1. Park the vehicle on level ground and turn off the engine. Make sure the engine has been given enough time to cool down.
2. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. The dipstick handle should be clearly labeled and have a yellow ring around it. On most Catera models, the dipstick is located on the driver's side of the engine bay near the back.
3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean using a clean cloth or paper towel.
4. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into the transmission fluid dipstick tube.
5. Pull out the dipstick again and check the fluid level. The fluid level should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the dipstick.
6. If the fluid level is low, add enough transmission fluid to bring it up to the proper level. Use a funnel to add the fluid and be careful not to overfill.
7. Re-insert the dipstick and check the fluid level again.
8. Replace the dipstick and close the hood.
Note: If the transmission fluid is dark brown or black, or has a burnt smell, it should be changed. Check the owner's manual for the recommended transmission fluid type and change intervals. It's also recommend to consult the owner's manual for the exact location and procedure for checking the transmission fluid on your specific Catera model, as there might be slight variations in the process between different model years or trim levels.
