Automotive → Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick?

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.

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.