Checking 6 Speed Transmission Fluid

[Cozz]

I have purchased a new 2011 SV6 and i have noticed there is no dipstick on the 6 speed auto, how often should you check the fluids and how is it done?

[Burnout124]

you should check engine oil and water at least once a week but with transmission fluid it only needs checking occasionaly. it should be checked when you take your car in for a service. as to how to check it i would advise against it the trans has to be a certain temp and the car compleatly leavel ect.

[Thumpin]

The 6sp A don't get a dip stick. Avoids engine bay fires

If the trans is not leaking, then you have to assume its got the right amount of fluid in there.

[VEman]

Look at the owners manual in the "weekly checks" section

[oztech007]

You should check the level at least once a year.
To do this. Go for a drive from Cold for around 10Mins or so. Dont give it too much. Just drive it normally.
Go back home. Put the car into Park and Put Hand Brake on. Leave Engine Running.
The car must be on a level ground. (The Trans Fluid needs to be around 30-50Degrees (No More or No Less). Thats why you only drive the car for 10mins or so.
Grab a Number 14 Spanner I think. or 15. Somehow you need to slide under the side of the car and undo the Trans Sump Bolt which is located on the Rear under part of the Trans Sump. It wont drain your trans as it has a tube with that sits at the full level of the fluid.
You should get a slight trickle of fluid coming out. If you do, put the bolt back in straight away. The fluid level is good.

But I must say, its a bit of a prick as there is not much space to slide under the car. If your a skinny person, should be OK. And also you can burn yourself on the exhaust (In my case).
I though next time I might jack the front and rear of the car up at the same height which might make it easier.

IMO Holden should have put a Dipstick for the trans. All they had to do was put a lockable Dipstick to prevent tampering under warranty. If the lock is broken, it voids the warranty of the trans.
At least after warranty has ended, you can break the lock. Mercedes had this same principle.
The only reason holden never put a dipstick was to prevent people from putting the wrong fluid in, or overfilling it, as most people dont know the procedure to check and fill the trans.
Not for Engine Bay fires. Thats just rubbish. This never happens with other cars so why should it happen to Holdens.

[Thumpin]

The only reason holden never put a dipstick was to prevent people from putting the wrong fluid in, or overfilling it, as most people dont know the procedure to check and fill the trans.
Not for Engine Bay fires. Thats just rubbish. This never happens with other cars so why should it happen to Holdens.

No engine bay fires, ay. I think you need to do some research. Ever thought why there are dip sticks that use an expanding lock seal!

A 4 post hoist is your friend when checking fluid level for 6sp A. Its a good idea to get the level checked early in the car's life as there has been a fair few instances where the fluid was not correctly filled ex-the-factory.
Go to a auto trans specialist instead of Holden. They will probably do it for you on the spot.

[pjdm1980]

Somehow you need to slide under the side of the car and undo the Trans Sump Bolt which is located on the Rear under part of the Trans Sump

Ba ha ha ha ha ha ha ha Good luck without a hoist, on my car (standard height) you'd be lucky to fit your arm under it!!!!!