How to CheckBecause this operation can be a little difficult, you maychoose to have this done at the dealership servicedepartment.If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructionshere, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damageyour transmission. Too much can mean that someof the fluid could come out and fall on hot enginepart or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.Too little fluid could cause the transmission tooverheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if youcheck your transmission fluid.Wait at least 30 minutes before checking thetransmission 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 normaloperating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F(82°C to 93°C).Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), drivethe vehicle in THIRD (3) until the engine temperaturegage moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.A cold fluid check can be made after the vehiclehas been sitting for eight hours or more with the engineoff, but this is used only as a reference. Let theengine run at idle for five minutes if outsidetemperatures are 50°F (10°C) or more. If it is colderthan 50°F (10°C), you may have to idle the enginelonger. Should the fluid level be low during this coldcheck, you must check the fluid hot before adding fluid.Checking the fluid hot will give you a more accuratereading of the fluid level.Checking the Fluid LevelPrepare your vehicle as follows:• Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep theengine running.• 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.5-21
