Checking The Fluid Level - GMC Safari 2003 Owner's Manual

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), drive the 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.
If it's colder than 50°F (10°C), 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.

Checking the Fluid Level

Prepare your vehicle as follows:
•
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
•
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
•
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).
•
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
5-26
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The transmission dipstick has a red handle and is
located near the center of the engine compartment
behind the air cleaner. See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-13 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.