
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. 
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: 
SH or SG 
“SH’ or “SG’ must be on  the oil container, 
either  by  itself  or combined  with  other 
quality  designations, such  as “SHKD,” 
“SH,SG,CD,” “SG/CD,”  etc.  These 
letters  show American Petroleum 
Institute  (API)  levels of quality. 
SAE 1OW-30 (3800 engine) 
SAE 5W-30 (3100  engine) 
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.  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. 
Engine  Oil  Additives 
Don’t  add  anything  to your  oil. Your 
Oldsmobile 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 ltm). 
It’s below  freezing  outside  and  most 
trips  are  less than 
10 miles (16 ltm). 
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. 
If any one  of these  is true  for  your  vehicle, 
then  you need  to change your 
oil and 
filter every  3,000  miles (5 000 ltm) or 3 
months - whichever comes  first. 
If  none 
of them  is true,  change  the oil 
every 
7,500 miles  (12 500 ltm) or  12 
months  -whichever  comes first. 
Change  the filter  at  the  first oil change 
and  at every  other oil change  after that. 
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 (-18°C)  or colder.  If 
your vehicle  has  this  option,  see 
Engine 
Coolant Heater in the Index. 193 
ProCarManuals.com 

Service &Appearance Care 
194 
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 
used engine  oil. (See  the manufacturer’s 
warnings  about the 
use and disposal  of 
oil products.) 
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 
Refer  to  the  Maintenance  Schedule to 
determine  when to replace  the air filter. 
See 
Scheduled  Maintenance  Services in 
the Index. 
NOTICE: 
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. 
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3100 V6: Replacing  Air  Cleaner  Filter 
2. Remove the air cleaner filter. 
3. Be sure  to  install the air cleaner filter, 
replace  the cover  and  tighten  the 
wing  nut securely. 
3800 V6 Checking Air Cleaner  Filter 
To Check  or  Replace: . 
1. Loosen  the four wing  nuts. 
3800 V6: Replacing Air Cleaner  Filter 
2. Pull the  top  of the  air cleaner  toward 
the  front  of the  vehicle  and remove 
the  air cleaner filter. 
3. Be sure  to  install the air cleaner filter, 
replace  the cover  and tighten  the 
wing  nuts securely. 
Automatic  Transaxle  Fluid 
When to Check and Change 
A good time to check your  automatic 
transaxle  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  an Oldsmobile 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 
damage your  transaxle. 
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 
transaxle  fluid. 
Wait  at least 
30 minutes  before 
checking  the transaxle  fluid  level 
if you 
have  been  driving: 
When  outside  temperatures  are  above 
At high speed for  quite  a while. 
In heavy  traffic-especially  in hot 
While  pulling  a trailer. 
90°F (32°C). 
weather. 
195 
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Service & Appearance  Care 
224 
Capacities  and  Specifications 
Engine  Crankcase (All Models) ......................................... 4 quarts 
When  changing  filter, up to 112 quart (1/2 liter) more  oil  may be needed. 
Use 
your dipstick to measure. 
Automatic Transaxle .......................................................... 
When  draining or replacing  torque  converter,  more  fluid  may be needed. 
Pan  Removal  and Replacement .......................................... 4 quarts 
After  Complete  Overhaul 
.................................................. 7 quarts 
3-Speed: 
4-Speed: 
Pan Removal  and Replacement .......................................... 6 quarts 
After  Complete  Overhaul 
.................................................. 8 quarts 
Cooling  System 
3100 V6 Engine: 
3800 V6  Engine: 
With  Air Conditioning ........................................................ 12.50  quarts 
With Air Conditioning ........................................................ 11.50 quarts 
With  Rear Climate  Control 
................................................ 13 .OO quarts 
3.75 L 
3.80 L 
6.60 L 
5.70 L 
7.60 L 
12.00 L 
10.75 
L 
12.25 L 
NOTE: All  capacities  are approximate. When adding,  be sure  to fill to  the  appropriate  level, as recommended in  this manual. 
ProCarManuals.com 

226 
Service & Appearance  Care 
Engine  Specifications 
VIN Engine Code ........................................... 
Type ................................................................ 
Displacement .................................................. 
