3 Speed Fluid Check and Change?

[105]

I found this write-up on the 4 speed auto, but nothing on the 3 speed.
How To: 2001 4 speed auto Transmission filter change

1. As far as checking the transmission fluid level, I assume I do this with the car running at normal operating temperature and in neutral. There is a cold and hot check on the dipstick so how exactly do I know which to go by? This is something I've never gotten cleared up.

2. Does the 3 speed take as much fluid as the 4 speed?

3. How do I check, change and refill the differential that the 3 speed has? What type of fluid? Where is the differential exactly?

[teppista881]

1. If your car is at its hottest (i.e., temp needle is roughly halfway), use the hot hash marks. If you turn on the car after sitting overnight, let it heat up until the needle reaches the bottom and check cold. Be sure to shift the lever through all the selections before checking the level.

2. 3 speed takes less fluid on a drain and fill. Search forums for specs.

3. The differential checking area is on the driver's side half of the transmission. The differential drain plug is behind the transmission pan drain plug. The differential fill plug is a good way up the back on the same half. To check it, FIRST open the fill plug and stick your finger straight in. If it's just below the bottom of the hole, you should be fine. If it is low or looks absolutely gross, only then consider doing anything to it. Draining is easy: just open the plug and let it drain. Filling is more difficult, as you will need some of kind of tool to get the fluid into the filler hole.