Page 217 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL
FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER -
J
LOOK
FOR THIS
SYMBOL
COLD
WEATHER
00 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 low-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 20W-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
%tarburst” 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.
6-13
Page 218 of 340

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil Additives Engine Coolant Heater
Don’t add anything to your
oil. Your Chevrolet 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:
0 Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
driving in stop and go traffic).
0 Most trips are through dusty areas.
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
0 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. 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.
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.
6-14
Page 219 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Air Cleaner
To check or replace the filter, remove the screws that
hold the cover on and lift the cover. Be sure to reinstall
the air cleaner filter and replace
the cover tightly.
Refer
to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the Index.
6-15
Page 220 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I 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.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(Except
2.3L Code D Engine)
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 your Chevrolet dealer
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.
6-16
Page 221 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 81-9
Page 222 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Page 223 of 340

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(2.3L Code D Engine Only)
If you have the optional 2.3L Code D engine (see
“Engine Identification” in the Index) and an automatic
transaxle, it is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid
level.
A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your Chevrolet
dealer Service Department and have
it repaired as soon
as possible. You may also have your fluid level checked
by your dealer or service center when
you have your oil
changed.
Manual Transaxle Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual transaxle
doesn’t require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose
to have this done at your Chevrolet dealer
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 parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and
the transaxle is
cool enough for
you to rest your fingers on the transaxle
case.
6-19
Page 224 of 340

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Then, follow these 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. The manual transaxle
dipstick is located
below the brake
master cylinder, near the rear
of the
transaxle case. Flip the
handle up and then pull out the dipstick
and clean it with a rag
or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way and remove it.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be between the
ADD and
FULL
marks. (Note: Fluid may appear at the bottom
of the dipstick even when the fluid level is several
pints
low.)
4. If the fluid level is where it should be, push the
dipstick back in all the way and flip the handle
down.
If the fluid level is low, add more fluid as
described
in the next steps.
1. Remove the dipstick by flipping the handle up and
then pulling the dipstick out.
2. Add fluid at the dipstick hole.
Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up to
the FULL mark on the dipstick.
3. Push the dipstick back in all the way; then flip the
handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage 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.
6-20