Checking and changing AT fluid

25tango

I have a 2008, 2.4L w/ 4 speed AT. I have not been able to find a service manual at the parts stores or online that outline locations and how to check and change the AT fluid. The AT seems to be closed with no dip stick and the owners manual does not go into any detail. Owner's manual says it is 100K fluid or something to that effect, which I guess is ok if every thing is perfect. I would like to at least change, not flush, it every 30K or so miles as I have done on my cars and trucks in the past and I have not had any trans problems. Most times the fluid drained is darker than the fresh fluid.
So, any detailed info would be appreciated.

gonogo

Fluid check procedure

Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid temperature has reached the value specified. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK range. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range. Caution The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being expelled out of the oil fill opening.
Remove the transmission plug.

The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
Transmission fluid (At least 104°F) 5-10 minutes at idle will give correct temp.

Does the fluid have a burnt odor or a dark brown color?Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the threaded plug hole.Is the fluid level low?
Add DEXRON® VI automatic transmission fluid in increments of 0.5L until the fluid drains from the plug hole.
Install plug before stopping engine or fluid will spill out of plug hole.

Pan drop and filter change 7qts
Check plug is just to the right of the passenger side axle housing , 11 mm plug, can't miss it, only one there.
Hoist is optional, just needs to be level and plug accessible.

25tango

Thanks a bunch for the info. Sounds like it would be easier for me to just drop the pan and do a filter change and add back the 7qts.
BTW, is the fill location via the cap I see on top of the trans housing almost directly below the brake MC?
Many thanks again.

gonogo

Yes, that is the fill. I only recommend the pan drop and filter change. I won't get into the flush, lot of controversy there.