1997 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 283

Automatic Transaxle Fluid When to Check and Change A good time to check your automatic transaxlefluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher. In hilly or mountainous terrain. When doing frequent trailer towing. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing. See "Scheduled Maintenance Services" in the Index. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on engine parts hot or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transaxle fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle fluid level if you have been driving: When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C). At high speed for quite a while. In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather. While pulling a trailer. To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature,which is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93 " C). How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Buick dealership Service Department. If you do it yourself,be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you may have to drive longer. 6-17