2001 Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual - Page 306

To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180_F to 200_F (82_C to 93_C). Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50_F (10_C). If it's colder than 50_F (10_C), you may have to drive longer. Checking the Fluid Level Prepare your vehicle as follows: Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: The transaxle fluid dipstick top is a round, red loop and is located next to the brake master cylinder behind the engine block. See "Engine Compartment Overview" in the Index for more information on location. D Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. in PARK (P). D With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever D With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift 1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P). D Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. 6-21