How
to
Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have
this
done at your Pontiac dealership
Service Department.
If
you do it yourself, 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
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.
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). See “Checking Transmission
Fluid Hot” in
the
Index.
Checking Transmission Fluid Hot
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
DRIVE
(D)
until the engine temperature
gage moves and then remains steady for
10
minutes.
Then follow
the
hot
check procedures.