2000 Chevy Malibu no dipstick

There is a red cap that is under the throttle body below the exhaust manifold. Don't remove it unless the engine is running or you'll start losing fluid. It is meant to be checked at room temperature (104 degress f). It is full when there is nothing running out.

When you change the filter, it calls for 6.9 quarts to refill. The dry fill is around 12 quarts.

Sounds like the tranny fluid is probably burnt and that is what causing the smell and shifting issues.

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