1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 168

I Automatic Transaxle Fluid , ~. ,' NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can Too damage your transaxle. much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system, 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 speedfor quite a while. In heavy traffic- especially in hot weather. To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180°Fto 200°F (82°C to 93°C). Get the vehicle warmedup by driving about 15 miles (24 lun) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10.C). If it's colder than 50°F (lOOC), you may have to drive longer. 1 When to Check and Change A goodtime to check your automatic transaxle fluid levelis when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change your fluid. See Scheduled Maintenance Services in theIndex. How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Chevrolet dealership Service Department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. To check the fluid level Park your vehicle on a level place. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park). With yourfoot on the brake pedal, move the shift leverthrough each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift leverin P (Park). Let the engine run atidle forthree to five minutes. Then, without shutting the engine, off follow these steps: 1. Pull out thedipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. 2 Push it back in all the way, wait three . seconds and then pull it back out again. 3 Check both sides of the dipstick, and . read the lower level. The fluid level must be in thecross-hatched area. 4 If the fluid level isin theacceptable . range, push the dipstick back in all the way.