Compression Ratio .......... ....... .. .. .. ..... ............. 
Firing  Order ...................... .. ....................... ... .. 
Thermostat  Temperature  Specification . . . . . . . . . 
31 00 V6 Engine 
D 
V6 
3.1 Liters 
8.5:1 
1-2-3-4-5-6 
195°F  (91°C) 
3800 V6 Engine 
1 
V6 
3.8 Liters 
9.0: 
1 
1-6-5-4-3-2 
195°F  (91°C) 
Normal  Maintenance  Replacement Parts 
Air Cleaner Element ....................................... AC Type  A-773C  AC Type  A-974C 
Engine 
Oil Filter ............................................. AC  Type  PF-51  AC Type  PF-47 
PCV  Valve 
................. .. ................... .... ... . . . ...... AC  Type  CV-789C  AC  Type  CV-892C 
Spark  Plugs 
...... . , . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AC Type  oR43TS  AC  Type  41-600 
Remote  Lock Control Batteries  (2) 
............... DL 2016  DL 2016 
Gap:  0.045 
inch (1.14 
mm) Gap:  0.060 inch  (1.52 mm) 
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Muintenunce Schedule 
234 
Schedule I 
Follow  Schedule I if  your vehicle  is 
MAINLY driven  under  one or  more  of 
the  following  conditions: 
When  most trips  are less  than 4 miles 
When most trips  are  less than  10 
(6 
ltm) 
. 
miles  (16 ltrn) and  outside 
temperatures  remain below freezing. 
When most trips include extended 
idling  and/or  frequent  low-speed 
operation,  as in stop-and-go  traffic. 
When towing a trailer. 
When  operating in dusty  areas. 
Schedule I should  also be  followed if 
the  vehicle  is  used  for  delivery  service, 
police,  taxi 
or other  commercial 
applications. 
::: = An Emission  Control Service. 
j- = The U.S. Emiyonmental  Protection  Agency 
or  the  California Air Resources  Board has 
determined  that the  failure 
to pelform  this 
maintenance  item  will 
not nullify the 
emission warranty or limit recall liability 
prior 
to the  completion  of vehicle  useful  life. 
General  Motors, however,  urges that all 
recommended  maintenance services be 
pelformed  at  the indicated  intervals and  the 
maintenance  be  recorded in “Section 
E: 
Maintenance  Record.” 
ITEM TO BE SERVICED WHEN TO PERFORM 
No* See Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance  Miles (Kilometers) or Months 
Services 
following Schedules I and 11. (whichever  occurs firsl). 
1 Engine  Oil Change & Oil Filter Change* Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km) or 3 Montl~s.. 
2 Chassis Lubrication Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 lm) or 12 Months. 
ProCarManuals.com 

Maintenance  Schedule 
238 
Explanation of Scheduled 
Maintenance  Services 
Following  are explanations  of the 
services  listed  in Schedule I and 
Schedule  11. 
The  proper  fluids  and lubricants  to use 
are  listed  in Section  D.  Make sure 
whoever  services  your  vehicle  uses 
these.  All parts should  be  replaced and 
all  necessary  repairs done before  you or 
anyone  else  drives  the vehicle. 
ITEM 
NO. SERVICE 
1. Engine  Oil  and  Filter  Change* - 
Always  use SH or SG  Energy 
Conserving 
I1 oils  of proper  viscosity. 
The 
“SH” or “SG” designation  may 
be  shown alone 
or in combination 
with others, such  as “SH/CD,” 
“SH, 
SG, CD,” “SG/CD,”  etc.  To 
determine  the preferred  viscosity  for 
your  vehicle’s  engine (e.g., 
SAE 5W- 
30 or  SAE 10W-30),  see 
Engine  Oil 
in the Index. 
2. Chassis  Lubrication - Lubricate 
suspension and steering  linkage. 
Lubricate  the transaxle  shift  linkage, 
and  parking  brake cable  guides, 
underbody  contact points and 
linkage. 
3. Tire  and  Wheel  Rotation  and 
Inspection 
- For  proper  wear and 
maximum  tire life,  rotate  your tires 
following  the instructions  in this 
manual.  See 
Tires,  Inspection E. 
