Pontiac 2001 Firebird Owner's Manual page 274

Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
3800 V6 Dipstick
The red transmission dipstick handle is located near the
back of the engine. See "Engine Compartment Overview"
in the Index for more information on location.
1. 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.
6-22
5.7L V8 Dipstick
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area,
-
below the cross hatched area, for a cold check or in
the HOT area or cross
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range,
push the dipstick back in all the way; then flip
the handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
-
hatched area for a hot check.