Couple 2000 GA Quad 4 questions

I have a 2000 Grand Am SE with Quad 4. I got a couple questions. First, where is the transmission dip stick on these? I found the filler hole. Second, I could have now just been noticing this but the trans going from 1st to 2nd doesn't seem to be slipping but gives a slight jerk. I mean not enough to set you back in your seat but enough to make your head move.

Doesn't seem as bad when I accelerate at a slower speed. It could just be me being paranoid since I seems to sometimes pay close attention to sounds and stuff going on while driving.

How many miles ??

Thier is no dip stick.
Thier is a check plug on the pass side.
You need a lift to check it, most oil change places will check it for free. Here is a link that explains the local.
FAQ Checking ATF Fluid Level on 4T40E/4T45E Autotransaxle (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=630214)

I wouldnt overfill it though !! :nono:

What you are experiancing is typical 1-2 shift with the pre 2003 models. Your trans is the 4T40E.

If You have over 100K miles I'd suggest changing the trans fluid & filter(no flush!) that might help for a while.

Thier are several issues with these transmissions. Your best bet is to find someone that can scan for trans trouble codes.

hope that helps.

the car has 156k on it. I changed the fluid and filter on the trans about 30k miles ago. The jerk might have always been there but with as many miles as the car is getting on it maybe its just making me paranoid since I am thinking something is gonna go at any time :D. Maybe I should do another drain and fill along with filter?

If you changed the fluid... and don't know how to check the level... are you sure you got it full? I believe 30k is the pan-drop interval on these, at any rate it probably won't hurt. A lot of people say to never flush... I have never had a problem with a flush. (not trying to start a debate)

The funny thng is the MANUAL transaxle DOES have a dipstick... go figure :)

If it hasnt ever been changed before 100k, then you ccould change it again.
I usualy dont change my trans fluid & filter to around 50k miles.

The problem with these are usualy low trans pump pressure and mass flucuations in pressure due to dirty clogged areas in the trans valve body.

Also J-Ri these transmissions do not have a dip sticks, not even the manuals after 1999.

And at 156k miles I would highly recomend NOT doing a flush, or you'll have slipping issues and more problems then you have now.
To many miles and it washes away what friction matterial is left on the clutches, thus slippin.

I have some pics somewhere of my SE's trany clutches and I changed it regularly w/ synthetic and still had major failure at around 160k miles.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/xeroinfinity/Transmission/burnt-wimpyclutsmll.jpg

Here is a thread I did when I rebuit my trany, not a cheap job.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=708108

Good Luck