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3 .k
..
4L LQ1 (code X) 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, and check the level.
When to Add Oil ,
If the oil is at or below the upper mark, 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 proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
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..
,.
3.1L L82 (Code M) Engine 3.4L LQl (Code X) 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.
,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”’symbo1 indicates that the oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum Institute
(API), and
is preferred for use in your gas.oline 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.
You should also use &@ proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, its sh~wn in the fdowing chart: ’ 3.
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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
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 Oldsmobile retailer
Service Department.
If yon do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here,
or you could get a false reading on the
dipstick.
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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.
Wait at least 30 minutes before, checking the transaxle
fluid level
if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
a ' 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).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24
km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you may have
to drive longer.
To check the fluid level
0
0
0
0
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
With the parking brake applied,.place the shift lever
in PARK
(P). J
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 shik:
lever in
PAkK (P).
Let the engine-run at idle for three to five minutes.
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Page 222 of 340
3.1L L82 (Code M) Engine 3.4L LQ1 (Code X) Engine
3. Check both'sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be:in the cross-hatched
area.
1. The transaxle fluid dipstick handle is the red loop 4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
near the back
of the engine. Pull out the dipstick and dipstick back in all the way.
'wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
then pull it back out again.
2. Push
it back
in all the yay, wait three seconds and
Page 224 of 340
NOTICE:
~f you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
..
To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the
COLD mark or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level should be up to the HOT mark or a little
higher.
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Page 225 of 340
/ LOW
il
If this 1ight.comes on, it
means you’re low on engine
coolant.
To Add Coolant
Ifjyou need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
coolant recovery tank.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to the radiator. (See “Ennine Overheating” in the
Index.) Add coolant
mix at
the recovery tqk, but be ,careful not
to spill it.
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Page 227 of 340
When the engine
compartment is hot, the
level should be at the
H
mark. When it’s cold, the
level should be at the
C
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
mark.
If the fluid is at the I
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.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
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