Checking auto tranny fluid?

[RobertGary1]

Sorry if this is already covered. How do I check the transmission fluid in my 04 Vue FWD V6?

-Robert

[sportridertex]

Seeing how I'm in San Diego at the moment, and 1500 miles away from my VUE, I would suggest a look at the owners manual.

[2004NJVue]

IIRC, the dipstick is located at the lower, front, driver side of the engine compartment. I remember not likeing the location. Also, IIRC, the owners manual tells you nothing about how to check the trans fluid. Someone, please correct me if I am wrong.

[RobertGary1]

Seeing how I'm in San Diego at the moment, and 1500 miles away from my VUE, I would suggest a look at the owners manual.
The owners manual says to take it to the dealer and that there is no user way to check it. The dealer told me the same thing, but I"m guessing those of us on the list are smarter than the average owner.

[Bill Murray]

From the 2004 FSM (this is the V6 Honda engine/trans):

Warm the engine to normal operating temperature - until the electric radiator fan turns on at least once.
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each gear.
Turn OFF the engine.
Remove the fluid level indicator located at the rear of the engine compartment with the black loop, from the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) level indicator tube. (note from Bill, this is incorrect it's actually on the front side of the trans)Wipe the fluid level indicator with a clean cloth.
Insert the fluid level indicator into the fluid level indicator tube.
Remove the fluid level indicator and inspect the fluid level. The fluid level should be between the upper mark and the lower mark.
If the fluid level is below the lower mark, inspect for fluid leaks at the transmission, the hose and line joints, and at the cooler lines. If the fluid level is above the upper mark, determine the cause of the overfill condition and correct as needed.

[ssicarman]

The 3.5 LT trans dip stick is yellow and as Bill Murray it is on the front of the engine. Also bolted down. Most newer Saturn autos are filled for life and the fluid is not a regular maintenance check item. Basicly unless you know you have had a fluid loss you don't ned to check it.

[2004NJVue]

The 3.5 LT trans dip stick is yellow and as Bill Murray it is on the front of the engine. Also bolted down. Most newer Saturn autos are filled for life and the fluid is not a regular maintenance check item. Basicly unless you know you have had a fluid loss you don't ned to check it.


Mine is black and not bolted down. Its pretty low though in the front of the engine compartment

[kfraney]

Most newer Saturn autos are filled for life and the fluid is not a regular maintenance check item. Basicly unless you know you have had a fluid loss you don't ned to check it.

What years and engines would the "filled for life" be true for? I have a 2004 V6.

[2004NJVue]

What years and engines would the "filled for life" be true for? I have a 2004 V6.


So is mine. I will snap a picture later one once it stops raining...or at least slows down.

[Bill Murray]

What years and engines would the "filled for life" be true for? I have a 2004 V6.
So is mine
It has the Honda 5 speed trans.
If you do some searching, you'll find this trans is not the most durable one around, especially in the Odyssey vans.
Due to the clutch design it's hard on the fluid.

I recommend fluid changes every 30,000 miles and make sure to use the (overpriced) Honda ATF Z1 type fluid which is unique additive package.

[ssicarman]

The ones that I remeber seeing are yellow and are bolted down. I will now need to start checking all of the 3.% VUEs that I work on. The only thing that may make a difference is thatI am in Canada and perhaps that may cause a difference in the trans dip stick and the "filled for life".

[GearGuy]

'06 3.5L FWD, USA Purchase
My dipstick handle is a black loop. My manual said it was in the back of the engine compartment, toward the center. But I actually found mine more on the right front side (facing the engine, left side from driver's seat) between the battery and engine oil fill cap, below the radiator hoses. Don't recall if it was bolted down.

[dogturd21]

Sorry if this is already covered. How do I check the transmission fluid in my 04 Vue FWD V6?

-Robert

There might be a difference between the AWD and FWD versions, but my 04 AWD was in the front, towards the drivers side, and was very hard to spot. The fill hole is very hard to spot as well,towards the back on the drivers side, and requires a large socket to remove (17 or 19mm, I forget). You have to remove the air filter assembly (easy) to add fluid.

That said, the drain operation from the AWD trans was about the easiest I have ever done. Easy to drain, hard to fill.

[David Harleyson]

I never cease to be amazed at the uninformed opinions that are passed out as truth by some on this board. READ THE OWNERS MANUAL The Honda 3.5 V6 auto transaxle IS NOT, repeat IS NOT "filled for life". Anyone telling you that is wrong!

FROM THE 2005 OWNERS MANUAL for the VUE, PAGE 5-24
"Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(3.5 V6 Engine)
When to Check and Change"

"A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil is changed."
Change the fluid every 50000 miles if the vehicle is driven mainly under one or more of these conditions...blah, blah, blah.......If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid at 100000 miles.

Lets see....two separate change recomendations in one paragraph followed by a full page on "How to Check" (page 5-25) and another half page (5-26) on how to add fluid. Additional reference to change intervals is made in the scheduled service section on page 6-7. This obviously is NOT a "sealed" or "filled for life trans."

Mis leading people by giving them information that is clearly refuted by something as obvious and common as the Owners Manual helps no one. If you are not sure what you are talking about, do some research before you post.

[Bullet]

Mine is black and not bolted down. Its pretty low though in the front of the engine compartment

Same for our 2004 V6 FWD.
It's also easy to check it.
Not real crazy about anything " FILLED " for life. :eek: