how do i check the transmission fluid level

Asked by Je'Mar Dec 23, 2012 at 10:47 PM about the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

29 Answers

175,955

There is a plug on the side and a red plastic cap on the top of the transmission. Remove the plug. If nothing comes out, add fluid until it does. You might be able to see inside with a small mirror and a flashlight.

145 people found this helpful.
610

December 24, 2012 I realize this post is very old. however, many others may read the answer here and take it seriously. In many American cars there is a dip stick located towards the rear of the engine located on the right side (Drivers side of the vehicle if looking into the engine compartment. Checking transmission fluid is simple if you follow a few rules. 1. Always check transmission fluid when the engine is warm 2. Always check transmission fluid when the engine is running 3. Only check transmission fluid when the vehicle is on Level ground 4. Only add the fluid a little at a time, maybe 1/2 pint until it reaches the line 5. Never add more fluid than is needed, to much will damage the trans 6. Only use the fluid designated by your manufacturer Other than that use a funnel when adding, and be safe when working on ANY vehicle. I hope this helps future Readers. CarcarePro

61 people found this helpful.
19,025

there is NO DIPSTICK on newer GM vehicles. tenspeed has it right.. in addition, engine must be running to check it.

85 people found this helpful.
2,685

GM WENT TOO A TRANSMISSION FREE CHECK I HAVE IT ON MY 2000 PONTIAC,IF YOUR MILAGE IS OVER 60000 MIES GOTOGM SHOP AND ASK THEM TO CHANGE YOUR TRANS. FILTER AND OIL,MUST BE DOON AT GM SERVICE FACILITY.................aaacar

31 people found this helpful.
2,685

this GM trans.is not supposed to be serviced out side of GM facility,had my pontiac done at 60000 miles cost about 100-150.00 well worth the charge,lot of do it your selfers overfill or under fill.............aaacar

17 people found this helpful.
175,955

and a lot of do it your selfers get it just right. Do you work for GM since you say that no one is supposed to service the transmission? All people and all independent shops are incompetent?

48 people found this helpful.
2,685

go play with your new christmas toys, and quit looking to insult people . a lot of independant shops don't have techs. that are up to date on all proceders. and i think may be some of what your saying means you are not A.S.E. certified

15 people found this helpful.
590

I think this is why GM sucks, how do you not have a dip stick or a way to know what is in there. or have access to the most importunate part of the car. What a pile.

59 people found this helpful.
2,685

peter, you don't say what kind of GM vehicle you have? my ram air pontiac is an auto. you must have an auto. too so these transmissions are great!!!!!!! no need to check fluid level. that's why no dipstick............

12 people found this helpful.
400

no dipstick means they want more money when your cars tranny goes out.. all part of their game to get more cash out of you . that is why gm sucks. that's exactly why they went and needed to go on welfare.

40 people found this helpful.
950

The transmission dipstick on a Malibu 2008 is located towards the front of the engine on the right side (Drivers side) by the car battery; you won’t locate it right away because its view is blocked by the air intake hose, but it’s not hard to squeeze your hand to pull the dipstick without removing the air intake hose. In fact, it's not a dipstick like the engine oil dipstick, and it’s more like a screwed "cap" similar to the hydraulic direction reservoir cap. 1) With the engine hot and running, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back 2) Pull it out again and check the fluid level. The proper fluid level is marked on the dipstick To see the condition of the fluid better, drip it on a white paper towel. The new automatic transmission fluid usually comes red. Over time, it deteriorates and becomes more brownish. It's good idea to change it before it becomes too dark

53 people found this helpful.
240

Hi, I have an: 06 Malibu MAxx LT, love it except for handling (wondering if I can replace the springs/shocks with SS equipment?? but that's another track) Some qts on trans fluid change since I do just about everything myself. 1. IS the only way to "drain" the fluid to carefully drop the pan with spilling it all over the place? 2. Fill the trans through that level plug hole on the right side? I've got 99K on the car, it was a Hertz rental up to about 35K , don't know if the trans fluid has ever been changed. 3. Is it bad to flush the trans fluid at 95k??? 4. HOW TO FLUSH to the fluid from the converter? Thanks ! Will

24 people found this helpful.
610

I have a 2007 chevy malibu. for the past few weeks i have noticed that my rpm flutters and is not really synchronizing with the mph...does anyone have an idea on how to fix this or what it might be?

