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As the proud driver of a Chevrolet Express Van, you'll need to periodically check the transmission fluid levels. It's recommended to do this every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. To begin, position yourself at the front of your vehicle, open the hood, and secure it by using the prop arm. Locate the transmission on the passenger side, to the left of the battery and engine block. There will be a reservoir with a dipstick attached to the side of the transmission. Simply remove the dipstick to check the fluid level.
Many people are inquiring about the location of the dipstick on these vans with multiple engine options (V6, two different V8s, and a diesel), as they are not all located in the same spot. In my experience, the V6 engines in newer vans (4.3) do not have a dipstick. Instead, you need to check by removing the "level check plug" under the van (found on the transmission pan), then pull the fluid plug on top of the transmission pan, fill if necessary, start the vehicle, cycle through the gears for a few seconds each, including manual gear changes on automatic transmissions. Open the fluid level check plug and stop when the fluid trickles out slowly but steadily to indicate full. This process may seem overwhelming if you're not mechanically inclined, so it's advisable to have a professional mechanic handle it if you're not comfortable.
To inspect the transmission fluid in a Chevy Express, first open the hood. Take out the dipstick and verify the level. Reinsert the dipstick, then remove it again to check the level. If needed, pour in more fluid of the appropriate type. Finally, put the dipstick back in place.