Rotation in  the Index. Check the 
tires  for uneven  wear 
or damage.  If 
you  see  irregular  or premature  wear, 
check  the wheel  alignment.  Check  for 
damaged  wheels  also. 
Engine  Accessory  Drive  Inspection 
- Inspect the drive  belt  for cracks, 
fraying,  wear  and proper tension. 
Replace  as needed. 
I 
Cooling  System Servicee - Drain, 
flush  and refill  the system  with new 
or  approved  recycled  coolant 
conforming  to GM  Specification 
I 
1825M.  Keep  coolant  at the  proper 1 
mixture  as specified.  See  Coolant in 
the 
Index. This  provides  proper 
freeze  and boil  protection, corrosion 
I 
inhibitor  level and maintains proper ’ 
engine operating temperature. 
Inspect  hoses 
and replace if they are 
cracked,  swollen  or  deteriorated. 
Tighten  screw-type  hose clamps. 
Clean  the outside  of the  radiator and 
air  conditioning  condenser. Wash  tht 
pressure cap and  neck. 
To help ensure  proper  operation,  we 
recommend 
a pressure  test of both the 
cooling  system  and the pressure  cap. 
ProCarManuals.com 

6. Transaxle  Service - Change both 
the  fluid  and filter  every 
15,000 miles 
(25 000 ltm) if the vehicle  is mainly 
driven  under  one  or more of these 
conditions: 
In  heavy  city  traffic where  the 
outside  temperature  regularly 
reaches 
90°F (32°C) or higher. 
In  hilly  or mountainous  terrain. 
When doing  frequent trailer  towing. 
Uses such  as  found  in  taxi, police 
car  or delivery  service. 
If  you  do  not  use your vehicle  under 
any  of these  conditions,  change both 
the 
fluid and  filter  every 100,000 miles 
(166 000 ltm) . 
7. Spark  Plug Replacement::' - 
Replace  spark plugs with the proper 
type. See 
Replacement  Parts in the 
Index. 
8. Spark  Plug  Wire  Inspection''- 
Inspect for  burns,  cracks  or other 
damage. Check  the  boot fit at the 
distributor  or coils  and at  the  spark 
plugs.  Replace  wires 
as needed. 
9. Exhaust  Gas  Recirculation  (EGR) 
System  1nspection':t 
- Conduct 
the 
EGR system service  as described 
in  the  service  manual. 
To purchase  a 
service  manual,  see 
Service 
Publications 
in  the Index. 
IO. Air  Cleaner  Filter  Replacement+- 
Replace  every  30,000 miles 
(50 000 ltm) or more often  under 
dusty  conditions. 
Ask your dealer 
for  the  proper  replacement  intervals 
for  your driving  conditions. 
11. Air Cleaner  Inspection''? - Inspect 
all  hoses  and  ducts  for  proper 
hookup.  Make sure  the  valve works 
properly. 
1nspection';:t - Inspect  fuel tank, 
cap  and  lines  for damage 
or leaks. 
Inspect  fuel cap gasket for  an even 
filler  neck  imprint  or  any damage. 
Replace  parts  as  needed.  Periodic 
replacement  of the  fuel  filter 
is not 
required. 
12. Fuel  Tank,  Cap  and  Lines 
13. Engine  Timing  and  Distributor 
Check 
(3100 Code D engine 
only)'xt 
- Adjust  the timing  to  the 
underhood  label specifications. 
Inspect  the inside  and  outside 
of the 
distributor  cap  and  rotor  for cracks, 
carbon  tracking  and  corrosion. 
Clean  or replace  as needed. 
NOTE: To determine  your engine's 
displacement  and  code, see 
Engine 
Identification 
in  the Index. 
': = An  Enzission  Control Service. 
t = The U.S. Environmental  Protection Agency 
or the  California  Air Resources  Boa1.d has 
determined  that  the  failure 
to pelform  this 
maintenance  item  will 
not nullify the 
emission  warranty 
or limit recall  liability 
prior 
to fhe  completion of ~~ehicle  useful  life. 
General 
Motors: however,  urges that all 
recornmended  maintenance services be 
performed  at the  indicated  intervals and  the 
maintenance  be  recorded 
in "Section E: 
Maintenance Record." 
239 
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