Page 289 of 386
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.
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Page 290 of 386
How to Check Lubricant:
PO592
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.
Engine Coolant
I
PO593
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Page 291 of 386

Service & Appearance Care
The following explains your cooling system and how to add cool\
ant when it is
low.
If you have a problem with engine overheating, see “Engine
Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your vehicle
will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 258°F (125°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of clean water (preferably distilled), and antifreeze that meets
“GM Specification
6038-M,” which won’t damage aluminum parts. Also use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) with a complete coolant change.
If
you use these, you don’t need to add anything else.
Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous.
I
Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the \
proper coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mix. With plain water or the wrong mix, your
engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat \
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Us\
e
a 50/50 mix of clean water and a proper antifreeze.
jIi ,yo.w use an improper coolant mix, your engine .coutd overheat andi
badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.’ TP~
much water in ;the mix can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, .heater
wre-ad -.other parts.
Some conditions, such as air trapped in the cooling system, can affect the
coolant level in the radiator. Check the coolant level when th\
e engine is cold
and follow the steps under “Adding Coolant” for the prope\
r way to
add
coolant.
.. .. ..
If you have to add coolant mdre than four times a year, have your dealer
check
your cooling system.
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Page 292 of 386

k
NOTICE
f YOU use the proper coolant, you don’t have to add extra inhibitors or
idditives which claim to improve the system. These can be harmful
Adding Coolant
‘1 L
L
L
PO206
To Check Coolant: When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level shoul\
d be up
to HOT, or a little higher.
To Add Coolant: If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
coolant recovery tank.
I CAUTION
4
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator are
hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost never have to
add coolant at the radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
I cap-even a little-when the engine and radiator are hot. I
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it.
~ ~~
1 CAUTION I
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant
- b contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
I enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. I
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Page 293 of 386
Service & Appearance Care
Radiator Pressure Cap
I
I
-
- K2515
1 NOTICE
four radiator pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa) pressure-type cap and
nust be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine
mage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up \
with
werffow tube
on the radiator filler neck.
-m recommended.
I
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat in the engine coolant
system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the
coolant reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace
your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat is recommended.
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Page 294 of 386
Power Steering Fluid
K2630
How To Check Power Steering Fluid:
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid
level on the dipstick.
K2693
When the engine compartment is hot, the level should be at the FULL
When the engine compartment is cool, the level should be at the FULL
mark.
COLD mark.
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Page 295 of 386
Service & Appearance Care
i .. c
K2694
What to Add:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
NOTICE I
When adding power steering fluid or making a complete fluid change,
always use the proper fluid. Failure
to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses
and seals.
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Page 296 of 386
Windshield Washer Fluid
To Add:
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add washer fluid until the
bottle
is full.
6-31