Checking the Fluid Level- Page 269

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Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:

D

When outside temperatures are above 90

_

F (32

_

C).

D

At high speed for quite a while.

D

In heavy traffic 

--

 especially in hot weather.

D

While pulling a trailer.

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), you may 

have to drive longer.

Checking the Fluid Level

Prepare your vehicle as follows:

D

Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the 
engine running.

D

With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).

D

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).

D

Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.

Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:

The automatic transaxle fluid dipstick handle is the red
loop located toward the rear of the engine. See “Engine
Compartment Overview” in the Index for more
information on location.

1. 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.