Page 217 of 342
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 down.
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 part explains what kind
of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity,
see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.
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 somewhere in the proper operating range.
Push the dipstick all the way back in when you’re through.
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Page 218 of 342
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Whaf Kind of Oil fo Use
Oils of the proper quality for your vehicle can be identified by looking for
the “Starburst” symbol. The “Starburst” symbol indicates that the oil has
been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and is preferred
for use in your gasoline engine.
If you change your
own oil, be sure you use oil that has the “Starburst”
symbol
on the front of the oil container. If you have your oil changed for
you, be sure the oil put into your engine is American Petroleum Institute
certified for gasoline engines.
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Page 219 of 342
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your vehicle, as shown in
the following chart:
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY QRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COW STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAP VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE. ~~
LOOK
FOR THtS
SYMBOL
HOT
WEATHER
t
1
COLD
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you
can use SAE 1 OW-30 if it's going to be 0°F (-1 SOC) or above. These
numbers on an oil container show
its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE 2OW-50.
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Page 220 of 342

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol. Failure \
to
use the proper oil can result in engine damage not covered by\
your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil) meets all the
requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additr’ves
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 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop and
important
when outside temperatures are below freezing.
go traffic).
0 Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle.
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 km) or 3 months - whichever comes
first.
If
none of them is true, change the oil and filter every 7,500 miles (12 500
km) or 12 months - whichever comes first.
Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in
very cold weather,
0 OF (-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 used engine oil. (See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use
and disposal of oil products.)
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Page 221 of 342
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
Engine Cover
To Remove the Engine Cover:
1. Move both front seats as far back as they will go.
I 2. Remove the
instrument panel
extension by
removing the two
screws and two
nuts.
The screws are
on each side at
the top of the
extension. The
nuts are on the
bottom
of the
extension.
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Page 222 of 342
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3. Grasp the bottom
of the extension.
Lift it up and then
pull it out.
4. Disconnect the
electrical
connector for the
cigarette lighter.
Set the extension
aside.
I
5. Remove the
engine cover
braces that are
located to the
right and left
of
the heater duct.
6. Your vehicle may have a screw that attaches the heater duct to the engine
cover.
If it does, remove the screw. Grasp the top of the heater duct and pull
down gently
to remove it.
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Page 223 of 342
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 7. Remove the bolt
from the engine
cover bracket.
8. Loosen the nut
and move the
bracket out of the
way.
9. Lift up on each of
the two latches at
the bottom
of the
cover.
6- 15
Page 224 of 342
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 10. Remove the two screws at the
engine cover.
Some vehicles
may have
hex-head bolts
instead
of screws.
The screws (or
bolts) are not
supposed to come
out
of the cover,
only from the
front of the dash.
When removing the cover, be careful not to damage
the instrument
panel or the trim.
I 1. Grasp the bottom
of the cover and
slide
it
backwards. Then,
lift it up and out
of the vehicle.
To Install the Engine Cover:
1. Lift the engine cover into the vehicle and slide it all the way forward.
Make sure the rubber seal is over the latches.
2. Install the two screws at the engine cover. Do not tighten the screws all
the way.
sure they are secure.
3. Press down on each of the two latches at the bottom of the cover. Make
4. Tighten the two screws at the engine cover.
5. Turn the bracket into position and install the bolt. Tighten the nut at the
other end
of the bracket.
6-16