How do I check the transmission fluid

[madnarg]

Today my 2001 grand am started having issues on small inclines on the highway. It will hover over about 1800-2000 rpm but my speed will still increase. I'm trying to check the transmission fluid but can't seem to find it. When I googled it, I found I needed to hoist it and check some valve. Is this correct?

 

[Kevlar]

Can you confirm it is an automatic?
What engine do you have, 4 or 6 cyl?

You do not need to hoist anything to check the fluid of an automatic transmission. With either engine, there is a dip stick, probable yellow in color, maybe black, located between the engine and the firewall.

 

['03 Grand-Am GT]

For the Grand-Ams, '99-'05, you'll need to jack up the car and set it on hoists in all 4 corners making sure it is as level as possible. The engine must be idling at normal operating temperature. Then locate the check plug on the transaxle. It is located just above the transaxle oil pan on the passenger side. With the engine idling at normal operating temp, remove the plug. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the check hole. If fluid pours out of the check hole, it means the transaxle has probably been overfilled. Make sure the car is as level as possible. If no fluid comes out, it means that you will need to add some fluid in small amounts untill it drips out of the check hole wich will mean that it is at the correct level. Now locating the fill cap is quite a task also. Located on the driver's side on top of the transaxle, you will need to remove the air filter assembly at the throttle body. If you have the 4 cyl engine, it might be easier to reach but if you have the v6, GM had the most brilliant idea to run the crossover exhaust pipe just above the fill cap. So good luck hoping this could help you out.