1997 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 261

Automatic Transaxle Fluid (Except 2.4L Code T Engine) Operating theengine with the air cleaner off can causeyou or others to burned. The air be cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned.Don't drive with it off, and be careful workingon the engine with the air cleaner off. When to Check and Change A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 krn) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90 O F (32 C) or higher. O NOTICE: ~~ In hilly or mountainous terrain. When doing frequent trailer towing. 0 If the air cleaner off, a backfire can cause is a damaging enginefire. And, dirt caneasily get into yourengine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleaner in place when you're driving. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing. See "Scheduled Maintenance Services'' in the Index. 6-17