1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA brake fluid

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6-11
When you open the hood on the 3800 (Code K) V6 engine, you'll see:
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Radiator Fill Cap
C. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
D. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Engine Oil Fill CapF. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Dipstick
G. Brake Fluid Reservoir
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Remote Positive (+)
Battery TerminalJ. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
K. Battery (located under
Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir)

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6-20 How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the 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.
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:

When outside temperatures are above 90F (32C).

At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic
-- especially in hot weather.

While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180F to 200F
(82C to 93C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50F
(10C). If it's colder than 50F (10C), you may have
to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level

Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.

With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).

With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).

Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.

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6-29
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver's
side of the engine compartment. It is filled with
DOT
-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid levelgoes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won't work well, or won't work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See ªBrake System Warning
Lightº in the Index.

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6-30
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

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7-19
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines ªStarburstº
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench

DEX-COOL
or
Havoline
DEX-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release PawlLubriplate
Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. 12346293 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC
-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).

9-
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
dding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . .
Air Bag 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-22, 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag System 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and
Automatic Tone Control 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and
Automatic Tone Control 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Fixed Mast 3-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anti
-Lock
Brake System Active Light 2-55, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning Light 2-54, 4-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest, Storage 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Steering Wheel Controls 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio System, Tips 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto-Down Window 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic
Overdrive (
)2
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Fluid 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Operation 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary Power Connection 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-2
Back-Up Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saver 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-9, 2-27, 4-29 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette
Deck Service 7
-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cellular Telephone 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-36 . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains
Safety 4
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil Soon Light 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-36, 1-40, 1-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-44 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-46 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-8
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Automatic Transaxle 2
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check 7
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking On Hills, Leaving 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Position 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
II 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Portable Fuel Container, Filling 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Door Locks 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Fuses 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Mirrors 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Other Tips 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps, Rearview Mirror 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Door Child Security Locks 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror, Inside Day/Night 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Front Seatbacks 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote
Keyless Entry 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Release 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement
Bulbs 6
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Safety Belts 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Safety Defects 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restraints
Care of Safety Belts 6
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child 1-36, 1-40, 1-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .