Checking The Fluid Level - Chevrolet S10 Pickup 2003 Owner's Manual

To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C)
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.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these
steps:
The transmission dipstick is located near the center of
the engine compartment. See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12 for more information on location.
The transmission dipstick
handle has this symbol
on it.
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