1997 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 246

Automatic Transaxle Fluid When to Check and Change A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is whenthe engine oil is changed. Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 lun) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher. In hilly or mountainous terrain. When doing frequent trailer towing. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under anyof these conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing. See "Scheduled Maintenance Services" in the Index. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting fire. Be sure a to get an accurate reading if you check your transaxle fluid. Wait atleast 30 minutes before checking the transaxle fluid level if you have been driving: 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 be at normal operating temperature, which is 180°Fto 200°F (82°C to 93°C). How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership Service Department. Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions (10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you may have to drive longer. here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. 6-19