1996 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 226

NOTICE: If the air cleaner off, a backfire can cause damaging engine is a fire. And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which will damage it. Always have theair cleaner in place when you're driving. Automatic Transmission Fluid When to Check and Change A good time tocheck your automatic transmission fluid level is when the engine oilis changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change your fluid. See "Scheduled Maintenance Services" in the Index. How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your GM dealer ServiceDepartment. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow the instructions here, or you could all on get a false reading the dipstick. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can mean that some the fluid could come out and fall on of a fire. hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting Be sure to get an accurate reading you check your transmission if fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if you have been driving: When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32"C). 0 0 At high speed for quite awhile. 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). 6- 18