1995 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 256

Wait at least30 minutes beforechecking the transmission fluid level you have been driving: if When outside temperatures areabove 90°F (32°C). At high speed for quitea while. In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather. While pulling a trailer. To get theright reading, the fluid should at normal be operating temperature, which 180"F to 200"F is (82°C to 93°C). To check transmission fluid cold: cold check is A made after the vehicle has been sitting eight hours or for more withthe engine off and is used only as a reference. Let the engine run at idlefor five minutes if outside temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or more.I it's colder f than 50°F (lO"C), you may haveto idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low during a cold check, youmust perform a hot check before adding fluid. This will give youa more accuratereading of the fluid level. To check the fluid hot or cold: 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 lever in PARK (P). Let the engine run at idlefor three minutes or more. To check transmission fluid hot: the vehicle Get warmed up bydriving about15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures&e above 50°F (10°C). If its colder than F (10" C) drive the vehicle 50" in DRIVE (D) until the engine temperature gage moves and then remians steady for ten minutes. Then follow the hot check procedures. 6-23