Page 225 of 354
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
minutes 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 down.
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Page 226 of 354

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
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.
The engine oil filler cap is located on the driver’s side engine valve cover.
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.
What Kind of Oil to 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 227 of 354
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 GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
+20 -
0.
/F
+ 100 .
+80 -
+60 -
+40 -
COLD
WEATHER
- +3a
- +27
- +16
-+4
- -7
- - 18
LOOK
FOR THIS
SYMBOL
.
I SAE IOW-30
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30
GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE
40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C).
SAE 5w-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30
DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, 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 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 20W-50.
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Page 228 of 354

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 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 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly
important when outside temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop and
go traffic).
You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or off-road frequently.
0 You frequently tow a trailer.
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.
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Page 229 of 354

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Four-wheel Drive Remote Oil Filter
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you will have a remote oil filter. There
is a special access door in the steering linkage shield assembly located under
the radiator support. Twist the screw to lock or unlock the door.
Engine Coolant 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 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
To remove the round air cleaner filter for the 4.3L (VIN 2) engine, turn the
wing nuts counterclockwise. Remove the cover and change the filter. Care
should be taken during reassembly to ensure that the cover is on straight and
the wingnuts
are properly tightened.
= To avoid ingesting
dust in the engine, the
arrow on the air
cleaner lid should
point
to the front of
the engine.
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Page 230 of 354
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To remove the rectangular air cleaner filter for the 4.3L (VIN W) engine,
open both clamps and push the rear of the air cleaner back toward the rear
of the engine compartment to change the filter.
While reassembling the air cleaner assembly, ensure that the air cleaner
cover tabs are fully inserted into the slots in the air cleaner housing. On the
4.3L (VIN W) engine, also make certain that the PCV air tube is properly
seated in the left hand valve cover.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air
filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services’’ in the Index.
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 drivin\
g.
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Page 231 of 354

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 232 of 354

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To check transmissionfluid cold: A cold check is made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off and is used only as a
reference. Let the engine run at idle
for five minutes if outside temperatures
are
50°F ( 10°C) or more. If it's colder than 50°F ( lO"C), you may have to
idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low during a cold check,
you must perform a hot check before adding fluid. This will give you a more
accurate reading of the fluid level.
To check the fluid hot or cold
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P).
0 With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each
gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range.
Then,
position the shift lever in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting
off the engine, follow these steps:
1. Flip the handle up and then pull
out the dipstick
and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper
towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out
again.
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