1997 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 268

HQW Check to Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership Service Department. To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F (82OC to 93°C). Checking Transmission Fluid Hot Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above50°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 then remains steady for 10 minutes. Then follow the hot check procedures. If you do ityourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your of transmission. Too much can mean that some the fluid could come out and fallhot engine on parts or exhaust system parts, startinga fire. Be sure to get accurate reading if you check your an transmission fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes before checkingthe transmission fluid levelif you have beendriving: When outside temperatures are above90 O (32 O C). F At high speed for quite a while. In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather. Checking Transmission Fluid Cold A cold check is made afterthe vehicle has been sitting for eight hoursor more with the engine and is d off only as a reference. Let the enginerun at idle for five 50°F (10OC) or minutes if outside temperatures are more. If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level 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. While pulling a trailer. 6-23