1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE check engine

What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half DEX-COOL@ coolant which
won’t
damage aluminum parts. If you use this mixture,
you
don’t need to add anything else.
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid
like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system
is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
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 mixture of clean water and
DEX-COOL@ coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
I NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
6-24

Checking Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the
FULL COLD mark or a little higher. When your
engine is
warm, the level should be up to the FULL
HOT mark or a little higher.
LOW
COOLANT
- If this light comes on, it
means you’re
low on
engine coolant.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture ut the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
~~~ ~~
lbrning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn
you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the radiator.
Never turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
6-25

When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top
of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up
to the mark.
What to Use
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Open the cap labeled WASHER
FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid
until the tank is full.
6-27

L36 Engine Accessory Belt
The L36 engine uses an engine accessory belt. This
diagram shows the features connected and the routing.
See “Maintenance Schedule” in the Index for when to
check the belt.
B
F
A-
C
A. Power Steering
B. Generator C.
Air Conditioning
D. Crank
E. Coolant Pump
E Idler
L67 Engine Accessory Belt
The Supercharged 3800 (L67) engine uses two accessory drive belts. The inner belt drives the
generator, power steering pump, coolant pump and
air
conditioning. The outer belt drives the supercharger.
Each belt has its own tensioner and idler pulley. See “Maintenance Schedule” in the Index for when to check
the accessory
drive belts and the supercharger oil level.
Have your dealer check the
oil level in the supercharger.
F
1. Front Belt C. Crank
2. Back Belt D. Supercharger
A. Generator E. Coolant Pump
B. Power Steering Pump E Air Conditioning

Maintenance Schedule
I Short TripKity Definition I
Follow the Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule if any
one
of these conditions 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.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
your vehicle.
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down soonex
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(or 6 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Supercharger Oil Check (or every
36 months,
whichever occurs first)
(3.8L Code 1 engine only).
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service
(severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or
every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
RP

Maintenance Schedule
I Long TripMighway Definition
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short TripKity Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Do not use this schedule if the vehicle
is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area or used
off paved roads, Use the Short TripKity schedule for
these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a filly warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine
oil to break
down slower:
~ ~~~~
I Long TripMighway. Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 OOO km): Supercharger Oil
Check (or every
36 months, whichever occurs first)
(3.8L Code 1 engine only). Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 OOO km): Automatic Transaxle
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Service (severe conditions only).
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs fist).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.

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).
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Replace air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote #.)
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 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”f)
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote
+.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
33,000 Miles (55 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
DATE I
1
MILEAGE ACTUAL SERVICED BY:
DATE I
7-11

I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs fist).
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote #.)
0 Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
Cl Replace air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.
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 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?.)
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote
+.)
(Also see footnote ++.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
DATE I
7-15