My daughter bought a 2013 Chevrolet Impala. I figure it'* been long enough I ought to check the transmission fluid, which has been an easy job for the last 40years. Just pull the transmission dip stick when the fluid is hot and the engine is running. So I open the hood, and... NO dipstick for the transmission. I see the oil dip stick, the brake fluid container, engine coolant tank, power steering dip stick, etc, but nothing for the transmission. I see what looks like a cap to the transmission, but I can't get it off. It unscrews, but won't pull off. So, how the heck do I check the transmission fluid? The Owner'* manual refers to some mysterious method at the dealer, but really? Since when can't the owner perform his own routine maintenance checks? The dealer is 20 miles away.

Any help towards checking the fluid would be appreciated.
Thanks, Mike

probably not a dipstick. the engineers figure its not scheduled to be serviced for a long time so no reason to make it. i heard the trucks dont have them anymore either. the engineers live in books were nothing leaks and the things always last like they figure. wish they were in the real world. i think it has to be checked from underneath, likely a plug like the diffs and t-case on a 4wd. which is easy for a dealer with a lift not so much if you just want to check and see if its ok.

It reminds me of the ole days where there was a "radio" delete option.
Now in the modern day there is a "dipstick" delete and no option?
Of course the next question arises ....
Is it possible to add or have a tube & dipstick ? Time to ask the dealer...!

The "dipstick" is now a hex bolt that'* on the side of the trans. Remove bolt, insert finger. If it gets wet, the level is fine.

The trucks still have dipsticks. On your car there is a plug on the left side of the right below the driver side axle shaft. The car needs to be running, pull the plug and if the fluid comes out as a trickle your good. If no fluid is present, your low on fluid. Or have your dealer check it. Fluid is dex6 synthetic.

Forgot to add , fill plug is on top near the shifter cable. No options are available to add a dipstick.

Which tranny is this?

We have a 2006 Malibu 3.5L that does not have a dipstick. It also has electronic power steering, that is another story. On top of the trans is a filler cap. I have the factory service manual from Helm that I believe says to remove the plug on the side of the trans and pour fluid in till it comes out the hole. The parts man at the Chevy dealer said no need to check the level unless the trans is leaking. BTW if the plug is like all the rest you remove it with a 3/8 socket wrench or with a short extension. I wanted to try sometime and stick a rod in the filler tube to see if I could get a reading. The filler tube looks almost like the oil a little smaller and has a red cap.