I had always checked the transaxle fluid level with the engine off. But it
was posted that one always checks the transaxle fluid level with the motor
running. Well I guess that advise was wrong.

I Just got a copy of the Malibu service manual put out by GM for the 1997
thru 1998
with the 4T40E Hydra-matic transaxle. It defiantly states that the transaxle
oil level is checked with the engine OFF. The manual also states that seal
leakage and improper transaxle operation could occur if the transmission is
over filled. If you check the transmission with the engine running an
overfill situation will occur. To confirm that checking the transaxle with
the engine off was the right one, I again called a couple of GM dealer
service departments and they confirmed that the correct procedure is with
the engine off.I was also told this procedure is for all year Malibu's with
the 4T40E Transaxle.

Step away from the car, BAD INFORMATION
As the head wrench for a '01 & '02 Malibu's in the family fleet the trans is
checked warm and running with the vehicle LEVEL. 104 deg. / 40 C fluid temp.
is the spec. .
In fact a filter change is a 2 gallon refill on a non leaking trans. .
Draining out fluid without the motor running will result in low fluid level
and a early demise of said transaxle. Without the motor running the
converter drains half it's fluid back into the pan, no different than a
trans. with a dip stick. NO auto. trans. level can be accurately checked
without the motor running.
If it's not leaking then no need to even check levels between filter changes
which should be done at 25k intervals in city driving.
Never, ever trust the mystery voice on a phone at a shop, they are in
business to make money not give out free info. and chase away business.
The manual you have has a misprint as it's a early edition.
--
John
"anything you say can & will be misquoted & used against you"
'01 FLHR ''Red"
'04 MXZ 600ho
'99 XC700
BRC mem

"Henri" <henri_latour (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

On Fri, 02 Sep 2005 15:45:57 GMT, "Henri" <henri_latour (AT) hotmail (DOT) com>
wrote:


Regards, Al.

Have driven the car for over 30,000 KMS (2 years) with the Trans oil level
set at "engine off", through the mountains and freeway driving, does not
seem to be a problem. Go figure.?

The problem I have is dealers! If the dealer says check trans fluid with
engine off, do I believe him or a shade tree mechanic.?
These cars are have been out since 1997, the dealers still have the
incorrect information? as one poster would have us believe. Both the Haynes
and the Chilton manuals says check trans level "engine off". One interesting
thing I did find out was All Data is the "bible" for many auto repair
facilities and it says to check the level with engine on! Interesting.