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To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or a 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.
I I
I NOTICE: I
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the
oil level gets above the proper operating range, your engine
could be damaged.
I I
The engine oil filler cap is located on a filler tube at the front of the engine.
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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What Kind of Oil to Use
Look for these two things:
CF-4/SH
CF-4/SH
is the best oil for your vehicle. However. if you can not find
CF4SH oil, you may use
CF4SG or CE/SH or CE/SG oil.
These may be listed as shown or in reverse order, for example
SHKF-4. Other letters may
also be listed, such as SH/CD, CE, CF4.
These letters show American Petroleum Institute
(API) levels of
quality.
NOTICE:
If you use oils that don’t have these designations, you can ca\
use
engine damage which is not covered
by your warranty.
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DIESEL ENGINES
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
SELECT THE SAE GRADE OIL BASE0 ON
THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE
BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
HOT
WEATHER r
:' F
I- 100
+ 60
+ 32
0
-20
- -
-
- -+16
-3 0
- - -16
- - -29
1 +
/c3'
FOR LOOK THIS @
SYMBOL
SAE 1OW-30
- SAE J 30
SAE 15W4
PREFERRED
above 0°F (-1 8°C)
WEATHER
00 NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
a SAE 15W-40
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 15W-40 is best for your vehicle.
However, you can use
SAE IOW-30 if it's going to be colder than
32°F (0°C) before your next oil change. When it's very cold, below
0°F (-18"C), you should use SAE low-30 to improve cold starting.
Also, SAE 30 may be used at temperatures above freezing, 32°F (0°C).
These numbers on the
oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do
not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50.
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This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is used on most oil containers to help
you select the correct oil.
You should look for this
on the oil container, and use only those oils that
display the logo.
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:
0 Most trips are less than 5 to IO miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly
important when outside temperatures are below freezing.
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop and
e 00 traffic).
0 You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or off-road frequently.
0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle.
If any of these is true for your vehicle, then you need to change your oil and
filter every
2,500 miles (4 000 km) or 3 months - whichever comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every
5,000 miles (8 000
km) or 12 months - whichever comes first.
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.
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To remove the air cleaner filter on a 6.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine,
first remove the rubber elbow. Remember to observe the caution about
turbocharger blades on the rubber elbow.
Then, unhook the
cover retaining clips
and push the rear
of
the cover toward the
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 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 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.
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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 ’t overfill. 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.
8
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to
Check.”
0 When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way; then flip the handle down
to lock the dipstick in place.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is changed. However,
the fluid
in your manual transmission doesn’t require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this.
done at your
GM dealer Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could
get a false reading.
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.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the vehicle is parked on
a level place and the transmission is cool enough for you to rest your fingers
on the transmission case.
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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.
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).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning gages work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half cleun water (preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets “GM Specification 6038-M,” which won’t damage
aluminum parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to “GM
Specification 6038-M.” 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.
A CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be
dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can
boil before the proper coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system
is set for the proper coolant mix. With plain
water or the wrong mix, your engine could get too hot but
you
wouldn’t get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch fire
and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mix of clean
water and
a proper antifreeze.
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(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
A CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the engine. The
fluid will burn
if the engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid
only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
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 - such as
Delco Supreme 11
@ (GM Part No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a
sealed container only, and always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap before
removing it.
NOTICE:
Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid. For
example, just
a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts
so
badly that they’ll have to be replaced.
Brake fluid can damage paint, so be careful not to spill brake
fluid on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care” in the Index.
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