To check it: have it at normal operating temperature (preferebly), have it in either park or neutral and the engine running, pull dipstick out and wipe it off and put it back in and check it again if it's got one. I seem to remember that these don't have a dipstick, if so, it'll be just like the manual tranny with the fill hole on the side. Just pull the plug and the fluid should either trickle out or you should be able to feel it just below the hole.

Yes, it does use dexron/mercon III. If going with regular atf, the cheap house brand normally will work just fine and last as long. Just compare it to the specs of the name brand. It should match the specs, but since it is dexron/mercon III it should meet the minimum specs anyway. If going synthetic, which will last longer/resist being harmed by high temps, I personally would go with Royal Purple MaxATF if you can find it. Otherwise go with the Mobil 1. Also, with regular maintance the tranny should last you at least 200,000 miles on just regular atf. Mines got 176,000 miles and is 15 1/2 years old and still shifts fine (knock on wood). But the key is to keep up with the maintance. I've got an eclipse with 118,000 miles that I'm looking at either rebuilding the transmission or replacing it do to previous owners neglect.

Hope that helps.

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />