1998 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 275

Checking TransmissionFluid Cold A cold check is made after the vehicle has been sitting for eight hours or more with theengine off and is used only as a reference. the engine run at idle five Let for minutes if outside temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or more. If it's colder than50°F (lO°C), you may have to idle theengine longer. Should the fluid level low be during a cold check, must perform a hot check you before adding fluid.This will give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level. ~ n e nwithout shuttingoff the engine, follow these steps: , Checking theFluid Hot or Cold 0 Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. 0 With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P). 0 With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever througheach gear range, pausing about for three seconds in each range, Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P). Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more. k 'rll 3800 V6 Engine TransmissionDipstick