Pontiac 1998 Firebird Owner's Manual page 275

Checking Transmission Fluid Cold
A cold check is made after the vehicle has been sitting
for eight hours or more with the engine off and is used
only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for five
minutes if outside temperatures are 50°F (1 0°C) or
more. If it's colder than 50°F
(lO°C), you may have to
idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low
during a cold check, you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid. This will give you a more accurate
reading of the fluid level.
Checking the Fluid Hot or Cold
0
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
0
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
0
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
engine running.
in PARK
(P).
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.
~ n e n , without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
k
'rll
3800 V6 Engine Transmission Dipstick