Why No More Transmission Dipstick? in Automotive http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r15061234 en Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:09:53 EDT Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:09:53 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15189298 Doctor Olds : It's normal to have a magnet in the older transmissions as there is some normal metal produced in the transmission by normal wear and initial break in. It is a powdery metal. Larger chunks are a different matter. ;)
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What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15189298 Fri, 06 Jan 2006 22:47:37 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15188815 jimahrens : general fact do the filter change....
bear in mind..any metal in the pan == parts no longer in the transmission]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15188815 Fri, 06 Jan 2006 21:38:06 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15182497 anon : Saturns when towed won't show the mileage on the odometer - thats why a popular tow vehicle - also light,cheap]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15182497 Fri, 06 Jan 2006 03:31:15 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15106312 Dude : My Camry has one, my corolla has one, my saturn ion has one
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(sig was too long)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15106312 Mon, 26 Dec 2005 18:51:56 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15103061 MrWhsprs :
said by qdemn7 See Profile :

said by livininarizona See Profile :

yeah why is that that RV owners have those saturns all the time?
Because you can tow them without burning up the transmission that's why. There's a special kit that the dealer can install that pumps fluid through the tranny when it's being towed.
Interesting; I'd never heard of that. :-) In the Owner's Handbook there is a short section on towing the car behind an RV but all it essentially says is to turn the key to the ACC position, to put the trans in neutral, to disengage the parking brake... Common sense stuff.
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Peace,
Mike :-)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15103061 Mon, 26 Dec 2005 03:02:10 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15103040 qdemn7 :
said by livininarizona See Profile :

yeah why is that that RV owners have those saturns all the time?
Because you can tow them without burning up the transmission that's why. There's a special kit that the dealer can install that pumps fluid through the tranny when it's being towed.
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I think prostitution and drugs should be legal and regulated, just like alcohol. Too many people want to ban thing based on their “feelings” that certain things are Sins, and all Sins should be banned. Sin Laws should be prohibited.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15103040 Mon, 26 Dec 2005 02:47:38 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15102733 livininarizona : yeah why is that that RV owners have those saturns all the time?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15102733 Mon, 26 Dec 2005 00:59:42 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15102494 qdemn7 :
said by MrWhsprs See Profile :

Anyway, my 2000 Saturn SL2 has a transmission fluid dipstick, plus the trans pan has a drain plug AND there's an external spin-on trans fluid filter to make trans service that much easier.
That's very interesting, I never heard of that. It may have to do with the fact that Saturns are one of the favorite cars used as Tow Vehicles by RV owners, since they are one of the few automatic transmission vehicles explicitly covered under warranty for use as a Tow Vehicle (Dingy Car).
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I think prostitution and drugs should be legal and regulated, just like alcohol. Too many people want to ban thing based on their “feelings” that certain things are Sins, and all Sins should be banned. Sin Laws should be prohibited.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15102494 Mon, 26 Dec 2005 00:02:45 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15101421 MrWhsprs : I'm a bit surprised to read about all these vehicles (including some expensive brands) which don't include a trans dipstick.

Anyway, my 2000 Saturn SL2 has a transmission fluid dipstick, plus the trans pan has a drain plug AND there's an external spin-on trans fluid filter to make trans service that much easier.
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Peace,
Mike :-)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15101421 Sun, 25 Dec 2005 20:04:56 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15098471 3SGTE : A few Google searches indicate that the 'problem' is not endemic (to these transmssions). This is reassuring.

Having said that, readers should also realize that there are undesirable consequences of overfilling transmissions.

Fluid leakage when hot, aereation of the fluid (and consequent control difficulties) as well as parasitic drag due to fluid churning on rotating members within the transmission.

Your comment about "the loose nut behind the steering wheel" is also very telling. Not about your customers though.

Fixed my English.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15098471 Sun, 25 Dec 2005 02:13:23 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15093518 Thorax : And thats why I add the extra pint above the "upper plug" level on all these newer cars that have this "feature".

Isuzu Trooper/Rodeo/Axion
BMW 745i/535i/635i
Chevy Colorado and *some* fullsize pickups and SUV's

Every single one of them if stopped facing uphill, in gear, idling, will slip into neutral due to a low fluid level, if filled according to directions.

I add the extra pint to "tighten the loose nut behind the steering wheel".

