Pontiac: Check Transmission Fluid, trans fluid, dip stick

Question
1995 Firebird with 5.7L engine and auto transmission. It's very difficult to accurately read the fluid level on the transmission dip stick ... and the manuals warn about over/under filling. Is there a better way to verify proper servicing, other than a pan removal and refill to published capacities?

Answer
First of all, rmoving the pan and refilling wont help because you usually loose 4 to 6 quarts when removing the pan and you trans hold about 11-12 quarts.
I assume its hard to read because the level is higher on one side of the stick.
Here is the correct way to check trans fluid....Run the veh. until it is up to operating temp. and the dipstick is warm to the touch. With your foot on the brake, shift through all the ranges(PRND321)pausing for about 5 seconds in each range. Pull the stick out, wipe it clean, put it back in for about 3-5 seconds, pull it out and read it. If there are still two different levels on the stick, go with the most solid(not smeared)level. If you need to add fluid, pour it in and then go through the ranges again before rechecking.
I hope this helps you out. I know it seams like a long drawn out procedure for just checking fluid level but it is the most accuate way of doing it.