Checking the Fluid Level- Page 290

6-20

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 transaxle fluid
dipstick top is a round, red
loop and is located next to
the brake master cylinder
behind the engine block.
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.