So far....
Not one complaint of "it's doing the same thing".]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15093518 Sat, 24 Dec 2005 09:59:40 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15092687 qdemn7 :
said by santy See Profile :

said by qdemn7 See Profile :

(3) I've been told by more than one transmission mechanic that FRESH fluid is highly corrosive to an older transmission, thus vastly accelerating and exacerbating any problems.
Fresh Trans fluid is NOT corrosive to an older trans..

Fresh trans fluid is clean and has a high detergent factor. The old Ford Type A fluid up to the new Mercon III, and the GM version Dexron and up to Dexron III actually will clean alot of gunk out of the trans thus making any possible problem worse.. ( ever notice how a trans leak cleans off the dirt/grime around where it leaks/runs down the side of the trans?) That is the detergent factor there.

If your old trans is varnished/gunked up, fresh fluid just cleans off that crap and if you have a borderline condition without the varnish/gunk increasing friction or taking up clearence, you will have excess clearence and slippage or other problems..

I would presume that some of the newer formulas out there now ( last couple of years.) would be the same as far as how they clean.(high detergent level of the fluid)
You're right, now that you've refreshed my memory. Thanks for correcting me.
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I think prostitution and drugs should be legal and regulated, just like alcohol. Too many people want to ban thing based on their “feelings” that certain things are Sins, and all Sins should be banned. Sin Laws should be prohibited.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15092687 Sat, 24 Dec 2005 03:58:08 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15092447 santy :
said by qdemn7 See Profile :

(3) I've been told by more than one transmission mechanic that FRESH fluid is highly corrosive to an older transmission, thus vastly accelerating and exacerbating any problems.
Fresh Trans fluid is NOT corrosive to an older trans..

Fresh trans fluid is clean and has a high detergent factor. The old Ford Type A fluid up to the new Mercon III, and the GM version Dexron and up to Dexron III actually will clean alot of gunk out of the trans thus making any possible problem worse.. ( ever notice how a trans leak cleans off the dirt/grime around where it leaks/runs down the side of the trans?) That is the detergent factor there.

If your old trans is varnished/gunked up, fresh fluid just cleans off that crap and if you have a borderline condition without the varnish/gunk increasing friction or taking up clearence, you will have excess clearence and slippage or other problems..

I would presume that some of the newer formulas out there now ( last couple of years.) would be the same as far as how they clean.(high detergent level of the fluid)
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You don't quit playing because you get old... You get OLD because you quit playing!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15092447 Sat, 24 Dec 2005 02:10:25 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15092079 qdemn7 :
said by paranoidxe See Profile :

I'm also annoyed with the blackboxes (RX8) that monitors the performance of the vehicle to make sure there were no aftermarket parts installed to void the warranty.
That's not all those BB do. Your insurance company can use them in the case of an accident to determine whether or not you were doing something to possibly cause the accident, and thus reduce or deny your claim.
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I think prostitution and drugs should be legal and regulated, just like alcohol. Too many people want to ban thing based on their “feelings” that certain things are Sins, and all Sins should be banned. Sin Laws should be prohibited.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15092079 Sat, 24 Dec 2005 00:45:38 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15092059 paranoidxe : I'm not to impressed with some of the changes to cars now-a-days. The dipstick complaint is a good one, but I've also heard of cars that need to be taken to the dealer to get the OIL CHANGED! That is ridiculous.

I'm also annoyed with the blackboxes (RX8) that monitors the performance of the vehicle to make sure there were no aftermarket parts installed to void the warranty.
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- paranoidxe (txtfiles.org)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15092059 Sat, 24 Dec 2005 00:42:43 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15091817 3SGTE : I don't know about anyone else, but I would add what the manufacturer requires/calls for. I have not done thousands of hours, millions of kilometers of testing, under wildly varying conditions to prove or disprove seat of the pants theories.

How is it determined that those plugs are inaccurate?

If you follow the instructions you will get an accurate fill.

Do I think I can second-guess the manufacturer - no.

How does one define "work better"? How do you prove this?

There is only one sweeping generalization that is always accurate. That is that sweeping generalizations are always very dangerous.

