How do i replace the transaxle automatic fluid were is the drain plug.

on these models, it is not necessary to check the fluid at regular intervals. (with no dip stick ). unless there is a leak or shifting problem. Here is how you would go to change the fluid! heres how to check it! Raise and support the car with jack stands, put drain pan in place under tranny, remove the front and side transaxle pan bolts. loosen the rear pan bolts one turn. carefully pry pan loose with a screwdriver, to drain the fluid. When drained, remove remaining bolts on pan. use a new gasket on pan if needed to put back on.(( FLUID LEVEL CHECK: vehicle has to be level! start vehicle let run for 3-5 minutes, shift through all the gears, locate fill plug on top of transaxle. it is on the drivers side ( look and you shall find it.) the check plug is located near the pan. adjacent to the drain plug. remove the plug, when fluid drips out of drain hole. fluid level is ok. the fluid level should be at the bottom of the drain plug. The reason I know, is because my 2000 Malibu was the same! When replacing the pan put in bolts . working around pan tighten each bolt a little at a time. until the final torque is reached. God -_Bless! if pan was removed.

The filter is not replaced unless an overhaul of the trans-axle is needed, It involves the removal of the trans-axle and partial disassembly to accomplish the filter replacement. That is only if trans failure is suspected, and diagnosis requires removal and inspection of the filter. The filter removal and replacement is procedure 42 out of 72 in the disassembly manual and 12 different Ford specific SST's (Special Service Tools) are needed. I did however, include the procedure for the normal drain and fill service performed at the dealer.
I hope this info helps!
subyguru
Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill

Specifications

Material

Draining

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL position it on a hoist.

1. NOTE: If an internal problem is suspected, drain the fluid through a paper filter. A small amount of metal or friction particles may be found from normal wear. If an excessive amount of metal or friction material is present the transaxle will need to be overhauled.

Remove the transaxle drain plug.

Refill

1. Using a small amount of pipe sealant on the threads, install the transaxle drain plug.

• Tighten to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) .

1. Fill the transaxle with clean automatic transmission fluid.
2. Start the engine and run through all the gears and check fluid level.

There should be a dipstick, but some modenr transmissions are sealed and have no dipstick, and have a drain bolt instead.
LEVEL CHECK Inaccurate fluid level readings may result if the fluid is checked immediately after the vehicle has been operated under any or all of the following conditions:

• In high ambient temperatures above 90°F (32°C).
• At sustained high speeds.
• In heavy city traffic during hot weather.
• As a towing vehicle.
• In commercial service (taxi or police use).
• If the vehicle has been operated under these conditions, shut the engine OFF and allow the vehicle to cool for 30 minutes.

NOTE: The transaxle in your vehicle requires special procedures for checking and adding automatic transmission fluid. Fig. 1: Location of the fluid level screw and the fill/vent cap needed to check the fluid for the 4T40E automatic transaxle
Fig. 2: The transaxle vent is also the transaxle fill cap
Fig. 3: The vent cap is obstructed by the intake duct on the 3.1L engine. You will probably need to the remove the air intake duct

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Place a container under the fluid level screw. Fig. 4: The fluid level screw (see arrow) is located above the transaxle pan on the passenger side of the vehicle
   
   
4. Remove the fluid level screw.
5. Ensure the oil level is at the bottom of the level screw. NOTE: Because the transaxle operates correctly over a range of fluid levels, the fluid may or may not drain out of the screw hole after removing the screw. If the fluid drains through the screw hole the transaxle may have been overfilled. When the fluid stops draining the fluid level is correct, and you may install the level screw. If the fluid does not drain through the screw hole, the transaxle may have been low. Add fluid at the vent cap location in 1 pint ( 1?2 liter) increments until the oil level is at the bottom of the oil level hole. Use a long necked funnel to avoid spillage.
   
6. Install the oil level screw and tighten to 124 inch lbs. (14 Nm).
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Connect the negative battery cable.

the transmission fluid goes down the dip stick hole ,either use a small funnel or special tranny fluid refill top up bottle

4T40E Automatic Transaxle CAUTION
Removal of the fluid level screw when the transaxle fluid is hot may cause injury. Use care to avoid contact of the transaxle fluid to exhaust pipe. The fluid level screw is intended to be used for diagnosing a transaxle fluid leak or resetting the transaxle fluid level after service that involves a loss of fluid.

