2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 404

Checking the Fluid Level Prepare your vehicle as follows: Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. 0 Cold Check Procedure The purpose of the cold check is to determine if the transmission has enough fluid to be operated safely until a hot check can be made. The fluid level rises as fluid temperature increases. DO NOT fill above the COLD CHECK band if the transmission fluid is below normal operating temperatures. 1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P). With your foot on the brake pedal, run the engine for at least once minute and shift to DRIVE (D). Then shift to NEUTRAL (N) and then REVERSE (R) to fill the hydraulic system. Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P). 2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again. 3. Check the fluid level reading. Repeat the check procedure to verify the reading. 0 Allow the engine to run at idle (500-800 rpm). Slowly release the brake pedal. Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: 4. If the fluid level is within the COLD CHECK band, the transmission may be operated until the fluid is hot enough to perform a hot check. If the fluid level is not within the COLD CHECK band, add or drain fluid as necessary to bring the level into the middle of the COLD CHECK band. 5. Perform a hot check at the first opportunity after the normal operating temperature of 160°F (71"C) to 200°F (93°C) is reached. 6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way. 5-29