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Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission 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).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50 F
(10 C). If it’s colder than 50 F (10 C), drive the
vehicle in THIRD (3) until the engine temperature
gage moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold fluid check can be made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off,
but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine run
at idle for five minutes if outside temperatures are
50 F (10 C) or more. If it’s colder than 50 F (10 C),
you may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid
level be low during this cold check, you must check the
fluid hot before adding fluid. Checking the fluid hot will
give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
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
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The transmission dipstick
handle is located at the rear
of the engine compartment.
Your vehicle’s dipstick
may have a graphic as
shown or may be labeled
TRANS/LOCK.
See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index
for further information on location.