1998 Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual - Page 272

Checking theFluid Level NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your of transaxle. Too much can mean that some the fluid could come out and on hot engine parts fall or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate readingif you check your transaxle fluid. I Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. I With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P). With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about shift three seconds in each range. Then, position the lever in PARK (P). Let the engine run at idle three to five minutes. for Then, without shuttingoff the engine, follow these steps: 1. The transaxle fluid dipstick topis a round, red loop and next to is the brake master cylinder behind the engine block. Pullout the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. Wait at least30 minutes before checking the transaxle fluid levelif you have been driving: When outside temperatures are above90°F (32"C . ) At high speed for quite a while. 0 In heavy traffk -- especially in hot weather. 0 While pulling a trailer. To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which 180O F to is 200°F (82°C to 93°C). 0 Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles ( 2 4 k )when outside temperatures are above m 50°F (10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lO°C), you may have to drive longer. 6-21 -