1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 265

Manual Transmission Fluid When to Check A good time to have it checked is when the engine oilis changed. However, the fluid inyour manual transmission doesn't require changing. Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a level place and transmission is the cool enough for you to rest your fingerson the transmission case. Then, followthese steps: 1. Remove the filler plug. 2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of the filler plug hole. How to Check Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose to have this done atyour Pontiac dealership Service Department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading. 3. If the fluid levelis good, install the plug and be sure it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more fluid as described in the next steps. How to Add Fluid Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid touse. See "Recommended Fluids and Lubricants" in Index. the 1. Remove the filler plug. 2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up the bottom of the to filler plug hole. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fallhot engine on parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate reading ifyou check your transmission fluid. 3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated. 6-24