1997 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 272

Manual Transmission Fluid When to Check A good time to have it checked is when the engine oilis changed. However, the fluid in your manual transmission doesn't requirechanging. Check the fluid levelonly when your engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a level placeand the transmission is cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the transmission case. Then, follow these steps: 1. Remove the filler plug. 2. Check that the lubricant levelis up to the bottom of the filler plug hole. How to Check Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose tohave this done at your Pontiac dealership Service Department. If you do ityourself, be sureto follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading. 3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure it is fully seated. If the fluid levelis low, add more fluid as described in the next steps. How to Add Fluid Here's how to add fluid. Refer to Maintenance the Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See "Recommended Fluids and Lubricants" in the Index. 1. Remove the filler plug. 2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the 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 fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid. :I 3. Install the filler plug. Be surethe plug is fully seated. 6-27