
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service and Appearance Care
Automatic Transmission FIuid
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 Chevrolet dealership Service
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:
Too much or too little fluid can dam-
age your transmission.
Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission fluid.
. . ,194
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).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic - especially in hot
weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should
be at normal operating temperature,
which is 180°F to
200°F (82°C to 93°C).
To check transmission fluid hot: Get
the vehicle warmed up
by driving
about
15 miles (24 km) when outside
temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If
it’s colder than
50°F (lO”C), drive the
vehicle
in “D” (Third Gear) until the
engine temperature gage moves and then
remains steady for ten minutes. Then
follow the hot check procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold: A cold
check is made after the vehicle has been
sitting for eight hours or more with the
engine off and is used only as a reference.
Let the engine run at idle for five minutes
if outside temperatures are 50°F
( 10°C)
or more. If it’s colder than 50°F (lO”C),
you may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level
be
low during a
cold check, you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid This will give you a
more accurate reading
of the fluid level.
To check the fluid hot or cold:
Park your vehicle on a level place.
With the parking brake applied, place
With your foot on the brake pedal,
the shift lever
in
“P’ (Park).
move the shift lever through each gear
range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in
“F’” (Park).
minutes or more.
Let the engine run at idle for three

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service and Appearance Care
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@-III or
DEXRON@-IIE, because
fluids with that
label are made especially for your
automatic transmission. Dama e caused
by fluid other than DEXRON
-111 or
DEXRON@-IIE is not covered by your
new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid
level as described under
“How to
Check.”
obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way.
D
When the correct fluid level is
Manual Transmission Fluid
How to Check:
Because this operation can be difficult,
you may choose to have this done at a
Chevrolet dealership Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all
the instructions here, or
you could get a
false reading.
Too much or too little fluid can
damage your transmission.
Too much
can mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your
engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a
level place and the transmission is cool
enough for you to rest your fingers on
the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to
the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the
plug and be sure it
is fully seated. If
the fluid level is low, add more fluid
as described in the next steps.
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
level up to the bottom of
the filler
plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug
is fully seated.
,. 196

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with hydraulic clutch
fluid.
It isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your
clutch fluid. Adding fluid won’t correct a
leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired.
When to Check and What to Use:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often you should check
the fluid level
in your clutch master
cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid.
See “Owner Checks and Services” and
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
How to Check:
The proper fluid should be added if the
level is below the
“STEP” mark on the
reservoir. See the instructions on the
reservoir cap.
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
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections’’
in
the Index.
How to Check Lubricant:
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
Standard Differential
Use Axle Lubricant (GM Part No.
105227 1 ) or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant.
Limited-Slip Differential
To add lubricant when the level is low,
use Axle Lubricant (GM Part
No.
105227 1 ) or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant. To completely refill after
draining, add
4 ounces (1 18 ml) of
Limited-Slip Differential Additive
(GM Part No. 1052358). Then fill to the
bottom of the filler plug hole with Axle
Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12345977) or
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear lubricant.
197 ...

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Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling
system and how to add coolant when
it
is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need
to add
coolant to your radiator, see “Engine
Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Chevrolet
will:
0 Give freezing protection down to
Give boiling protection up to 262°F
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine
Let the warning lights work as they
-34°F (-37°C).
(128°C).
temperature.
should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of one-half clean water
(preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets “GM Specification
1825M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification
1825M
with a complete coolant flush and refill. If
you use
this mixture, you don’t need to
add anything else.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix,
your engine could overheat and be
badly damaged. The repair cost
wouldn’t be covered by your war-
ranty.
Too much water in the mix can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core and other parts.
. . .I98

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service and Appearance Care
e CAUTION:
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.
Never
turn the pressure cap - even a
little
- when the engine and radiator
are hot.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, bul
be careful not to spill
it.
A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant
contains ethylene glycol,
and it will
bum if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant
on a
hot engine.
Radiator Pressure Cap (All Engines)
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 18 psi
(1 24 kPa) pressure-type cap and
must be tightly installed to prevent
coolant
loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure
the arrows
on the cap line up with
the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure
cap, an
AC@ cap is recommended.
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.
f
I I
3.4L L32 (Code S)
Power Steering Fluid
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.
. . .200

