1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE recommended oil

The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to
your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend
to think you are going
slower than
you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
. must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. We,ar comfortable clothing and
shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to
go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out.
Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Pontiac dealers all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help,if you need
it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
0 Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
0 Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
0 Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses dean?
0 Tires: They are vitally irnportmt to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
0 Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
ProCarManuals.com

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at the
FULL COLD mark, add-a 50/50 mixture of
clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL TM
(orange-colored, silicate-free) antifreeze at the coolant
recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolarit” in the Index for
more information.)
Adding only plain water to your cooning system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
CAUTION: (Continued) -coolant
mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system
is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL TM antifreeze.
NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mix.
ProCarManuals.com

Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to
find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended
in the previops text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use
of improper fuel wouldn't be covered by
your wairanty.
To' check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you'll be driving.
You can
also write us at the following address for.
advice. Just tell us Where you're going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation
North American Export Sales (NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
LlH 8P7
Fuel Door Lock (Option)
On a model equipped with the theft-deterrent system,
the fuel
dpor is locked and unlocked together with the
power door locks. Therefore,
to unlock the fuel filler
door, you
may use the outside door key lock, the inside
power door lock button or the Remote Keyless
Entry
key chain transmitter. To unlock the fuel door, dock all
doors. If the remote keyless entry transmitter is used,
the UNLOCK
button must be pressed twice.
6-4
ProCarManuals.com

When to Add Oil What Kind of Oil to Use
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need to Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This part looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
explains what
kind of oil to use. For crankcase capacity, indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index. Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which
E
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
I NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
:
operating range, your engine could be damaged. cross-hatched
area that shows the proper I
The engine oil fill cap is behind the engine oil dipstick
and engine fans.
Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere
in the
proper operating range. Push tKe 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
into
your engine is
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines. I
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
ProCarManuals.com

I RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS 1
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
I SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
/

COLD
I WEATHER
SAE 5W-30
WOK
FOR THIS 4
SYMBOL
SAE 10W-30 PREFEMEO abow (PF (-18°C)
DO NOT USE SAE MW-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.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not
covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Pontiac dealer is
ready to advise if you
think something should be added.
6-15
ProCarManuals.com

Supercharger Oil
Unless you are
technically qualified and have the proper
tools, you should let
your dealer or a
qualified service
center perform this
maintenance.
When to Check
Check oil level every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or every
36 months, whichever occurs ,first.
What Kind of Oil to Use
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index
and use only the recommended oil.
How to Check and Add Oil
Check oil only when the engine is cold. Allow the
engine to cool two to three hours after running.
If you remove the supercharger oil fill plug while
the engine
is hot, pressure may cause hot oil to
blow out
of the oil fill hole. You may be burned.
Do not remove the plug until the engine cools.
1. Remove the wiring harness shield.
2. Clean the area around the oil fill plug before
removing it.
3. Remove the oil fill plug using a Torx@ drive.
4. The oil level is correct when it just reaches the
bottom of the threads of the inspection hole.
5. Replace the oil plug with the O-ring in place. Torque
6. Replace wiring harness shield. to
88 lb-in (10 N-m).
ProCarManuals.com

Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Pontiac
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it
clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents.
Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or
that contain acid or abrasives.
All cleaning agents
should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry
on
the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton towel to avoid
suyface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your
vehicle.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Pontiac by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint
finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. (See “Appearance
Care and Materials”
in the Index.)
Your Pontiac has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint f~sh: The
clearcoat gives more depth
d gloss to the colored basecoat.
Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and
made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish
or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts; ice melting agents, road
oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals
from industrial chimneys, etc. can
damage your vehicle’s finish
if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible,
If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
6-53
ProCarManuals.com

7 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
IMPORTANT.
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
I
This section covers the maintenance required for your
Pontiac. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its
safety, dependability and emission control performance.
Protection
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Enviro,nment
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 can even affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper
fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle.
To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle
in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See
your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your
Pontiac dealer for details.
P
ProCarManuals.com