1996 Buick Roadmaster Owner's Manual - Page 239

Wait at least 30 minutesbefore checking the transmission fluid level if you have been driving: 0 0 0 0 Checking Transmission Fluid Cold A cold check is made after the vehicle has been sitting for eight hours or more with engine off and is used the only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for five minutes if outside temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or more. If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluidlevel be low during a cold check, you must perform a hot check before adding fluid. This will give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level. When outside temperatures are above 90" F (32"C ) . At high speed for quite a while. In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather. While pulling a trailer. To get the right reading, the fluid should be at norrnal operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C). Checking Transmission Fluid Hot Get the vehicle warmed upby driving about 15 miles (24 krn) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), drive the vehicle in DRIVE (D) until the engine temperature gage moves and thenremains steady for 10 minutes. Then follow the hot check procedures. Checking theFluid Hot or Cold 0 Park your vehicle on level place. Keepthe engine a running. 0 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 ineach range. Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P). Let the engine run at idle forthree minutes or more. 0 0 6-17