Pontiac 2002 Firebird - Manual (Page 267)

6-21
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult,
you may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
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.
Too little fluid could cause the transmission to
overheat. 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 DRIVE (D) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold fluid check can be made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off,
but this 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 this cold check, you must check the
fluid hot before adding fluid. Checking the fluid hot will
give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.