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6-18
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:
1. Locate the handle
for the automatic
transmission dipstick
near the rear of the
engine compartment.
See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index
for more information on location.
Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and
wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.