1998 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 274

How to Check Because this operation can a little difficult, may be you this choose to have done at your Pontiac dealership Service Department. Wait at least30 minutes beforechecking the transmission fluid level you have been driving: if When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C). At high speed for quite a while. In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather. If you do it yourself, besure to followall the instructions here, oryou could get a false reading on the dipstick. While pulling a trailer. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall hot engine on parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid. To get the right reading, fluid shouldbe at the normal operating temperature, which 180°F to is 200°F (82°Cto 93°C). See "Checking Transmission Fluid Hot" in Index. the Checking Transmission Fluid Hot Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km)when outside temperatures above 50°F are (10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (10°C), drive the vehicle inDRIVE (D) until theengine temperature gage moves and thenremains steady for 10 minutes. Then follow the hot check procedures.