Page 225 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Then go to the front of
the vehicle and release
the secondary hood
release.
Lift the hood, release the hood prop from its
retainer and put the
hood prop into the slot
in the hood. You will
have an underhood
light that
comes on
when you lift the
hood.
Before closing the
hood, be sure
all the
filler caps are
on
properly. Then lift the
hood to relieve
pressure on the hood
Prop.
6-7
Page 226 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Remove the hood prop
from the slot in the
hood and return the
prop to its retainer.
Then
just pull the
hood down and close
it
firmly.
6-8
Page 227 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to
get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm
and the vehicle must be on
level ground.
Turn
off the engine
and give the oil a
few
rninutes to drain back
into the
oil pan. If you
don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the
actual level.
To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it
back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip lower.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need to add some oil. But
you must use the right kind.
This section explains what kind of oil to use.
For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.
6-9
Page 228 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the
oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the pro\
per
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
Just fill it enough to
put the level
What Kind of Oil to Use
somewhere in the
proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re
through.
Beginning midyear
1993, oils of the proper quality for your vehicle will be
identified with this new “starburst” symbol. The “starbu\
rst” symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute
(API), and is perferred for use in your gasoline engine.
You should look for this on the front of the oil container, and use only oils
that display this new symbol.
6-10
Page 229 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine You should also use me proper viscosity oil for your vehicle, as shown in
the following chart:
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
OIL FOR THE €XPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
/F
-
+loo - -
+80 --
+60 --
+40 - -
+20 - -
O--
1
C
- +38
- + 27
- +16
-+4
- -7
- -18
COLD
WEATHER
SAE SW-30
PREFERRED
LOOK FOR
ONE OF THESE
LABELS
SA! 1OW-30
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30
GRADE
OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30
GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE
40 DEGRfES F (4 DEGREES C).
ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
DO
NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE
2OW-50 OR
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you
can use
SAE 1OW-30 if it's going to be 0°F (-18 "C) or above. These
numbers on an
oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as
SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 20W-50.
6-11
Page 230 of 340

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you cannot find oils with the new “starburst” symbol on the front of the
container,
you should look for and use oils containing the following three
things:
SHor SG
“SH or SG” must be on the oil container, either by itself or combined
with other quality designations, such as “SWCD,”
“SH, SG, CD,”
“SG/CD,”etc. These letters show American Petroleum Institute\
(API)
levels of quality.
0 SAE 5W-30
Energy Conserving I1
Oils with these words on the container will help you save fuel.
These three things are usually included in a doughnut shaped logo (\
symbol)
on most containers.
If you cannot find oils with the “starburst” symbol, you
should look for oils with the doughnut shaped symbol, containing the three
things noted above.
NOTICE:
If you use oils that do not have either the “starburst” symbol or
an
API SH or SG designation, you can cause engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil) meets all the
requirements for your vehicle.
1
6- 12
Page 231 of 340

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your GM dealer is ready to advise if you
think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
0 It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less than 10 miles (16
km).
The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in door-to-door
delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic).
You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
0 The vehicle is frequently operated off-road.
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you need to change your oil
andfilter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months - whichever comes
first.
If none of them is true, change the oil every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12
months - whichever comes first. Change the filter at the first oil change
and at every other oil change after that.
Four-wheel Drive Remote Oil Filter
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you will have a remote oil filter
located under the radiator support. There is a special access \
door in the
vehicle body skirt shield.
Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block Heater)
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in
very cold weather,
0 “F (-1 8 O C) or colder. If your vehicle has this option,
see “Engine Coolant Heater
” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? 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 wed engine oil. (See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use
and disposal of oil products.)
6-13
Page 232 of 340

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Used oil can De 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
To remove the round air cleaner filter for the 4.3L (VIN 2) engine, turn the
wing nuts to the left. Remove the cover and change the filter\
. Care should be
taken during reassembly to ensure that the cover is on straigh\
t and the
wingnuts properly tightened.
To remove the square air cleaner filter for the 2.2L (VnV.4) and the 4.3L
(VIN W) engines, open both clamps and push the rear of the air cleaner
back toward the rear of the engine compartment to change the filter.