How To Check - GMC 2001 Sonoma Owner's Manual

How to Check

Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check
your transmission fluid.
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.
6-20
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at
normal operating temperature, which is 180
_
200 F (82
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
_
(10 C) or more. If it's colder than 50
you may have to idle 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.
_ _
F (32 C).
_ _
C to 93 C).
_ _
F (10
_
F to
_
F
C), drive the
_
F
_ _
F (10 C),