Looking for assistance with a transmission fluid change

Big L · #1 (**permalink**) 10-24-09, 11:10 PM

I'm looking for someone who knows the exact location of the drain plug for a 2001 Cadillac Deville DHS. I've read here and in my manual that once the pan is dropped, I need to drain the fluid from the plug (here it is called the hidden plug) on the side of the case. I've dropped the pan, but cannot locate the plug. I paid a tech on just answer and he stated there is no drain plug, once you drop the pan that's it? Can anyone help me out?

**Ranger** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-24-09, 11:54 PM

The plug is under the side cover and between the screens (or in that vicinity). As I recall you will need to move the wire loom over an inch or so to get at it.

Big L · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-09, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

The plug is under the side cover and between the screens (or in that vicinity). As I recall you will need to move the wire loom over an inch or so to get at it.

The screens are on two opposite sides and I don't see a side cover. I do see wire looms, but I do not see a plug or anything that appears as a drain plug. Is it possible my car doesn't have a drainplug (case is printed 4t80e S5S)?

**Ranger** · #4 (**permalink**) 10-25-09, 12:07 AM

I guess they changed it a little since I did my '97. The screens where side by side. The side cover is over the drivers side fender on the end of the trans. It is where the filler cap is. You can't see it from below. You'll be under it. The plug is just a bolt and will be below that side cover. You should have gotten very little fluid out of the pan. Just pull what ever bolt you think it is. If no fluid drains, it's the wrong one. Torque it back down and try another.

Quote:

I paid a tech on just answer and he stated there is no drain plug, once you drop the pan that's it?

Hope you didn't pay to much for that bum info.

Big L · #5 (**permalink**) 10-25-09, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

I guess they changed it a little since I did my '97. The screens where side by side. The side cover is over the drivers side fender on the end of the trans. It is where the filler cap is. You can't see it from below. You'll be under it. The plug is just a bolt and will be below that side cover. You should have gotten very little fluid out of the pan. Just pull what ever bolt you think it is. If no fluid drains, it's the wrong one. Torque it back down and try another.

Hope you didn't pay to much for that bum info.

You're right about the bum info. Stats state" ASE Certified Technician
20+ years auto repair experience ASE Master Certified, GM World Class Certification ". I found it. Now, just to get my car off the ramps. Hope my jack can get it that high.

**Ranger** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-25-09, 12:50 AM

I'd go back and tell him he was wrong and ask for a refund.

Why jack it up? You drove it up there didn't you? Drive it back down.

Big L · #7 (**permalink**) 10-25-09, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

I'd go back and tell him he was wrong and ask for a refund.

Why jack it up? You drove it up there didn't you? Drive it back down.

I couldn't drive it as I was draining my coolant as well. Empty tranny and radiator would cause more problems I guess. I ended up pushing it off the ramps with my wife hold the break steady, this way I could drain through the plug with the car up and down. I did request a refund.