2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 258

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). 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 (10_C), you may have to drive longer. Checking the Fluid Level Prepare your vehicle as follows: Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: If you have a three-speed automatic transaxle, the handle on the transaxle dipstick is a red ring. See "Engine Compartment Overview" in the Index for more information on location. D Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. in PARK (P). D With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever D 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 PARK (P). 1. Pull out the dipstick and 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. D Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. 6-20