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service and Appearance Care
NOTICE:
0
0
0
0
When using concentrated washer
fluid, follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for adding water.
Don’t mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid. Water
can cause the solution
to freeze
and damage your washer fluid
tank and other parts of the washer
system. Also, water doesn’t clean
as well as washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
314 full when it’s very cold. This
allows for expansion, which could
damage the tank
if it is completely
full.
Don’t use radiator antifreeze in
your windshield washer.
It can
damage your washer system and
paint.
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3rake Masfer Cylinder
‘our brake master cylinder is here. It is
dled with DOT-3 brake fluid.
‘here are only two reasons why the brake
luid level
in your master cylinder might
o down. The first is that the brake fluid
oes down to an acceptable level during
ormal brake lining wear. When new
nings
are put in, the fluid level goes
ack
up. The other reason is that fluid is
:aking
out of the brake system. If it is,
ou should have your brake system fixed,
mce a leak means that sooner or later
our brakes won’t work well, or won’t
lork at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your
brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t
correct a leak. If you add fluid when your
linings are worn, then you’ll have too
much fluid when you get new brake
linings.
You should add (or remove)
brake fluid, as necessary, only when work
is done on the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine when to check your brake
fluid. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections” in the Index.
. . .1u1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To Check Brake Fluid:
You can check the brake fluid without
taking off the cap. Just look at the brake
fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be
above the plastic seam
in the reservoir.
If it isn’t, have your brake system
checked to see
if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic
system, make sure the level
is above the
plastic seam, near the base of the filler
neck.
What to Add:
When you do need brake fluid, use only
DOT-3 brake fluid
- such as Delco-
Supreme 1 l@ (GM Part No. 1052535).
Use new brake fluid from a sealed container
only, and always clean the brakt
fluid reservoir cap before removing it.
NOTICE:
0 Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind
of fluid. For example,
just a few drops
of mineral-based
oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll
have to be replaced.
0 Brake fluid can damage paint, so
be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it
off immediately. See ”Appearance
Care”
in the Index.
Brake Wear
Unless you have the four-wheel disc
brake option, your Chevrolet has front
disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make
a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The
sound may come and go or be heard all
the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are
pushing on the brake pedal
firmly).
A CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound
means that sooner or later your
brakes won’t work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound, have
your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may
cause
a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied or lightly applied. This does
not mean something is wrong
with your
brakes.
203. I

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service and Appevmance Care
If you have rear drum brakes, they don’t
have wear indicators, but
if you ever hear
a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected. Also, the rear
brake drums should be removed and
inspected each time the tires are removed
for rotation or changing. When you have
the front brakes replaced, have
the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced
as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or
if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could
be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake
stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear.
If
you rarely make a moderate or heavier
stop, then your brakes might not adjust
correctly.
If you drive in that way, then -
very carefully - make a few moderate
brake stops about
every 1,000 miles
(I 600 km), so your brakes will adjust
properly.
. . .204
If your brake pedal goes down farther
than normal, your rear drum brakes may
need adjustment. Adjust them by backing
up and firmly applying the brakes
a few
times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle
is complex. Its many parts have to be of
top quality and work well together
if the
vehicle is to have really good braking.
Vehicles we design and test have
top-quality
GM brake parts in them, as
your Chevrolet does when it is new.
When you replace parts of your braking
system
- for example, when your brake
linings wear down and you have to have
new ones put
in - be sure you get new
genuine GM replacement parts. If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work
properly. For example,
if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between your front
and rear brakes can change, for
the worse.
The braking performance you’ve come to
expect can change
in many other ways if
someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Every new Chevrolet has a Delco
Freedoms battery.
You never have to add
water to one of these. When it’s time for a
new battery, we recommend a Delco
Freedoma battery. Get one that has the
catalog number shown on the original
battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drivi your vehicle
for
25 days or more, take off the black,
negative
(-) cable from the battery. This
will help keep your battery from running
down.