1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 255

Automatic Transaxle Fluid (Except 2.4L CodeT Engine) When to Check and ~ NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transaxle. Too much can mean that someof the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate readingif you check your transaxle fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle fluid level if you have been driving: 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 normal operating temperature,which is 180"F to 200"F (82°C to 93°C). anee A good time to check your automauc transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Change both the fluid and filter every50,000 miles m if (83 000 k ) the vehicle is mainly driven under one 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 filterdo not require changing. See "Scheduled Maintenance Services'' in the Index. How to Check Because this operation can be little difficult, you may a choose to have this done your Chevrolet dealership at 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. Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above F 50" (10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lOOC), you may have to drive longer. 6-17