Page 227 of 354

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).
0 Most trips are through dusty areas.
0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your car.
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.
Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather,
0 OF (- 18 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.
6-16
ProCarManuals.com
Page 229 of 354

Air Filter Replacement
1. Remove the screws on the housing cover and pull the
cover back.
2. Remove the air cleaner filter.
3. Install the replacement air cleaner filter and replace
the cover.
4. Tighten screws on the air filter cover.
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 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.
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:
0 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.
While pulling a trailer.
6-18
ProCarManuals.com
Page 268 of 354

Engine Specifications
Quad 4 2.3L DOHC
VINEngineCode ................................... D
Type ............................................. L4
Displacement
...................................... 2.3 Liters
Compression Ratio
.................................. 9.5: 1
Firing Order ....................................... 1-3-4-2
Thermostat Temperature
............................. 195 OF (9 1 O C)
3.1L V6
M
V6
3.1 Liters
9.5: 1
1-2-3-4-5-6
195°F (91 "C)
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element
2.3L Quad 4 ....................................... AC Type A- 1233C
3.1L V6
.......................................... AC Type A-1233C
2.3LQuad4
....................................... ACTypePF-1225
Engine Oil Filter
3.1LV6 .......................................... ACTypePF-47
PCV Valve .........................................
3.1L V6 .......................................... AC Type CV-892C
2.3L Quad DOHC
.................................. AC Type m41-910 (Platinum Plug)
3.1L V6
.......................................... AC Type R44 LT SM6
Sparkplugs ........................................
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
6-57
ProCarManuals.com
Page 273 of 354

Maintenance Schedule
Schedule I Definition
Follow Maintenance Schedule I if any one of these is
true
for your vehicle:
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
your car. (With some models, you should never tow a
trailer. See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.)
S’chedule
I should also be followed if the vehicle is used for
delivery service, police,
taxi, or other commercial application.
Schedule I Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km) or 3 Months,
Whichever Occurs First
Every
6,000 Miles (10 000 km) or 6 months,
Whichever Occurs First
Chassis Lubrication
Engine Oil and Filter Change
Schedule I Intervals
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) - Then Every
12,000 Miles
(25 000 km)
Every 15,000 Miles (25
000 km)
Tire Rotation
Air Cleaner Filter Inspection, if driving in dusty
conditions
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement Spark Plug Replacement (except 2.3L Code
D
Spark Plug Wire Inspection (except 2.3L Code D
Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection (or every 24 months, whichever occurs first)
Cooling System Service (or every 24 months, whichever occurs first)
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
Every
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
engine) engine)
Automatic Transaxle Service (severe conditions only)
Spark Plug Replacement (2.3L Code
D engine only)
7-4
ProCarManuals.com
Page 274 of 354
Maintenance Schedule
Schedule I1 Definition I
Follow Schedule I1 ordy if none of the conditions from
Schedule
T is true.
I Schedule I1 Intervals I
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
whichever occurs first)
occurs first)
Engine Oil and Filter Change (or every 12 months,
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months, whichever
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) - Then Every
15,000 Miles
(25 000 km)
Tire Rotation
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection (or every
Cooling System Service (or every
24 months,
Spark Plug Replacement (except
2.3L Code D
Spark Plug Wire Inspection (except 2.3L Code D
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement
Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection
24 months, whichever occurs first)
whichever occurs first)
engine)
engine)
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
Automatic Transaxle Service (severe conditions only)
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement (2.3L Code D engine only)
7-5
ProCarManuals.com
Page 275 of 354
I Maintenance Schedule I 1
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 OOO km) at the same intervals.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California
Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of vehicle useful life.
We, however, urge that
all recommended maintenance services be performed at
the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded.
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Sewice. ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
7-6
ProCarManuals.com
Page 276 of 354
I Maintenance Schedule I I
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
17 Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage
and transaxle shift linkage (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
9,000 Miles (15 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-7
ProCarManuals.com
Page 277 of 354
I Maintenance Schedule I I
12,000 Miles (20 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage
and transaxle shift linkage (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
DATE
SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
17 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving
in dusty conditions. Replace filter
if
necessary. An Emission Control Service.
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
7-8
ProCarManuals.com