Page 269 of 390
3.1L V6 Engine
1. Engine Coolant Reservoir
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3. Air Cleaner
4. Brake Fluid Reservoir
5. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
6. Battery
7. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
8. Engine Oil Dipstick
9. Engine Oil Fill Cap
IO. Radiator Cap
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P
3800 V6 Engine
1. Engine Coolant Reservoir 6. Battery
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7. Air Cleaner
3. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick 8. Engine Oil Dipstick
4. Brake Fluid Reservoir 9. Engine Oil Fill Cap
5. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir 10. Radiator Cap
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Page 271 of 390
Underhood Lamp
Your underhood lamp will go on when you open the
hood.
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.
The engine oil dipstick is located at the front of the
engine compartment, near the center.
The dipstick
handle has
a bright, yellow loop design for easier
identification.
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, and check the level.
I/
I
3.1L V6: Checking Engine Oil
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.‘I
When Eo Add Oil
E the ail is at or below the ADD 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 Speciflcatians” in the
Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. I€ your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cfoss-hakhed
area that shows the proper
operating range., your engine could be damaged.
3.1L V6: Adding Engine Oil
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3800 V6: Adding Engine Oil
The engine oil fill cap is located just behind the engine
oil dipstick.
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.
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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 the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown
in the following charts:
3.1L V6 Engine
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 OF (- 18 O 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.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COUl STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
/OF ‘C‘ -
+ioo- t38 -
+80- +27 -
+60- t 16 -
+ao--+4
+20---7 ~
O---l8
I
i @)
/
COLD
WEATHER
SAE 1OW-30
-30 RED
IF NEITHER SAL 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C).
ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40. SAE 2OW-50 OR
3.1L V6: Oil Viscosity Chart
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FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARIING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER - OF "C
100- - t38
+80- - +27
+60- - +16
+40- - +4
+20- --7
a - --la
COLD
WEATHER
rl
.- e
IF NEITHER SAE SW-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C)
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
3800 V6: Oil Viscosity Chart
3800 V6 Engine
As shown in the chart, SAE 1OW-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 5W-30 if it's going
to be colder than
60 OF ( 16 O C) before your next oil
change. When it's very cold, you should use SAE
5W-30. 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
"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.
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Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Oldsmobile retailer
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 krn).
This
is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving
in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier 011 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 I2 months -- whichever
comes first.
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside
in very cold weather, 0°F (- 18OC) 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 or by 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 retailer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
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