1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD oil change

When to Add Oil What Kind of Oil to Use
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
ihto 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 chart:
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3.8L L36 (Code K)
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 I 7
“C
t 38
+ 27
+ 16
t4
-7
-18
COLD
WEATHER
I I SAE 5W-30 I
,I
SAE 1DW-30 PREFERRED above 0°F (-18T)
IF NEITHER SAE 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)
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
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 (1 6 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.
L
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 Pontiac 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).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
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.
your car.
Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather,
0 OF (- 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.
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4. Open the air cleaner and remove the filter.
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 Pontiac 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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Capacities (Approximate)
The following approximate capacities are given in U.S.
and metric conversions.
Air Conditioning? See the refrigerant information label
under the hood.
Automatic Transmission
Drain and Refill .................. 10 pt. (4.7 L)*
VIN Engine Code S and K ....... 17.6 pt. (8.3 L)*
VIN Engine Code P ............ 21.6 pt. (10.2 L)*
VIN
Engine Code S
Overhaul
Cooling System
With Manual Transmission . . , . . 12.5 qt. (11.8 L)
With Automatic Transmission ... 12.3 qt. (11.6 L)
VIN Engine Code K
With Manual Transmission ..... 12.5 qt. (1 1.8 L)
With Automatic Transmission ... 12.3 qt. (11.6 L)
With Manual Transmission ..... 15.3 qt. (14.5 L)
With Automatic Transmission ... 15.1 qt. (14.3 L)
VIN Engine Code P
Crankcase
Without Filter Change ........... 4.0 qt. 1 (3.8 L)**
With Filter Change ............. 5.0 qt. (4.7 L)**
Fuel Tank ...................... 15,5 gal. (58.7 L)
Manual Transmission
Five-Speed
.................... 5.9 pt. (2.8 L)*
Six-Speed ..................... 8.0 pt. (3.8 L)*
Rear Axle Lubricant ................. 3.5 pt. (1.7L)
? Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the
air conditioning system in your vehicle needs refrigerant,
be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you’re not sure,
ask your Pontiac dealer.
* Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic
Transmission Fluid” or “Manual Transmission Fluid”
in the Index.
** Recheck the oil level after filling. See “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
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Maintenance Schedule
IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
This section covers the maintenance required for your Pontiac. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its
safety, dependability and emission control performance.
11 motec
I
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Pontiac dealer for details.
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance or the
removal of important components can significantly
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or even the wrong tire inflation can increase the
level of emissions from your vehicle.
To help protect our
environment, and to help keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
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Maintenance Schedule
Schedule I Definition
Follow Maintenance Schedule I if any one of these is
true for your vehicle:
0 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).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
Schedule I should also be followed if the vehicle is used
for delivery service, police, taxi, or other commercial
application.
your car.
Schedule I Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km) or 3 Months
Engine Oil and Filter Change
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
Chassis Lubrication
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) - Then Every
12,000 Miles
(25 000 km)
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
Every 15,000 Miles (25
000 km)
Tire Rotation
Rear Axle Fluid Change (Vehicles Towing Trailers)
Rear Axle Fluid Change (Limited Slip Differential)
Air Cleaner Filter Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions
Automatic Transmission Service (severe conditions)
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement
Spark Plug Replacement (Except 5.7L Code
P engine)
Spark Plug Wire Inspection
Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection (or every
Cooling System Service (or every 24 months)
Spark Plug Replacement
(5.7L Code P engine only)
Automatic Transmission Service (normal conditions)
24 months)
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
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Maintenance Schedule
I Schedule I1 Definition
Follow Schedule I1 only if none of the conditions from
Schedule I is true.
1 Schedule I1 Intervals I
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
Engine Oil and Filter Change (or every 12 months)
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months)
Rear Axle Fluid Change (Limited-Slip Differential)
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) - Then Every
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
Tire Rotation
Automatic Transmission Service (severe conditions)
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection
(or every
Cooling System Service (or every
24 months)
Spark Plug Replacement (Except 5.7L Code P engine)
Spark Plug Wire Inspection
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement
Fuel
Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement (5.7L Code P engine only)
Automatic Transmission Service (normal conditions)
@very 30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
24 months)
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