Also, the "our" thing about the transmssion is out of place. The friction and flow (viscosity) characteristics of various transmission fluids are significantly different, and not interchangable. These enhancements are not there to make a service person's life miserable, or add to a manufacturer's bottom line, they are there to allow specific engineering accomplishments to function.
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Everything in this post is pure BS! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15091817 Fri, 23 Dec 2005 23:58:59 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15091590 gillespie : That would almost lead you to believe that a dipstick could be added at a later date..
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res ipsa loquitor! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15091590 Fri, 23 Dec 2005 23:20:59 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15091311 aboz : my '04 vue does not have a trans dip stick, my '04 odyssey does. Both have the same engine/trans.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15091311 Fri, 23 Dec 2005 22:33:45 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15089801 Doctor Olds : Well I'm not going to be in the New Car market anytime soon so I'll stick with my old steel as it were. ;)

Thanks to all that replied about their missing dipsticks.

Regards,

Doctor Olds
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What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15089801 Fri, 23 Dec 2005 18:27:26 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15089644 Thorax : Why do they do it?

It's because of all the inexperienced and basically lame people in the aftermarket.

If you can't add fluid easily, you can't put the wrong stuff in "our" transmission.

At GM dealerships the techs get a transmission in a plastic sealed crate.
It's already full of the right fluid. To the correct level.
All you do is snap the cooler lines into the radiator...nothing to add.
Warranty pays you less time for replacing one that has this "feature".

The plugs in the pan on every vehicle that does this isn't accurate.
Add at least 1 extra pint of the appropriate ATF fluid and it'll work better (the trans). The levels the upper plug uses is to make sure you use the absolute minumum fluid amount.....it's cheaper that way for the OEM's.

Think about it....it's a win-win-win-win for the OEM's.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15089644 Fri, 23 Dec 2005 17:59:19 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15088051 a94cruiser : no, they don't teach you anything about cars maintenance or checks or anything like that in drivers ed. I got my sister a 1990 Toyota Corolla with 3speed auto and 1.6litre 4cylinder.

I previously owned a Geo Prizm with a manual 5speed but it was essentially a Toyota car (joint venture with GM). Her first question was how will she switch gears and she freeked out when I told her the shifter was on the floor (she assumed it was a stick, as she drove a taurus for drivers ed with a column shifter)

I told her numerous times to check the oil level showing her exactly what to do, blah blah blah
I would check the fluid level once a week or two myself and it would always be low. A few times there was less than a quart of oil! After she had an accident in the car, totally not her fault she told me she had no clue at all how to check that stuff.
I'm glad I own a car with a dipstick for both motor, and trans. If I ever have the money to buy a new car I will walk away from one that does not have a tube for trans.
I think the manufacturers want to advertise all this maintenance free this and that but don't care what an owner of a 10 yrs old car need to do to maintain a vehicle with 180K miles. Of course the manufacturer will want to sell you a new model. And yeah, good luck proving you did not drive the card hard or tow, or whatnot.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15088051 Fri, 23 Dec 2005 13:33:20 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15078560 qdemn7 : After thinking about it, and reading the answers here, I came up with these possible answers:

(1) Many people are too dumb to realize the proper way to check the transmission, or even realize the transmission even needs to be checked.

(2) Many people are too dumb to realize the difference between the oil and transmission dipstick, and ended up putting oil into the transmission, OR the wrong type of transmission fluid, thus damaging the transmission.

(3) I've been told by more than one transmission mechanic that FRESH fluid is highly corrosive to an older transmission, thus vastly accelerating and exacerbating any problems.

(4) Modern transmissions are actually built better, and thus require less service.

(5) As I stated earlier, a transmission will not require any fluid unless problems are occurring. So as long as it's running fine, there's no reason to check the fluid. Something starts going wrong, you take it in and get the vehicle computer checked.

(6) It save the auto manufacturers $$$.
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I think prostitution and drugs should be legal and regulated, just like alcohol. Too many people want to ban thing based on their “feelings” that certain things are Sins, and all Sins should be banned. Sin Laws should be prohibited.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15078560 Thu, 22 Dec 2005 04:42:31 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15071677 clevere1 :
said by livininarizona See Profile :

just a note:

manual transmissions do not use automatic transmission fluid, they use regular motor oil, or some people like to use their dealer specific manual tranmission oil which is just the same, but with some nice additives. GM's syncromesh is awesome.
Actually, many manual transmissions use Dex (Automatic Transmission Fluid) instead of Gear oil. For Example, Ford, they use it quite often in their 5 speed transmissions for Trucks, and Mazda as well (which is a ford) and many of their transfer cases as well. Heck, even GM uses Dex on their light duty 5 speed transmissions.

