2011 Cadillac DTS Owner's Manual - Page 324

How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealer 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. Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage the transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if checking the transmission fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if you have been driving: . Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 24 km (15 miles) when outside temperatures are above 10°C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), you may have to drive longer. Checking the Fluid Level Prepare the vehicle as follows: 1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. 2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park). 3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in P (Park). 4. Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: 1. Locate the transmission fluid cap which is located next to the radiator hose and below the engine air cleaner/filter assembly on the driver side of the vehicle. The cap is marked TRANS FLUID. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6 ‑ 14 for more information on location. When outside temperatures are above 32°C (90°F). 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 82°C to 93°C (180°F to 200°F). 6-22