_christina87]

I do not get this. I understand a little bit but a lot I do not. Like 9n the tube just because the fluid 8s there how does that still indicate that there is enough fluid. 8 do not know 8f you understand what I am trying to ask but maybe you will.

[@lukeFugate]

When the level of fluid in the transmission rises to above the bottom of the hole it will push fluid into the tube. If the level of fluid drops the fluid will drain back into the transmission until the level of the hole. That is why I marked the tube at the full mark because only a small amount of fluid can drain back in. there will always be a little bit of fluid in the tube. You need to make sure it has enough fluid to raise the level to the mark on the tube. Hope that helps you.

[@david6205]

You never said what kind of transmission fluid do you use on a 98 Chevy Cavalier just wondering

[@noelclemente8362]

thanks a lot. this was very useful =]

[@AA-bs3iy]

mine slips every once in a while

[@clintonproctorsr4999]

really

[@cw824]

WTF!

[@lukeFugate]

I know. I should have had Fritos in the video. I was all out at the time.

[@jvazquez7160]

fuch GM for the design

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

I know the way they make cars now u can't work on them I have a 1988 Chevy truck with a 305 it is so easy to work on

[@cherylmattox8542]

Ty

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

who designed this what a pain in the butt

[@lukeFugate]

Not sure, but probably not someone who has ever actually worked as a mechanic.

[@omniken66]

Why don't you just get a filler cap like the PS cap that has a measuring indicator or make something for it? I get your point about the importance of it to make sure its not burnt ...if you follow the manufacturers suggested trans fluid change its usually around 70-90 thousand for Most GM cars. If you have a leak you'd notice it on the ground. really not worth all of the effort for hillbilly engineering. New cars don't have dipsticks anymore and transmission is sealed which requires you to go to the dealer for fluid change.

[@lukeFugate]

The power steering cap idea wouldn't work because there is no way to get directly through the transmission to the pan. Also you don't always see fluid on the ground when it is leaking. I had a Dodge, with a dipstick(if not I would have ruined the transmission because I wouldn't have noticed the level dropping)that had a leak from the cooling lines and it would only leak on the highway and by the time I got from the highway to home the dripping had stopped so there were no drops or puddles to be seen. You can also change fluid and filter yourself by dropping the pan even on the newer cars. I'm actually very disappointed with modern GM vehicles. Build quality has dropped to pitiful levels.

[@4ucalistyle]

Is this the same procedure for a 98 pontiac sunfire

[@lukeFugate]

Should be the same just check for the plug. If it is in the same place then this will work. Actually the transmission in this car came from a 96 Sunfire.

[@david6205]

You never spoke of the type of transmission to use on a 98 Chevy Cavalier just wondering what kind??

[@david6205]

You never spoke of the type of transmission to use on a 98 Chevy Cavalier just wondering what kind??