The nissan dealer recommended to me once to add a little dex to the gear oil for smoother shifting... I didn't do it, but it was an interesting recommendation.
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Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and thought to myself - "Where the hell is the ceiling???"]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15071677 Wed, 21 Dec 2005 11:03:14 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15070651 34140721 :
said by dirtyjeffer See Profile :

just get a car with a manual transmission, and you don't have to worry about it.:p:)
You still need to check your fluid level in a manual tranny... On my 1960 Vette it's done by removing a fill plug and inserting your finger... Every couple of years, the fluid needs to be topped up... It uses a 80w oil as a lubircation....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15070651 Wed, 21 Dec 2005 08:00:30 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15070295 MikeKolo :
said by XknightHawkX See Profile :

Ok I am taking a guess at this. One of the reason they don't have a tranny dipstick is because there are a lot of people that don't know a damn thing about cars. I have had a few people ask me which dipstick is for the oil. It is still stupid to get rid of the dipstick. Now seeing I was an idiot and dropped out of 8th grade I have a question. Don't they teach anything basic about a car in drivers ed? Their should be some basics added to the driving test. Checking fluids and some way to see if they have enough common sence on how to change a tire. I know this stuff has nothing to do with driving but come on. To many people don't know a thing about a car except how to start it and drive. I know what I said was a little off topic. Ok I'll stop ranting.
You're not ranting. I agree. I work on these beasts to make my living and it still escapes me as to why they are doing this. Well I do know why to a certain extent but it's BS as far as I'm concerned.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15070295 Wed, 21 Dec 2005 04:52:17 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15069562 53059959 : my 2004 jag xjr has no dipstick. it gives the transmission fluid amount & temperature on the engine status readout.

edit: oh and I checked, I have a lifetime warranty through the dealer on my transmission so if I ever have problems I just take it to them]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15069562 Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:30:08 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15069560 XknightHawkX : Ok I am taking a guess at this. One of the reason they don't have a tranny dipstick is because there are a lot of people that don't know a damn thing about cars. I have had a few people ask me which dipstick is for the oil. It is still stupid to get rid of the dipstick. Now seeing I was an idiot and dropped out of 8th grade I have a question. Don't they teach anything basic about a car in drivers ed? Their should be some basics added to the driving test. Checking fluids and some way to see if they have enough common sence on how to change a tire. I know this stuff has nothing to do with driving but come on. To many people don't know a thing about a car except how to start it and drive. I know what I said was a little off topic. Ok I'll stop ranting.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15069560 Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:29:18 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15069546 91439306 :
said by dirtyjeffer See Profile :

just get a car with a manual transmission, and you don't have to worry about it.:p:)
Nah, just get a '59 DeSoto. Never a problem to maintain yourself. :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15069546 Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:26:54 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15069241 qdemn7 :
said by Contents See Profile :

The '99 Chevy Malibu will have a 11 mil check plug right above the tranny pan on the passenger side. Check it while its running. There is also a large red fill plug located under your air intake. (have fun getting to it)
I've got the L4, and the fill port is easily accessible on the passenger side of the engine. As far as the check plug, thanks for the information.
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I think prostitution and drugs should be legal and regulated, just like alcohol. Too many people want to ban thing based on their “feelings” that certain things are Sins, and all Sins should be banned. Sin Laws should be prohibited.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15069241 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 23:30:57 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068857 3SGTE : Typically (my experience) the dipstickless transmissions require a very specific internal fluid temperature before the fluid level is checked.

The fluid level varies with temperature, so, to ensure correct setting of the fluid level, a set of instructions/conditions need to be adhered to.

In the Toyota example, there is a drain plug, a fill plug, and an overflow plug.

No tester is necessary, just adhere to the instructions, and the vehicle can let you know when the trans temperature is appropriate.
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Everything in this post is pure BS! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068857 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 22:34:06 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068570 Contents : The '99 Chevy Malibu will have a 11 mil check plug right above the tranny pan on the passenger side. Check it while its running. There is also a large red fill plug located under your air intake. (have fun getting to it)

Some newer Fords (explorer,ect) have a sealed tranny.

And my 98 escort has ATF in the manual tranny.

