how to check trany fluid

From what you post I assume you have a 4 speed auto transmission. If so it is probably a 4T40(E). I have a 97 with the same tranny. There is no dipstick on these tranmissions and the fill is on the right side of the tranny (close to the battery box) look for a round cap that says Transmission oil. To check these tranny's...car must be level and at operating temp. Tranny Pan should be around 100 degree F (warm to the touch)minimum. There is a plug on the passenger side of the tranmission housing (is close to the axle tripot-about 2 inches away) this plug must be removed-it sits right over the exhaust so you can get burned. IMPORTANT...DO NOT remove this plug with the engine off-the engine must be running when you remove and replace this plug!! With the engine running, if fluid flows out it is over full, if none' flows out open the fill tube and add fluid SLOWLY-when it starts to flow out the hole it is full. Once fluid stops coming out, replace the plug while the engine is still running. This is a pain in the @## to do, sorry. Best way is to remove the inner fender plastic to see the plug...if you have access to a lift even better. Buy a Haines manual, at the least if you plan to do any work on this car. Also, if you do any type of work on the engine..pay attention to replacement of bolts. There are numerous bolts used throughout the engine compartmnet that are what is called "torque to yeild"--means you must replace them if you remove them. I have a friend who did a head gasket on one of these and tried to reuse the bolts-he found out the hard way and ended up redoing it with new fastners. Torque to yeild means the bolt actually stretches, so if you try to reuse them the torque value cannot be reached and they will not hold correctly. I hope this helps.

i just had the same problem there is a plug under the car on the trany