1. The fluid level should be checked when the transaxle is near room temperature or at 104°F (40°C). To acquire this, left the car idle for 3-5 minutes with all of the accessories off. Fig. 5: Location of the fluid level screw and the fill/vent cap needed to check the fluid for the 4T40E automatic transaxle
   
   
2. Apply the brake, then move the gear shift selector through all gear ranges, pausing three seconds in each range. Shift the lever into P.
3. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
4. Place a suitable drain pan under the check plug to catch any fluid that may drip out.
5. Remove the oil check plug. The oil level should be at the bottom of the oil check hole. Because the transaxle operates correctly over a range of fluid levels, fluid may or may not drain out of the screw hole when the screw is removed.
6. If fluid drains through the screw hole, the transaxle may have been overfilled. When fluid stops draining, then fluid level is correct and the check plug may be installed. If fluid does not drain through the screw hole, the transaxle fluid may have been low. Add fluid at the vent cap location in 1 pint increments until the oil level is at the bottom of the oil check hole.
7. Install the oil check plug/fluid level screw and tighten to 10 ft. lbs. (14 Nm).
8. Carefully lower the vehicle.

I have a 2000 Leganza. It was far easier to drain the fluid with a suction hose fed down the transmission filler pipe. Less messy too! You also have the benefit of knowing exactly how much you took out and can avoid overfilling it with the fresh fluid.

TRANSAXLE FLUID CHECKING PROCEDURE



The fluid level screw is intended to be used for diagnosing a transaxle fluid leak or resetting the transaxle fluid level after service that involves a loss of fluid.
Inspect
The fluid level should be checked when the transaxle is near Room temperature or at 40°C (104°F) .

CAUTION: Removal of the fluid level screw when the transaxle fluid is hot may cause injury. Use care to avoid contact of transaxle fluid to exhaust pipe.

The engine must be running when the transaxle fluid level screw is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fluid level screw. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid.

WARNING: Do not turn the engine off with the fluid level screw removed as you can be injured by hot transaxle fluid being expelled out of the fluid check hole.

1. Let vehicle idle for three to five minutes with accessories off.
2. Apply brake
3. Move shift lever through all gear ranges, pausing three seconds in each range.
4. Place shift lever in Park.

Important: Vehicle must be kept level on the hoist.

1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
2. Place oil container under fluid level screw.
3. Remove the fluid level screw with the engine running at idle.
4. Fluid level should be at the bottom of the fluid check hole. Because the transaxle operates correctly over a range of fluid levels, fluid may or may not drain out of the fluid check hole when the fluid level screw is removed. If fluid drains through the fluid check hole, this transaxle may have been overfilled. When fluid stops draining, the fluid level is correct and the fluid level screw may be installed. If fluid does not drain through the fluid check hole, the transaxle fluid level may be low. Proceed to ADDING TRANSAXLE FLUID.
5. Install fluid level screw.

Tighten 12 Nm (106 lb. in.)

1. Lower vehicle.
2. Shut off engine.

Adding Transaxle Fluid:

With the engine running, add fluid at the vent cap location in half liter (1 pint) increments until fluid drains through the fluid check hole. Allow the fluid to finish draining through the fluid check hole.

1. Install fluid level screw.

Tighten 12 Nm (106 lb. in.)

1. Lower vehicle.

There is none, you have to either drop the pan or **** it out with an oil pumper with a tub on the end.

PAN & FILTER SERVICE The fluid should be changed according to the schedule in the Maintenance Intervals chart. If the car is normally used in severe service, such as stop and start driving, trailer towing, or the like, the interval should be halved. If the car is driven under especially nasty conditions, such as in heavy city traffic where the temperature normally reaches 90°F (32°C), or in very hilly or mountainous areas, or in police, taxi, or delivery service, the fluid should be changed every 15,000 miles (24,000 km.). Fig. 1: When removing the transaxle pan and filter, always replace the gasket and O-ring with a new one before installation
Fig. 2: The transaxle fluid pan is retained by sixteen bolts
Fig. 3: Remove the bolts, usually requiring a 13mm socket or wrench, except for . . .
Fig. 4: . . . one bolt on each of the four corners of the pan
Fig. 5: Loosen the four bolts, but DO NOT remove them. Carefully break one corner of the pan loose until fluid begins to flow out
Fig. 6: When the fluid stops flowing out of the one corner, break the others loose until the fluid is flowing from the entire pan
Fig. 7: Slowly lower the bolts when the fluid stops flowing, then carefully remove one corner's bolt and try to drain any remaining fluid out, then remove the remaining three bolts and remove the pan
Fig. 8: Remove the filter by pulling down gently to unseat it from the transaxle
Fig. 9: Be sure to remove the seal on the filter fluid port, it most likely will stay in the transaxle
Fig. 10: Remove the gasket from the pan and discard it
Fig. 11: Thoroughly clean the pan and . . .
Fig. 12: . . . gasket mating surfaces of the pan and the transaxle before reinstalling the pan
The fluid must be hot before it is drained; a 20 minute drive should accomplish this.

