Chevrolet 2004 Monte Carlo Owner's Manual page 285

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), you may
have to drive longer.
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 to five minutes.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
3400 V6 Engine
The transaxle fluid dipstick handle is the black loop near
the rear of the engine compartment, toward the
center. See Engine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12 for more information on location.
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3800 V6 Engine
5-29