61 people found this helpful.
630

I have a 2005 malibu max. I would not have bought it had I realized that there was no dipstick on the trans. Makes you think maybe they deserved to go out of business. I do all my own work, if possible. I like to change the trans fluid every 50K miles. I have two vehicles with 250,000 miles on the trannys and they are fine... Now my problem is do you fill the trans up to the plug hole with the motor running or not running. The parts store said 6.9 quarts to change the oil. I put in 7 and nothing is running out... ??? I guess I'll put in more oil until it runs out. earlier post says you fill with motor running. that is opposite to most all other vehicles.???? somebody help me.

60 people found this helpful.
80

ok so my 98 Cavalier HAS a dipstick. It is however broken and no one seems to be able to tell me what will replace it!!!! I kbow I need a new one but what one and where do I get it?

8 people found this helpful.
260

How to check. Automatic transmission fluid on 2015 Ford fusion The James

26 people found this helpful.
670

what type of transmission fluid for a 2013 Malibu

67 people found this helpful.
60

The right and left side of the car is determined by sitting in the drivers seat. So the left side is the drivers side.

6 people found this helpful.
30

Tita08 all you need to do is change the throttle body and your problem is fixed.

3 people found this helpful.
170

im glad to see all the smart people out there but you don't SHOW where the plug or red cap are

17 people found this helpful.
140

Same question as everyone only I have 2015 Malibu eco cheapest put together car ever BTW. how to check transmission fluid on it? Also doesn't it seem like your engine stalling then restarting at almost every stop is not going to turn out well for engine and tranny in the long run?? Maybe I don't get it but it seems like all that restarting is not that great for the environment like is said to be.

14 people found this helpful.
100

I checked it with the car running and plug out sprayed oils all over like three four QTS in just a couple seconds.don't think your supposed to with it running

10 people found this helpful.
300

How do i check transmission fluid on a 2015 chevy malibu.. i get a poor take offs and it wants to skip on 3rd gear but it goes back and it runs good.. its fine after that but getting frustrated..

30 people found this helpful.
240

How check transmission fluid on a 2011 Chevy Malibu ltz

24 people found this helpful.
10

aaacar you have no clue what other people know ,so why insult other people

1 people found this helpful.
50

On 2010 Malibu, remove the side plug from the transmission. It looks like a mini oil plug. Now under the hood, locate and remove the tranny fill cap for the transmission. Add tranny fluid slowly until it starts to drip out the overfill hole on the side of the tranny. Replace the plug. The tranny is now full to the proper level. I do not know if the car should be running to do this.

5 people found this helpful.
40

I have a 2015 Chevy Malibu LS. Reduced Engine Power showed up and the car was very slow and like no power. Brought it to a garage they told me to bring it out back and shoot it LOL. The guy at the garage told me it was the Timing Chain. I connected a sensor device to the car under the dashboard. Machine said it's a camshaft sensor and also another reading fuel supply sensor. Geez car is 5 year's old. I am so sad I still owe for the car it's not paid off. Check Engine Light is on as well. I don't know what to do I can't afford thousands of dollars to fix it. Do any kind hearted people know what's wrong with my car

4 people found this helpful.
60

2007 Chevy Malibu 2.2 Eco. Remove the Little red cap under the hood on the drivers side of the engine compartment that is your fill cap. Under drivers side of the car there is a 12mm bolt just under the transmission lines. That is your overfill bolt. I was told the car must be running and when I started mine approx 3/4 quarts of transmission fluid sprayed everywhere under my car. I Would not advise trying that!! I left the engine off and filled until I had fluid coming out of the overfill bolt. Have done this every 40,000 miles and have never had a problem with transmission

6 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Malibu

Looking for a Used Malibu in your area?

CarGurus has 1,071 nationwide Malibu listings starting at $2,495.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,590
  • #2
    T_S_T
    Reputation
    4,380
  • #3
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    4,150
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Impala
9 Great Deals out of 130 listings starting at $4,888
Used Honda Accord
52 Great Deals out of 997 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 1,161 listings starting at $4,594
Used Nissan Altima
21 Great Deals out of 677 listings starting at $1,995
Used Dodge Charger
32 Great Deals out of 909 listings starting at $5,495
Used Ford Fusion
30 Great Deals out of 443 listings starting at $1,995
Used Honda Civic
175 Great Deals out of 4,082 listings starting at $440
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
201 Great Deals out of 8,235 listings starting at $6,995
Used Chevrolet Equinox
96 Great Deals out of 3,375 listings starting at $1,695
Used Nissan Maxima
13 Great Deals out of 184 listings starting at $5,999
Used Hyundai Sonata
52 Great Deals out of 814 listings starting at $1,543
Used Toyota Corolla
150 Great Deals out of 2,284 listings starting at $2,699
Used Hyundai Elantra
150 Great Deals out of 2,991 listings starting at $1,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.