Oil Pressure Gage
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure in
psi (pounds per square inch) when the engine is running.
Canadian vehicles indicate pressure in kPa. Oil pressure
may vary with engine speed, outside temperature and oil
viscosity, but readings above the red warning zone
indicate the normal operating range.
A reading in the red zone may be caused by a
dangerously low oil level or other problem causing low
oil pressure. Have your vehicle serviced immediately.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems Can be costly and is' nat covered by your
warranty.
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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.
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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.
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Hydraulic Clutch Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often you should check the fluid level in your clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. See
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is “Owner Checks and Services” and “Recommended
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid. Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
It isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your clutch fluid. Adding
fluid won’t correct a leak. How to Check
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
The proper fluid should be added if the level is at or
below the STEP mark on the reservoir cap. See the
instructions on the reservoir cap.
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 Pontiac will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 OF ( 128 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights work as they should.
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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)
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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)
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Damage. Finish ............................... 6-49
Damage. Sheet Metal ............................ 6-49
Daytime Running Lamps
......................... 2-43
Dead Battery
................................... 5-2
Defects. Reporting
............................... 8-4
Defensive Driving
............................... 4- 1
Defogger. Rear Window .......................... 3-4
Defogging
................................... 3-2. 3
Defrosting
.................................. 3-2. 3
Delco LOC 11'
................................. 3- 16
Dome Lamp. Bulb Change
....................... 2-45
DoorLocks
..................................... 2-3
Drive (D) Position. Automatic Transaxle
............ 2-20
DriverPosition
................................. 1-12
Driving On Grades. With a Trailer
.................. 4-36
Driving
AtNight ................................... 4-13
City
....................................... 4-17
Defensive
................................... 4-1
Drunken
.................................... 4-2
Freeway
.................................... 4-18
In a Blizzard
................................ 4-24
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-4
In the Rain .................................. 4-14
OnCurves
................................... 4-8
On Hill and Mountain Roads
................... 4-20
On Snow and Ice
............................. 4-23
Through Deep Standing Water
.................. 2-16
Winter ..................................... 4-22
With a Trailer
............................... 4-34
Drunken Driving
................................ 4-2
Easy-Entry Seat ................................ 1-6
Electrical Equipment. Adding ........ 2-14. 15. 3- 18. 6-51
Engine Coolant ................................. 6-22
Adding ............................... 5-1 6. 6-24
Heater ................................ 2-16. 6-16
Temperature Gage
............................ 2-63
Temperature Warning Light
.................... 2-62
Checking ................................... 6-24
Engine
Exhaust .................................... 2-29
Identification ................................ 6-51
Overheating
................................. 5-12
Running It While You're Parked
................ 2-30
Specifications
............................... 6-57
Starting .................................... 2-13
2.3 Liter
..................................... 6-9
3.1 Liter
.................................... 6-10
Engineoil ..................................... 6-11
Adding
.................................... 6-12
Additives
................................... 6-15
Checking
................................... 6-11
What Kind to Use ............................ 6-14
What to Do with Used Oil ..................... 6-16
Ethanol (In Fuel)
................................ 6-3
Extender, Safety Belt
............................ 1-46
Whentochange ............................. 6-16
Expectant Mothers. Use of Safety Belts
............. 1-23
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Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-44
Fifth (5) Position. Manual Transaxle
................ 2-23
FillingYourTank
................................ 6-4
Filter
AirCleaner .............................. 6-17. 57
Engine Oil
............................... 6- 16. 57
Finish Care
.................................... 6-48
Finish Damage
................................. 6-49
First
(1) Position. Automatic Transaxle ........... 2-20. 21
First (1) Position. Manual Transaxle
................ 2-22
Fixed Mast Antenna
............................. 3- 19
Flash-To-Pass Feature ........................... 2-35
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5- 1
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-21
Fluid Capacities
Chart ........................... 6-55
Fluids and Lubricants
......................... 7-43. 44
Fog Lamp
Bulb Replacement ..................... 6-34
FogLamps
.................................... 2-43
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-4
Four-Way Manual Seat
........................... 1-2
Fourth (4) Position. Manual Transaxle .............. 2-23
French Language Manual
11
Front Seatback Latches ........................... 1-5
Front Towing Hookups
........................... 5-9
Fuel
Door Release. Remote
......................... 6-5
Gage ...................................... 2-68
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-52
.. ...........................
FillingYourTank ............................. 6-4
-age. Engine Coolant Temperature ............... 2-63
Gage. Fuel .................................... 2-68
Gage. Oil Pressure
.............................. 2-67
GarmentHook
................................. 2-50
Gasolines
for Cleaner Air ......................... 6-3
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
................. 4-29
Gear Positions
.............................. 2-22 17.
GloveBox .................................... 2-10
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
.............. 4-29
Glass. Cleaning ................................ 6-46
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-31
Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-1
Head Restraints ................................. 1-5
Headlamp High-Low Beam Changer
............... 2-35
Headlamp. Wiring
.............................. 6-54
Headlamps
.................................... 2-34
Headlamps. Bulb Replacement
.................... 6-32
Hearing or Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance
...... 8-2
Heater ....................................... 3-2. 3
High Beam Lamps. How to Change ................ 2-35
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-20
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-33
HoodProp
..................................... 6-8
Hood Release
................................... 6-7
Horn
......................................... 2-31
Hydraulic Clutch
............................... 6-22
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