I had a new Mercedes come in for its first oil change a while back. While procedure is to get a pre-check on the oil first thing, I didn't. After changing the oil and filter, I added the oil and started it. Then went to check the oil level. I pulled out the dipstick to find out it was only a cap. (wish I got that pre-check)

Long story short - The Mercedes oil level had to be checked by the dash's computer after a series of questions and letting it sit for 5 minutes to receive the final result. Something I did not care for at all.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068570 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 22:02:06 EDT Re: I don't miss it http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068492 KrK :
said by Boomerang86 See Profile :

Our 2002 Saturn L-series also has no dipstick; it's supposed to last the life of the car and won't need to be changed UNLESS it's driven under severe conditions (i.e. towing a trailer, extended idling, taxi use).
The problem I have with such wording such as "normal" useage and so on is simple:

If your transmission does fail, and you have been using it correctly, they can "inform" you that you must have been responsible for damaging it by driving it under "extreme" conditions and it becomes your nightmare to try and get your warranty honored. IE Guilty unless you can prove yourself innocent.
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"Regulatory capitalism is when companies invest in lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians, instead of plant, people, and customer service." - former FCC Chairman William Kennard (A real FCC Chairman, unlike the current Corporate Spokesperson in the job!)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068492 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 21:52:52 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068431 KrK : There's a way to stop this kind of crap cold.

Simply pass stricter consumer protection laws.

Imagine a law that basically states that all transmissions that cannot be checked or serviced by the owner without specialized tools or a visit to auto shop shall come with a permanent lifetime warranty on the transmission which never expires and is good for the length of time the car exists in the world. Said warranty will guarantee a brand new transmission and reimbursement to the owner for any expenses incurred because of the inconvenience, to be payable immediately by the auto manufacturer or future company that buys said automaker.

If such a law was in place, every car would have a dipstick again, and but quick. :)
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"Regulatory capitalism is when companies invest in lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians, instead of plant, people, and customer service." - former FCC Chairman William Kennard (A real FCC Chairman, unlike the current Corporate Spokesperson in the job!)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068431 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 21:46:08 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068249 Hiker 2 : I agree but it's my wife's car. Seems to be the trend though. But her 99 Saturn SL2 went to 116,000 miles with only the oil changed and one tune up; still had the original breaks at 116,000.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068249 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 21:27:10 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068185 Tony : My 95 BMW doesn't have a tranny dipstick. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15068185 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 21:20:26 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15067504 jose3030 : I'd rather have a car have all those things, in case something goes wrong.

I hate when a manufacturer tells me "oh, this should be ok".

what if it isnt?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15067504 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 19:57:48 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15066846 Hiker 2 : 2006 Saturn ION 3 here says change automatic trans-axle fluid at 100,000 miles No stick to check level. Maintenance schedule is pretty sparse before 100,000 miles.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15066846 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 18:31:00 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15066457 a_boy1275 : 2005 Chevy Cobalt doesn't have one either. Owner's manual says under normal usage should neve need replacing...we'll see!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15066457 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 17:49:22 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15066390 gillespie : 2003 Pontiac GrandAm GT Ram Air 3.4L
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res ipsa loquitor! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15066390 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 17:40:33 EDT I don't miss it http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15066379 Boomerang86 : Our 2002 Saturn L-series also has no dipstick; it's supposed to last the life of the car and won't need to be changed UNLESS it's driven under severe conditions (i.e. towing a trailer, extended idling, taxi use).
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Life is a journey; death is a given.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15066379 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 17:39:07 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15065317 santy : There are still some manual transmission that still take 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil, the same as what is in RWD differentials..
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You don't quit playing because you get old... You get OLD because you quit playing!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15065317 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 15:30:19 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15065003 livininarizona : just a note:

manual transmissions do not use automatic transmission fluid, they use regular motor oil, or some people like to use their dealer specific manual tranmission oil which is just the same, but with some nice additives. GM's syncromesh is awesome.
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CPU: 2.6C Pentium 4 at 2.8ghz---Memory:512mb of PC3200 DDR---FSB: 880mhz effective---Video: Radeon 9600 pro]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15065003 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 14:46:45 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15063413 stltech : My 2002 Explorer (4.6L 5sp auto) doesn't have a dipstick for the tranny.
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:-) are we having fun yet?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15063413 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 11:09:48 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15063365 3SGTE :
said by GlenQuagmire See Profile :

How else do you know there is problem with your transmission if you don't drop the pan and check for metal shavings.
A few things may happen.

1. The MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) may come on,
2. Shifting may become erratic,
3. The transmission may procuce noise while operating,
4. The vehicle may not move.

It is still possible to drop the pan, the only thing to change is the refill procedure.

