Were is the transmission dip stick?

[AnalogVX]

Actually, I was told by a couple mechanics and oil change places that the 4L30E is supposed a sealed transmission. Read non-serviceable. Which is why most won't touch it. My argument always is, if was non-serviceable, why does the manual list service intervals?
Go figure.

[thebear54]

I think it is the French trying to stick it to us again....

...Or NOT (dip) sticking it to us.

Besides the Beemer cover(which would probably set you back a year's salary) are there any other options?????
Getting real close to doing the trans service and would love to swap the cover for one with a dipstick.
John

[mbeach]

I should've known this, but the Bimmer version of the 4L30E is sealed as well. Google it and read the list of compaints on the same subject.

Tad made a good point about the pre-96 transmission, and the fact that it's dipstick tube does not enter at the pan.

I suppose that I could weld a tube into the pan, bend it appropriately and bolt it up. This wouldn't be so much for checking the fluid level (my driveway helps me do this -no spots = good level), but for checking fluid condition easily. But then again, I don't rough up the vehicle(s) too often, and after I do, I always crawl underneath and look for damage. I can just check the fluid through the fill holes when I'm down there.
Also, there have been problems with tranny fluid blowing past the dipsticks in some vehicles (GMs in particular). I don't want to have to deal with some cobbled up dipstick lock either.

I suppose that I'm just stuck with this silly sealed transmission until I get the funds together for the Ascender 5.3/4L60E engine/tranny swap...