1996 PONTIAC GRAND-AM check oil

3.1L Engine
The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow. The dipstick on
the 2.4L engine is located at the rear of the engine. The
dipstick on
the 3.1L engine is located on the front of the
engine, behind the fan.
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.
Checking 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.
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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.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
0 In heavy ,city traffic where the outside, temperature
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such zp found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and
filter do not require changing.
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 dealership 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.
regularly reaches
90°F (32°C)
or higher.
NOTICE:
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.
0 While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which
is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 krn) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it’s colder than 50°F (lO°C), you may have
to drive longer.
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Manual Transaxle Fluid
When to Check
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle
is parked on a level place and the transaxle is
cool enough for
you to rest your fingers on the tJransaxle
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil. is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual transaxle Then, foll\
ow these steps:
doesn't require
changing.
case.
How to Check
Because this operation can b'e a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership
Service Department.
iG Jf you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the , .,..!%$i- k%4nstructions here, or you could get a false reading on the
,> , . ".
dipstick.
I
NOTICE:
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 yuur
transaxle fluid.
1, The manual transaxle dipstick is white and is located
on the driver's side rear of the engine. Flip the
handle up and then pull out the dipstick and clean it
with a rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way and remove it.
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When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule
to determine how
often you should check the
fluid level
in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for
the proper fluid.
See “Owner Checks
and Services” and
“Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants” in the
How tu Check
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 cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant.
This coolant is designed to remain in your
vehicle
for 5 years or 100,000 miles (166 000 h),
whichever occurs first. 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.
A Sol50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Pontiac will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265 9 F ( 129 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
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I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
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 propter rotation
pattern and additional information. During tire rotation, check brake calipers
for
freedom of movement. Refer to the
appropriate GM service manual for proper
caliper service procedures.
~
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
9,000 Miles (15 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (ar every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-7
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Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule ,’
!
18,000’ Miles: (30 000 km) I :.
El Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
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. During
tire rotation, check brake calipers for
freedom of mdvement. Refer to the
appropriate
GM service manual for proper
caliper service procedures.
21,000 Miles (35 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
8
I I I 1
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
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1 Short 'Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
30,000 Miles (50 000 .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).
0 Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control
Service.
0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage
or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any
damage. Replace parts
as needed.
An Emission Control Service. $
0 Rotate tires. See "Tire Inspection and
Rotation'' in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. During tire rotation, check brake calipers for
freedom of movement. Refer to the
appropriate GM service manual for proper
caliper service procedures.
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Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule
39,000 Miles (65 000 km)
l3 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs’ first).
An Emission Control Service.
I DATE I ACTUALMILEAGE ISERVICED BXI
42,000 Miles (70 000 km)
0 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).
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
During
tire rotation, check .brake calipers for
freedom
of movement. Refer to the
appropriate
GM service manual for proper
caliper service procedures.
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