I have a 2003 Saturn ION 3 Is it ok to pour transmission fluid through the dipstick tube?
I know everyone will laugh at my blunder here, but it sometimes happens when you don't have a manual and are in a rush.
I needed an oil change and so bought motor oil and filter. Put the car on ramps and crawled underneath. Not really paying attention, I unscrewed the plug and drained the oil.
It was very black so I knew it needed changing. I put the plug back in and lowered the car. Installed new filter and fresh oil. A 4 qt container. .. Now the FOOBAR>>>>>>
I Screwed up. Started the car and tried backing up. The engine whined but nothing happened. Forward, Reverse, nothing. Went on line looking for answers. Found out the problem.
I deserve the Darwin Award for this. I had accidentally drained the transmission fluid instead of the motor oil. DUH!!! So now the transmission is empty.
The filler plug won't budge, so I need to fill through the transmission dipstick tube. Has anyone tried this before? Plus, now I have double the oil quantity in the engine so some or all will have to be drained. I feel pretty dumb right about now....

 

Sedan or coupe? 2.2?

 

You need to make sure you have a large capacity oil catch pan and just drain the entire oil pan and start over. Leave the filter on, but put 4-5 more quarts of oil in it and call it a lesson learned. As for the transmission, yeah, you can put fluid back into it through the dipstick (filler) tube. Just take it slow and easy. I'd start with two quarts, check the level and then add more until it was full. Just take your time and check the level often as you're adding. You don't want too much in it as that can cause problems too.

 

Thanks for the info. I managed to drain out about 3 quarts of motor oil so its still a little much, but will work for now. I tried once more to get the transmission filler plug out using my 1/2" drive ratchet and a long 1/2" by 14" extension. I gave the ratchet a hit with my ball peen hammer and it moved so I was able to unscrew the plug. I added a 1 gallon container of transmission fluid into the filler hole and then reinstalled the plug. I started the engine and let it warm up a bit, then ran the trans through each of the gears at 30 second intervals, then did a road test. The transmission ran great with smooth shifting so now I'm back on the road. NOTE** That plug has not been touched since being installed at the factory. Same with the drain bolt. The oil that came out was really black.

 

Happy to hear that you're happy with the results. HOWEVER, driving a car with too much oil in the crankcase isn't a good idea. Do a little research and you'll see why you need it at or slightly below the full mark on your dipstick.

 

You need to go through the proper procedure for confirming the transmission fluid you just put in is at the proper level.

 

I'll try to get some more out tomorrow.
Thanks..