Chevrolet 1998 Express Van Owner's Manual page 258

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
(
10°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
0
0
0
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:
, . ,
I
1. The transmission dipstick has a red handle and is
located near the center of the engine compartment.
Flip the handle up and then 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.