Chevrolet 2002 Astro Owner's Manual page 283

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
D
When outside temperatures are above 90
D
At high speed for quite a while.
D
--
In heavy traffic especially in hot weather.
D
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180
_ _
(82 C to 93 C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50
_
(10 C). If it's colder than 50
vehicle in THIRD (3) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold fluid check can be made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off,
but this 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.
_ _
F (32 C).
_ _
F to 200 F
_
F
_ _
F (10 C), drive the
_
If it's colder than 50 F (10
the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low during
this cold check, you must check the fluid hot before
adding fluid. Checking the fluid hot will give you a
more accurate reading of the fluid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
D
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
D
With the parking brake applied, place the shift
lever in PARK (P).
D
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).
D
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
_
C), you may have to idle
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