GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 779
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER CHANGE
Under normal operating conditions, the oi
l is to be changed every 7,500 miles
(12,000km) or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
Although the manufacturer recommends changing the f ilter at the first oil
change and then at every other oil c hange, (unless 12 months pass between
changes), The editors of this informat ion recommend changing the filter with
each service. It is a small price to pay for extra protection.
When driving conditions frequently include dusty or polluted areas, trailer
towing, idling for long periods of ti me, or low speed operation, or when
operating at temperatures below freezing or driving short distances (under 4
miles or 6.4km), change t he oil and filter more frequently. Under these
circumstances, oil has a greater chance of building up sludge and contaminants
which could damage your engine. If your v ehicle use fits into one or more of
these categories, (as it does for most vehicles), it is suggested that the oil and
filter be changed every 3, 000 miles (1361km) or 3 months, whichever comes
first.
The oil should be disposed of properly after it is drained from the vehicle. Store
the oil in a suitable container and take the container to an official oil recycling
station. Most gas stations or oil and lube facilities will take the used oil at little or
no expense to you.
Oil should always be changed after the engine has been running long enough to
bring it up to normal operating temperature. Hot oil will flow more easily and will
carry more contaminants than will cold oi l. The oil drain plug is located on the
bottom of the oil pan (bottom of the engi ne, underneath the car). The oil filter is
located on the left side of most engines covered by this information. To change
the oil and filter:
1. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Raise the front of the vehicle and s upport it safely using a suitable pair of
jackstands.
3. Slide a drain pan of a least 6 quar ts capacity under the oil pan. Wipe the
drain plug and surrounding area clean using an old rag.
CAUTION - The EPA warns that prolonged contact with used engine oil may
cause a number of skin disorders, incl uding cancer! You should make every
effort to minimize your exposure to used engine oil. Pr otective gloves should be
worn when changing the oil. Wash y our hands and any other exposed skin
areas as soon as possible after exposure to used engine oil. Soap and water, or
waterless hand cleaner should be used.
4. Loosen the drain plug using a ratc het, short extension and socket or a
box-wrench. Turn the plug out by hand, using a rag to shield your fingers
from the hot oil. By keeping an in ward pressure on the plug as you
unscrew it, oil won't escape past the threads and you can remove it
without being burned by hot oil.
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 783
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
Use only Dexron®II Automati
c Transmission Fluid.
LEVEL CHECK
Fig. 1: Read automatic transmission flui d level on dipstick and add, as required
Check the automatic transmission fluid le vel at each oil change. Driving with too
much or too little transmission fluid ca n damage the transmission. The dipstick
can be found in the rear of the engine compartment. The fluid level should be
checked only when the transmission is at normal operating temperature. If your
Camaro has been driven at highway speeds fo r a long time, in city traffic in hot
weather, or pulling a trailer, wait for about 30 minutes for the fluid to cool down
so a correct reading can be read.
1. Park the car on a level surface, with the parking brake on. Start the
engine and let it idle for about 15 minutes. Move the transmission
through all the gears and then back to P.
2. Remove the dipstick and carefully touch the wet end of the dipstick to see if the fluid is cool, warm, or ho t. Wipe it clean and then reinsert it
firmly. Be sure that it has been pushed all the way in. Remove the
dipstick again and check the fluid leve l while holding it horizontally.
a. If fluid is cool (room temper ature), the level should be about
1/8-3/8
in. (3-10mm) below the ADD mark.