1. To drain the automatic transaxle fluid, the fluid pan must be removed. Raise and safely support the vehicle. Place a drain pan underneath the transaxle pan, then remove the pan attaching bolts except on the four corners of the pan.
2. Loosen the four attaching bolts on the corners approximately four turns each, but do not remove them.
3. Very carefully pry the pan loose on one corner. You can use a small prybar for this if you work CAREFULLY. Do not distort the pan flange, or score the mating surface of the transaxle case. You'll be very sorry later if you do. As the pan is pried loose, all of the fluid is going to come pouring out.
4. Carefully break the other corners loose until fluid is flowing steadily from the entire pan.
5. After the fluid is down flowing, remove one corner bolt and attempt to drain any remaining fluid. Remove the remaining bolts and remove the pan and gasket. Throw away the gasket.
6. Clean the pan with solvent and allow it to air dry. If you use a rag to wipe out the pan, you risk leaving bits of lint behind, which will clog the dinky hydraulic passages in the transaxle.
7. Remove and discard the filter and the O-ring seal. To install:
   
8. Install a new filter and O-ring, locating the filter against the dipstick stop.
9. Position a new gasket on the pan, then install the pan. Tighten the bolts evenly and in rotation to 8 ft. lbs. (11 Nm.). Do not overtighten.
10. Add approximately 4 qts. (3.8 L) of DEXRON® III or IIE automatic transmission fluid to the transaxle through the dipstick tube. You will need a long necked funnel, or a funnel and tube to do this.
11. With the transaxle in P, put on the parking brake, block the front wheels, start the engine and let it idle. DO NOT RACE THE ENGINE. DO NOT MOVE THE LEVER THROUGH ITS RANGES.
12. With the lever in Park, check the fluid level. If it's OK, take the car out for a short drive, park on a level surface, and check the level again, as outlined earlier in this section. Add more fluid if necessary. Be careful not to overfill, which will cause foaming and fluid loss. NOTE: If the drained fluid is discolored (brown or black), thick, or smells burnt, serious transmission troubles, probably due to overheating, should be suspected. Your car's transaxle should be inspected by a reliable transmission specialist to determine the problem.
    

You DO NOT have one.

There is a small bolt/plug in the transmission above the pan that needs to be removed. The fluid will run out if it's overfilled. The transmission needs to be at room temperature or a little warmer to check the level.


The fluid level screw is intended to be used for diagnosing a transaxle fluid leak or resetting the transaxle fluid level after service that involves a loss of fluid.
Inspect:
The fluid level should be checked when the transaxle is near Room temperature or at 40°C (104°F).
CAUTION: Removal of the fluid level screw when the transaxle fluid is hot may cause injury. Use care to avoid contact of transaxle fluid to exhaust pipe.
The engine must be running when the transaxle fluid level screw is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fluid level screw. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid.
WARNING: Do not turn the engine off with the fluid level screw removed as you can be injured by hot transaxle fluid being expelled out of the fluid check hole.

1. Let vehicle idle for three to five minutes with accessories off.
2. Apply brake
3. Move shift lever through all gear ranges, pausing three seconds in each range.
4. Place shift lever in Park. Important: Vehicle must be kept level on the hoist.
5. Raise vehicle on hoist.
6. Place oil container under fluid level screw.
7. Remove the fluid level screw with the engine running at idle.
8. Fluid level should be at the bottom of the fluid check hole. Because the transaxle operates correctly over a range of fluid levels, fluid may or may not drain out of the fluid check hole when the fluid level screw is removed. If fluid drains through the fluid check hole, this transaxle may have been overfilled. When fluid stops draining, the fluid level is correct and the fluid level screw may be installed. If fluid does not drain through the fluid check hole, the transaxle fluid level may be low. Proceed to ADDING TRANSAXLE FLUID.
9. Install fluid level screw. Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)
10. Lower vehicle.
11. Shut off engine.

Adding Transaxle Fluid:

1. With the engine running, add fluid at the vent cap location in half liter (1 pint) increments until fluid drains through the fluid check hole. Allow the fluid to finish draining through the fluid check hole.
2. Install fluid level screw. Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)
3. Lower vehicle

Once you've drained the transaxle by removing drain plug, re-install drain plug and torque to mfg. specs. To fill transaxle, you need a 5/8" square drive attached to a 9" extension, breaker bar or ratchet. Raise vehicle on hoist, or jack up and secure with jackstands. The fill plug is located above and slightly to the right of the location where the passenger side c.v. halfshaft enters the transaxle. Remove fill plug. Using a fluid exchange tool available at your local parts store, fill with automatic transmission/transaxle fluid available only from a Suzuki dealership, (part# ESSO LT 71141) until fluid starts to run out of fill hole, then replace fill plug, and torque to manufacturer specifications. I'm a former Suzuki technician. I hope this was helpful.