1997 PONTIAC PONTIAC oil level

3800 or 3800 Supercharged Engine
Fill the oil level to the full mark. Push the dipstick all
the way back in when you’re through.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking
for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
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.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil
for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
6-15
ProCarManuals.com

See “Sche 1 M ltenance Services” in the In’dex, ..
-
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can
cause
you or others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only
cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine
backfires.
If it isn’t there, and the engine
backfires, you
could be burned. Don’t drive with
it
off, and be careful working on the engine with
the air cleaner
off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backflre can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into
your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
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 recommende’d oil.
6-20
ProCarManuals.com

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.
DQ not remove the plug until the engine cools.
1. Clean the area around the oil fill plug before
removing it.
2, Remove the oil fill plug using a 3/16 inch
Allen wrench.
5. The oil level is correct when it just reaches the
bottom of the threads
of the inspection hole.
4. Replace the oil plug with the O-ring in place.
Torque to 88
lb-in (10 N.m).
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:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90 OF (3 2 O C) or higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as 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.
ProCarManuals.com

IMPORTANT-
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
I
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements
your rtew vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and OwPzer Assistance booklet, or your
Pontiac dealer for details.
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in go'od 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.
7-2
ProCarManuals.com

I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule 1
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Replace air cleaner filter.
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. (See footnote t.)
W For supercharged engines only: Check the
supercharger oil level and add oil as needed
(or every
36 months, whichever occurs
first). See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in this section.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote y.)
An Emission Control Service.
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation’’ in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
3
SERVICED BY.
7-12
ProCarManuals.com

Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule
63,000 Miles (105 000 km)
For supercharged engines only: Check the
Lubricants” in this section. first).
See “Recommended Fluids and
An Emission Control Service. (or every 36 months, whichever occurs
3 months, whichever occurs first).
supercharger
oil level and add oil as needed
Change engine oil and filter (or every
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote T.)
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote +.)
DATE
ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-19
ProCarManuals.com

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Sewice.
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. (See footnote T.)
For supercharged engines only: Check the
supercharger oil level and add oil as needed
(or every 36 m’onths, whichever occurs
first). See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in this section.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote “f.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE -
7-24
ProCarManuals.com

1, Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service,
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote +.)
0 Replace air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Sewice.
B Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage
or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any
damage. Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Sewice. (See footnote .)
0 For supercharged engines only: Check the
supercharger
oil level and add oil as needed
(or
every 36 months, whichever occurs
first). See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in this section.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote T.)
7-30
ProCarManuals.com