Just did something really stupid...

[y2jdmbfan]

I don't think there is a dipstick on our camaros...

[y2jdmbfan]

A local dealer is sending over a flatbed....$125 for the tow, $198 for the transmission service...Maybe I will throw the oil and filter in the trunk and ask them to change that while they are at it...

[Paperer]

Haha, yeah, I should shut my mouth

[MEDISIN]

Originally Posted by y2jdmbfan

Guys,

Was trying to change my own oil on my new 2SS/RS V8, 650 miles and what I thought was the drain plug for the oil, wasn't...It was draining out red fluid. This plug was located further behind the oil filter and obviously wasn't oil...What did I just drain out of the car? Wow, I feel really stupid right about now...Is the oil drain plug positioned horizontally in this car in front of the oil filter?

Thanks,

Y2J

sounds like something I would do. get all excited for the first oil change and drain the transmission

thanks for posting this though - i'm sure we will all check twice before proceeding to drain the oil!

[Camaro_Corvette]

Red = tranny fluid...Most of the time..

[y2jdmbfan]

I didn't even bother to change the oil once I realized what I did...I was so pissed off at myself...I am going to throw the oil and filter in the trunk and have the dealer change it when they service the tranny...I figured I would be ridiculed for posting that I even did this, but I figured it would be informative nonetheless...

[RickyTheStorm]

You drained the transmission fluid - it is a sealed transmission hence no dip stick (granted in my opinion there should be no bolt to empty the fluid you can't fill it). The way you have to fill it is complicated - but it is like a manual, there is a plug on the top side of the transmission. However, filling to right level, etc is complicated - basically take it to the dealer like I believe you have already planned.

Don't feel stupid - it is a mistake that some people make. I was changing my brothers oil and accidentally drained his transmission (though it was not a sealed tranny) it can happen. But also remember - the oil pan and plug are pretty much directly under the engine, while transmissions are placed back further.

[y2jdmbfan]

Just got her back guys...Wow, I guess its a "her" now...Anyways...LOL...$234 for my stupidity...Turns out I only let about 4 quarts leak out, so I only was charged for the fluid and labor...The tow was $125, so they didn't screw me too bad, and I had them change the oil and filter...Hopefully my 1500 mile oil change experience goes a little better...I will try and do that one myself...Are there any good pictures of the drain plug around yet? How about a set of service manuals?

Thanks for all your replies,

Y2J

[7CAMARO7]

there should only be very few bolts under the car to let out a fluid. If you don't remember which one it was that was tranny fluid last time, just slowly unscrew the bolt. If its red, tighten it back up, if its golden or black jackpot. What you did was not stupid, and the more you learn how to do on your own the more money you'll be saving... ESPECIALLY WHEN TAKING IT TO THE DEALER! I've saved my self $1000ssssss by doing my own stuff. If I don't know something I look it up or take a chance. Good luck to you. Also, you may be able to be reimbursed for the tow charge with your auto insurance. holler at them.

[Parker]

It should be a 15mm bolt head or maybe a 13mm. All the current gm gas engines use a 15mm headed plug. And don't tighten to hard cause you'll stretch the bolt and kill the threads.

[Mr Twisty]

Did you know... The dealer can refuse warrantee if you maintain your own vehicle? If they call me a liar, get it in writing from the owner and keep it in the glovebox with all your oil/filter purchase receipts. Something to consider.

[69 Hugger]

This is a great site, theres a lot of good advice shared but soooo tired of noobs and the smart a$$ condescending posts. y2jdmbfan, Next time just take a look at your owners manual and it will give you locations, capacities etc. Save you money and give it another shot when it time. Good Luck

[Halo2]

[QUOTE=y2jdmbfan;613597]...Are there any good pictures of the drain plug around yet? How about a set of service manuals?

Take a look at the LS3 picture in this thread. You can see the oil drain plug directly in front of the oil filter. It comes out the side of the oil pan and not on the bottom or back.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28986

[camaro1]

the trans is not a sealed unit,, there is a plug on the right side of the trans(where the dipstick would go on a normal old school trans)

here is how to check your trans fluid and add,,

1. have the car up on jackstands so the car sits close to level
2. pull out the plug in the trans case on the pass side
3. start the car, run it through the gears till the trans fluid gets to 86-122*f
4. keep the engine running and trans in park,
5. remove the 15mm check plug in the pan, fill until fluid comes out the check plug hole in the trans pan
6. when the fluid starts coming out, stop filling and replace your check plug and the fill plug

tip: a suction gun with a 90* tip works great, i use a vacuum operated suction/discharge unit