qdemn7
Smurf in My Loop
Premium
join:2003-09-16
Fort Worth, TX
| Why No More Transmission Dipstick? 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. | |
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Doctor Olds
I Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.
Premium,VIP
join:2001-04-19
1970 442 W30
clubs: | Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? On what late model cars? | |
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qdemn7
Smurf in My Loop
Premium
join:2003-09-16
Fort Worth, TX
| Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? said by Doctor Olds  :On what late model cars? '99 Chevy Malibu 2.4L DOHC 4 cylinder. | |
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gillespie
Premium
join:2001-11-28
USA | 2003 Pontiac GrandAm GT Ram Air 3.4L
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res ipsa loquitor! | |
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Warzau
Premium
join:2000-10-26
Naperville, IL
clubs: | Really I have 2002 and Have a dipstick for the Tranny. | |
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santy
Don't Follow Me, I'M Lost Too
Premium,MVM
join:2001-06-10
Wilmington, IL
clubs:
| 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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GlenQuagmire
Giggidy Giggidy Giggidy Goo
Premium
join:2004-02-16
Grand Rapids, MI | Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? I have a 2004 Grand AM with a 3400 V6 and it has a tranny dip stick. | |
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MikeKolo
Premium
join:2002-03-03
2 edits | 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.
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Glenn
I'D Rather Be Skiing
Premium
join:2000-10-05
Wallingford, CT
| 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. 
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SanFrancisco
Premium
join:2002-05-04
San Francisco, CA
1 edit | said by 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. 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. | |
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dirtyjeffer
Oh Yeah
Premium
join:2002-02-21
London, ON | just get a car with a manual transmission, and you don't have to worry about it.:p:) | |
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91439306
15,000 Watts of Bass Power
join:2002-10-16
New Milford, CT
| Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? said by dirtyjeffer :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.  | |
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34140721
Small Block Chevys Never Die..
Premium
join:2003-03-25
| said by dirtyjeffer :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.... | |
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3SGTE
ST215W
Premium,MVM
join:2000-11-23
there
clubs:
| 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! | |
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GlenQuagmire
Giggidy Giggidy Giggidy Goo
Premium
join:2004-02-16
Grand Rapids, MI | Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? 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. | |
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3SGTE
ST215W
Premium,MVM
join:2000-11-23
there
clubs:
| Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? said by GlenQuagmire :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! | |
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stltech
join:2002-01-27
Florissant, MO | My 2002 Explorer (4.6L 5sp auto) doesn't have a dipstick for the tranny.
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santy
Don't Follow Me, I'M Lost Too
Premium,MVM
join:2001-06-10
Wilmington, IL
clubs: | Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? 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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clevere1
Premium
join:2002-01-06
Vancouver, WA
 ·Qwest.net
| said by 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. 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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KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK
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| Re: I don't miss it said by 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). 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!) | |
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a_boy1275
join:2004-01-02
Maumee, OH | 2005 Chevy Cobalt doesn't have one either. Owner's manual says under normal usage should neve need replacing...we'll see! | |
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Hiker 2
Zeus
Premium
join:2002-10-27
Lebanon, NJ | 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. | |
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jose3030
Premium
join:1999-08-17
Manassas, VA | Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? 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? | |
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Hiker 2
Zeus
Premium
join:2002-10-27
Lebanon, NJ | Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? 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. | |
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53059959
Temp banned from BBR more then anyone
join:2002-10-02
PwnZone
1 edit | 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 | |
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Tony
Premium
join:2002-01-12
Natrona Heights, PA | My 95 BMW doesn't have a tranny dipstick. | |
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KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK
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| 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!) | |
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Contents
Contents
join:2003-04-10
Circle Pines, MN
| 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. | |
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qdemn7
Smurf in My Loop
Premium
join:2003-09-16
Fort Worth, TX
| Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? said by 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) 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. | |
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3SGTE
ST215W
Premium,MVM
join:2000-11-23
there
clubs:
| 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! | |
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XknightHawkX
join:2003-02-13
Morton, IL
clubs:
| 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. | |
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| MikeKolo
Premium
join:2002-03-03
1 edit | Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? said by 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. 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. | |
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qdemn7
Smurf in My Loop
Premium
join:2003-09-16
Fort Worth, TX
1 edit | 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. | |
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santy
Don't Follow Me, I'M Lost Too
Premium,MVM
join:2001-06-10
Wilmington, IL
clubs:
| Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? said by qdemn7 :(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!!! | |
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qdemn7
Smurf in My Loop
Premium
join:2003-09-16
Fort Worth, TX
| Re: Why No More Transmission Dipstick? said by santy :said by qdemn7 :(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. | |
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a94cruiser
join:2004-11-26
Chicago, IL
| 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. | |
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