1997 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 262

How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership Service Department. If you do it yourself, be sure to followl the instructions a l here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180* F to 200 OF (82°C to 93°C). Get th'e vehicle warrned up bydriving about 15 miles (24 h when outside temperatures are above 50°F ) (10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lO°C), you may have to drive longer. Checking the Fluid Level 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 e,achrange. Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P). Let the engine run at idle forthree to fiveminutes. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the fluid coul'd come and fallon hot engine parts out or exhaust system parts, starting fire. Be sure to a get an accurate reading you check your if transaxle fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle fluid level if youhave been driving: When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C). At high speed for quite a while. 0 0 0 0 0 In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather. While pulling a trailer. 6-18