Checking the fluid levels in your 98 Oldsmobile Cutlass on a regular basis will help prevent damage and unexpected failure of vital powertrain components like the engine and transmission. If your 98 Cutlass has a 3.1 liter V-6 engine, the transmission is not equipped with a dipstick; this transmission requires a special procedure and equipment to accurately check the fluid, which should be done by a qualified service technician. All other engines have a dipstick that is used to check the fluid level and condition.
Start the engine and allow it to run until the temperature gauge in the instrument cluster reads in the normal range. Open the hood by pulling the hood release located under the left side of the dash, then raise the hood and support its weight with the hood prop found on top of the radiator support.
Remove the transmission dipstick located on the back of the engine between the engine and the center of the firewall. Smell the fluid on the dipstick and examine its color. If the fluid smells burnt, or is dark brown, it may be time for a transmission fluid and filter change.
With the engine still running, wipe the dipstick off with a shop towel and insert it back into the tube until it fully seats in the tube. Pull the dipstick out of the tube and look at the level on the stick. It should be in the crosshatched "Full" area marked on the end of the stick.
Add Dexron III transmission fluid, 1 pt. at a time, until the level reaches the full mark on the stick. Add fluid by placing a small funnel into the dipstick tube and pouring the fluid into the funnel.
