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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Automatic Transmission Fluid
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 your GM 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.
I NOTICE:
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 parts, starting a fire. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid.
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.
0 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 krn) when outside temperatures are above 50°F ( 1 0°C).
If it’s colder than 50°F (lO”C), drive the vehicle in THIRD GEAR (D) until
the engine temperature gage moves and then remains steady for ten minutes.
Then follow the hot check procedures.
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Page 233 of 354

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid
level must be
in the COLD area for a cold check or in the HOT area or
cross-hatched area for a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all
the way; then flip the handle down to lock the dipstick
in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission
fluid to use.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid HOT.
(A COLD check
is used only as
a reference.) If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the
proper fluid to bring the level up to the
HOT area for a hot check. It doesn’t
take much fluid, generally less than a int.
Don ’I overjill. We recommend
you use only fluid labeled DEXRON -111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission. Damage caused by fluid
other than DEXRON@-I11 is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to
8
Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the wav: then flip the handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
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Page 235 of 354

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is self-adjusting. A slight
amount of play
(1/4 inch to 1/2 inch) in the pedal is normal.
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 does not reach the bottom of
the diaphragm when it’s in place in the reservoir. See the instructions on the
reservoir cap.
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Page 236 of 354
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
I 1
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
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Four- Wheel Drive
Most lubricant checks in this section also apply to four-wheel-drive
vehicles. However, they have two additional systems that need lubrication.
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the
lubricant. See “Periodic Maintenance Inspections”
in the Index.
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Page 237 of 354
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Check Lubricant
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Front 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 “Scheduled Maintenance Services” 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.
If the differential is at
operating temperature (warm), add enough
lubricant to raise the
level to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
If the differential
is cold, add enough lubricant to raise the level to 1/2 inch
(12 mm) below the filler plug hole.
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Page 238 of 354

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
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, see “Engine
Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your vehicle will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37 “C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128 “C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets “GM Specification 6038-M,” or “GM Specification
6043-M’ with the 2.2L (LN2) Code 4 engine, which won’t damage
aluminum parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to “GM
Specification 603%”’ or “GM Specification 6043-M” with the 2.2L
(LN2) Code 4 engine. Use GM Coolant Supplement (Sealer) with a
complete coolant flush and refill. If you use this mixture, you don’t need to
add anything else.
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Page 242 of 354

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, 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.
The
level should be at the FULL COLD mark. Add enough fluid to bring
the level up to the mark.
A fluid loss
in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired.
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use.
See "Recommended Fluids and Lubricants"
in the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a complete fluid
change, always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer's
instructions before use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area
where
the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
t
L
To Add
Open the cap labeled
WASHER
FLUID
ONLY. Add washer
fluid until
the tank is
full.
L
L
t
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Page 244 of 354
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to check your brake
fluid. See “Periodic Maintenance Inspections”
in the Index.
To Check Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap. Just look at the
windows
on the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid levels should be above MIN.
If they aren’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 levels are
above
MIN and below the top of each window.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid - sucn as
Delco Supreme I I @ (GM Part No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a
sealed container only, and always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap before
removing
it.
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