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Everything in this post is pure BS! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15063365 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 11:03:37 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15063137 GlenQuagmire : How else do you know there is problem with your transmission if you don't drop the pan and check for metal shavings. Also, the only way to change this filter is to do it the right way.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15063137 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 10:33:12 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15063104 GlenQuagmire : I have a 2004 Grand AM with a 3400 V6 and it has a tranny dip stick.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15063104 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 10:28:33 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15063023 3SGTE : For a non-technical, semi-cynical take,
One could say it is because the manufacturers want to advertise lower maintenance costs than each other.

Also, it is one way to prevent the local quick change from using their "universal" transmission fluid. (note sarcasm...)

For me, I would prefer to change my fluid (using the proper type), as a few fluid changes are worth the peace of mind to me.
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Everything in this post is pure BS! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15063023 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 10:13:52 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15062424 dirtyjeffer : just get a car with a manual transmission, and you don't have to worry about it.:p:)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15062424 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 08:18:35 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15062400 SanFrancisco :
said by qdemn7 See Profile :

What's the story on late model cars eliminating the dipstick on the automatic transmission? I know a transmission in good running order does not consume any fluid. But at least you could check the fluid to see it was getting burned or whatever. Now the only way to know your transmission might be going out is when it starts slipping or just starts leaking. Dumb.
Its not just new cars. My 94 Mercedes doesn't have it either. I went and asked my local repair shop to if I was missing it and they said it didn't have one. Really annoying considering I usually check under the hood every 2 or 3 days.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15062400 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 08:11:40 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15062388 Glenn : Some Audis and VWs are like that. I think it's highly annoying. To check the fluid, you have to hook the car up to a computer, make sure it's under a certain temp. To fill the fluid, you need to pump the fluid into the "pan" on the bottom of the tranny. Why can't they just have a drain and dipstick like 99% of the other automatics out there?

Don't even get me started on this alleged "lifetime" fluid they use. :uhh:
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www.vwenthusiast.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15062388 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 08:09:13 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061756 MikeKolo : I had a 2005 300m that came to us from the body shop across the street recently and they couldn't figure out how to refill it. It was hit hard in the front lost fluid as well as the lines to the trans. They sent it over to us to complete the repair. It has a filler tube but there's no dipstick. I did some research and found you have to hook a scanner to it and put it in fluid check mode to actually check the level via the computer. The problem is Chyrsler hasn't released enough software to the scanner manufacuters for me to be able to check it the way they recommend.

What I did was to fill the trans. with what I felt might have been lost in the collision and then do what Chrysler recommends for fluid capacity when doing a filter/fluid change. If you think about it even if it was overfilled after the fluid being added it shouldn't matter because at least all air would be removed from the system and any overfill would come out with the trans. pan being removed. In Alldata they do give a capacity spec. for filter/fluid change.

This worked fine except for the fact that the body shop hadn't done their job completely and they didn't secure the cooler lines they'd installed. The customer pick the vehicle up and was driving over the Altamont pass the next day and the unsecured cooler lines rubbed against the serpentine belt cutting them both in half. Back to square one.

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061756 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 02:36:34 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061551 qdemn7 :
said by Doctor Olds See Profile :

On what late model cars?
'99 Chevy Malibu 2.4L DOHC 4 cylinder. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061551 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 01:43:28 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061452 santy : Some of the Daewoo's did not have a tranny dipstick. You had to check them similar to how you do a manual trans, thru a removeable plug..

The Suzuki Forenza's and Suzuki Verona are that way. Takes a special tool to remove both the drain plugs and the plugs to check the levels..

I also know that some of the small/midsize GM's (cavalier,GrandAm's etc.) also don't have tranny dipsticks but I'm not familiar with any checking procedure with them..
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You don't quit playing because you get old... You get OLD because you quit playing!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061452 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 01:25:10 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061382 Warzau : Really I have 2002 and Have a dipstick for the Tranny.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061382 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 01:12:37 EDT Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061327 Doctor Olds : On what late model cars?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061327 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 01:03:10 EDT Why No More Transmission Dipstick? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061234 qdemn7 : What's the story on late model cars eliminating the dipstick on the automatic transmission? I know a transmission in good running order does not consume any fluid. But at least you could check the fluid to see it was getting burned or whatever. Now the only way to know your transmission might be going out is when it starts slipping or just starts leaking. Dumb.
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I think prostitution and drugs should be legal and regulated, just like alcohol. Too many people want to ban thing based on their “feelings” that certain things are Sins, and all Sins should be banned. Sin Laws should be prohibited.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15061234 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 00:48:08 EDT