Pontiac 2001 Aztek, Owner'S Manual, Page: 347 / 433

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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.
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 dipstick is located
toward the back of the
engine compartment,
next to the brake
master cylinder.
The dipstick has a bright, red loop design for easy
identification. 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.