How do you check/add transmission fluid to a 2004 pontiac grand am? what is the fluid type and capacity after the filter is changed? 2004 grand am v6 automatic

Hello! To check the fluid level, the first thing you want to do is get the fluid to operating temperature, by driving it for a bit and letting it shift through all gears. Once you've done that you need to make sure you park the car on a very level surface. Remove the front passenger wheel and the splash guard. From there reference the picture below to give you an idea where the fluid check plug is located - there is no dipstick on this transmission (4T45e). You will also see the fill plug location.


If you do a pan drop and filter replacement only, the fill capacity is 6.9 quarts. You will want to use Dexron III type transmission fluid.

FYI - here are the torque specs for the pan bolts is 106 in/lbs and the check/fill plugs are both 124 in/lbs.

Hope this helps and good luck!

I have a 2004 grand am SE1 and tranny is on drivers side of engine compartment. NOT PASSENGERS side !

Gm now recommends dex VI/6 instead of dexIII/3. Better quality and works better. Don't forget to keep your car running in park when you're checking the level bolt, keep it running and add fluid until it comes out the level port and let it find it's level, replace bolt and your good to go!

WRONG!!!! I work on cars and currently have a 2004 Pontiac grand am SE1. The transmission fluid must be changed EVERY 60,000 miles on this car. The only way you can check the level of the tranny fluid is by putting the car on a lift by a mechanic in a shop and there is a certain access port area or plug underneath that will determine what the current level of fluid is in the transmission. Or you can just go ahead and do a Transmission Fluid/Filter change. When the transmission pan gasket and the filter is changed it will then be refilled with 9 1/2 qts of Dextron III transmission fluid or any equivalent which you can find cheaply at any walmart store. There is a red cap for the fill tube area located under the air filter box and to the left if you will look. That is where you fill the car back up with transmission fluid. You will need a special transmission funnel to stick into the fill tube to re fill the transmission). (You can find this special funnel at any autozone parts store). You can also buy the Auto Repair Manual for your car that has detailed instructions and specs for your car at any Autozone parts store. The manual is called the Haynes Auto Repair Manual and just look for the one specific for your car. Also if there are any colleges or trade schools in your area that have Auto Repair courses, most of them also repair cars. Most usually do not charge for labor, only parts and a small shop fee. If this is the case, call them asap, they can help you. If you need anymore help let me know. I work on cars.

The service manual for that transmission says that it is filled for the life of the car, doesn't need to be changed, and there is no dipstick. If it is leaking or is not shifting correctly, have the transmission changed. However after 190,000 miles it could just be a little low. Shannon's answer above is right unless the transmission has been leaking a lot of fluid on your driveway. It's a good idea to change the fluid and the filter and gasket, you just don't need to change it every 50,000 miles. 150,000 is probably a safe bet.