Chevrolet 1998 Prizm Owner's Manual page 245

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
0
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
0
At high speed for quite
a
while.
0
In heavy traffic
--
especially
in
hot weather.
0
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at
normal 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), you
may have to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
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
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the
shift lever in PARK (P).
engine running.
in PARK (P)
.
Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
1. The automatic transaxle dipstick has an orange
handle and is located near the coolant recovery tank.
Release the tab and pull out the dipstick and wipe it
with a clean rag or paper towel.
then pull it back out again.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
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