1998 Chevrolet Prizm Owner's Manual - Page 245

Wait at least 30 minutes before checkingthe transaxle fluid levelif you have been driving: 0 0 0 0 Let the engine run at idle for three five minutes. to Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: 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 at be 180°F to normal operating temperature, which is 200°F (82°C to 93°C). Get the vehiclewarmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If it's colder than50°F ( 10°C), you may have to drivelonger. Checking the Fluid Level 0 Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P) . 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 leverin PARK (P). 0 0 1. The automatic transaxle dipstick has an orange handle and is located near the coolantrecovery tank. Release the taband pull out the dipstickand wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. 2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again. 6-19