I have a 98 Malibu. Took it to work and it ran fine. Drove home and the check engine light came on and the car ‘shudders‘ when shifting gears. There is no loud noise or anything, only a delay in acceleration. I cannot check fluid levels because there is no transmission fluid dipstick for a 98‘ Malibu. A hint as to what this could be without having to take it into a shop would be appreciated. I‘m afraid to drive it as I am worried I will cause additional damage to the transmission.
You may be low on coolant or oil, go to a shop and have it looked at, but be careful the guys there will usually try to rope you into buying everything.
First place to look is the Check Engine light. You can get the code read at most parts stores and find out where to look for the problem. Or I just found out. There is a red cap on the transmission and near it is a small bolt that you take out when the transmission is warmed and running. Transmission fluid should leak out and if it doesn't you introduce fluid into the hole covered by the red cap until it seeps out the bolt hole. Put bolt and cover back on and you should be good to go. If you have to add any, you have a leak.
If you have a manual transmission, the lubricant level has nothing to do with the studder. If you are experiencing a delay in engine rev, and your attempting to release the clutch, your going to get studder because the RPM's are too low. You need to find out why the engine rev's too slowly. Its most likely what is causing the Check Engine light. If you have an automatic transmission, you must have a dip stick. It will be back near the fire wall and it typically has a red handle as opposed to the yellow or orange handle for the regular engine oil. Its possible with an automatic transmission to get a studder if the automatic transmission fluid is low as the fluid coupling in the torque converter is not getting enough fluid pressure. I'd go after that Check Engine light first and I think the Trans problem will rectify itself once the engine issue is resolved.
