GMC 1996 Sierra Owner's Manual page 270

Checking Transmission Fluid Hot
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
(lO"C), drive the
vehicle in DRIVE (D)
until the engine temperature
gage moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
Then follow the hot check procedures.
Checking Transmission Fluid Cold
A cold check is made after the vehicle has been sitting
for eight hours or more with the engine off and 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 (lO"C), you may have to
idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low
during a cold check, you nwst perform a hot check
before adding fluid. This will give you a more accurate
reading of the fluid level.
Checking the Fluid Hot or Cold
0
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 red transmission dipstick handle is located at the
rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger side.
I . Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and
wipe i t 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.
6-20