To get the right reading, the fluid should be atnormal 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 vehiclein THIRD (3) until the engine temperature gagemoves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.A cold fluid check can be made after the vehicle hasbeen sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off,but this is used only as a reference. Let the enginerun at idle for five minutes if outside temperatures are50°F (10°C) or more. If it’s colder than 50°F (10°C), youmay have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluidlevel be low during this cold check, youmust check thefluid hot before adding fluid. Checking the fluid hotwill give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.Checking the Fluid LevelPrepare your vehicle as follows:• Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the enginerunning.• With the parking brake applied, place the shift leverin PARK (P).• With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shiftlever through each gear range, pausing for aboutthree seconds in each range. Then, position the shiftlever in PARK (P).• Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.Then, without shutting off the engine, followthese steps:The transmission dipstickhandle with the graphic islocated at the rear ofthe engine compartment,on the passenger’s side.SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-10 formore information on location.1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstickand wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds andthen pull it back out again.5-20
