6-21
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.
Then follow the hot check procedures.
Checking Transmission Fluid Cold
A cold check is made after the vehicle has been sitting
for eight hours or more with the engine off and 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 a cold check, you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid. This will give you a more accurate
reading of the fluid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
D
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
D
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
D
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).
D
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
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