Heidi ...you are right to check yours . I have always checked GM tranny's that way,but here is what's in the Owner's Manual.... to check the fluid level, first set the parking brake,thenstart the engine in "P" ( Park), and let idle for two minutes. you must check the fluid level with the engine running at slow idle and the vehicle level. ( I guess this means normal idle )why don't they say that ? You cannot read the correct fluid level if you have just driven the vehicle for a long time at high speed, in city traffic in hot weather, or if the vehicle has been pulling a trailer. ( Here's the good part ) wait until the fluid cools down ( about 30 minutes ).Remove the dipstick ( not the one who wrote this procedure ) but the one located at the rear of the engine compartment on the passenger's side. ( Here's another goodie ) Carefully touch the wet end of the dipstick to find out if the fluid is cool, warm or hot. Wipe it clean and push it back in until the cap seats. Pull out the dipstick and read the fluid level...... If it felt cool ( about room temperature ) , the level should be 1/8 to 3/8 inch below the "Add" mark. The dipstick has two dimples below the "Add" mark to show this range. ( mine dosen't have these dimples )..... If it felt warm, the level should be close to the "Add" mark(either above or below)..... If it was too hot to hold, the level should be at the "Full " mark. (and buy some aloe for your finger burns)... I'm I thick or did this make any sense. Thanks to all for trying to help. To make matters worse my front seal is leaking this is why I need to check the level.....Bob Yates (Mr. Badwrench)
