GMC 1999 Sonoma, Owner'S Manual

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yellow blue
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If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading on
the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission 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),
drive the vehicle in THIRD (3) 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 (10_C), you may have to idle the engine
longer. Should the fluid level be low during a cold check,
you must perform a hot check before adding fluid. This
will give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
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).