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If you try to do your own service work without knowing enough about it,
your vehicle could be damaged.
I
Maintenance Schedule
Section 7 of this manual, “Scheduled Maintenance Services”, explains \
the
maintenance your new vehicle needs, and when
it should be done. It also
has a
form that you can use to record the maintenance work done on your
vehicle. Be sure to read this information.
Fuel
I K228
Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. It should meet
specifications
ASTM D4814 in the U.S. and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These
fuels should have the proper additives,
so you should not have to add
anything
to the fuel.
In the
US. and Canada, it’s easy to be sure you get the right kind of
gasoline (unleaded). You’ll see UNLEADED right on the pump. And only
unleaded nozzles will
fit into your vehicle’s filler neck.
Be sure the posted octane is at least
87. If the octane is less than 87, you
may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough, it can
damage your engine.
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Service & Appearance Care
oil. If time determines when you change your oil, change the filter ea\
ch time
you change your oil.
Engine Block Heater:
An engine block heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in very
cold weather,
0°F (-18°C) or colder. If your vehicle has this option, see
“Engine Block Heater” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil:
Used engine oil contains things that have caused skin cancer in
laboratory animals. Don’t let
used oil stay on your skin for very long.
Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand ,,:: :‘:-;
cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags containing-:’-:;$ ~
used engine oil.
. ,A:<< --.
L. .. . .. ,-. f .- , L ., -J ’,: ._ - -
..:.: ;,i, j I -.. : j ,!
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If YOU change your own oil,
be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever
dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of your used
oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.
Air Cleaner
c
PO21 6
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air
cleaner filter and crankcase ventilation filter. See “Schedule\
d Maintenance Services” in the Index.
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I CAUTION
I 10 Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can cause you or others
to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it
stops flame
if the engine backfires.
If it isn’t there, and the engine backfires, y(--
could be burned. Don’t drive with it
off, and be cr-ful working on
the engine with the air cleaner
off.
~
NOTICE I
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire. And,
dirt
can easily get into your engine, which will damage it. Always have the
air cleaner
in place when you’re driving.
Ib remove the air cleaner filter on a gas engine, turn the wing nuts
counterclockwise. Remove the cover and change the filter.
-
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change:
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the
engine
oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to change your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in \
the Index.
How to Check:
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this
done at a General Motors dealership Sewice Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could
get
a false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE I
I
Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could come out and fail
on hot engine parts,
I
starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check-your
transmission fluid.
Wait at least
30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if you
have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic-especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
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Page 284 of 386

PO053
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level, The fluid
level must be in the
COLD area for a cold check or in the HOT area or
cross-hatched area for a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is where it should be, push the dipstick back in all the
way; then flip the handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
HOW To Add Fluid:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission
fluid
to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the level
up to the COLD area for a cold check or the HOT area for a hot check. It
doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a pint. Don’t overfill. We
recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON@IIE, because fluids with that
label are especially made for your automatic transmission. Damag\
e caused by
fluid other than
DEXRON@llE is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How To
Check”.
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all the
way; then flip the handle down
to lock the dipstick in place.
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Page 286 of 386
How to Add Fluid:
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough fluid to \
bring the fluid
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure that the filler plug is full\
y seated.
level up
to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
Hydraulic Clutch
I
The hydraulic clutch in your vehicle is self-adjusting. A slight amount of play
(1/2 inch to an inch) in the pedal is normal.
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Service & Appearance Cave
When to Check and What to Use:
K2343
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often you should check
the fluid level in
your clutch master cylinder reservoir and what to add. See
"Owner Checks and Services" and "Recommended Fluids and Lubrican\
ts" in
the Index.
Now to Check:
I
K2344
The proper fluid should be added if the level does not reach the bottom of
the diaphragm when it's in place in the reservoir. See the instructions on the
reservoir cap.
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Page 288 of 386

Hydraulic Clufch Grease Fittrhg
A grease fitting is on the clutch housing for lubricating the clutch fork ball
stud. See your Maintenance Schedule for when to lubricate the clutch
housing. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the In\
dex for the
proper lubricant to use.
Be sure not to over-fill because you could damage your clutch.
Four- Wheel Drive
Most lubricant checks in this section also apply to four-wheel-drive vehicles.
However, they have
two additional systems that need lubrication.
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the
lubricant. See “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in the In\
dex.
How to Check and Add Lubricant:
d Ti
I
PO230
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add
some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the
filler plug hole.
What to Use:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.\
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Service & Appearance Care
Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the Index.
How to Check Lubricant:
PO231
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add
some lubricant.
If the differential is at operating temperature (warm), add
enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
If the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise the level to 1/2 inch
(12 mm) below the filler plug hole.
What to Use:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.\
Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
6-24