Pontiac 1997 Bonneville Owner's Manual page 275

How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Pontiac 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
transaxle. 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
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
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.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180 "F to 2080°F
(82*C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15
miles
(24
k m )
when outside temperatures
are
above 50°F
(10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you may
have to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
With
the
parking brake applied, place
the
shift
lever
engine running.
in PARK (P).
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).
0
Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
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