1998 Buick Riviera Owner's Manual - Page 259

Automatic Transaxle Fluid When t c eck and Change A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil changed. is NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall hot engine parts on or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transaxle fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle fluid levelif you have been driving: When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C). At high speed for quite a while. Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 k ) the vehicle is mainly driven under one m if or more of these conditions: In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher. In hilly or mountainous terrain. When doing frequent trailer towing. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing. See "Scheduled Maintenance Services" the Index. in In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather. While pulling a trailer. How to Check To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, whichis 180"F to 200°F Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may (82°C to 93°C). choose to have this done at your Buick dealership Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles Service Department. (24 lun) when outside temperatures are above 50°F If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions (10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you may have to drive longer. here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. 6-18