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6-32 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.
3800 V6 Engine
3.5L V6 Engine
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark for the
3800 V6 engine and in the cross
-hatched area for the
3.5L V6 engine. If necessary, add only enough fluid to
bring the level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
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6-34
NOTICE:
When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.
Don't mix water with ready
-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn't clean as well as washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
three
-quarters full when it's very cold. This
allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Don't use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.
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.
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6-35
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
level goes 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.
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.
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6-36
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.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make a
high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
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6-62
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver's side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You'll find this label on the inside of your trunk lid. It's
very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this
label is:
your VIN,
the model designation,
paint information and
a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
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6-64
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
These fuses are located in a fuse block on the
passenger's side of the instrument panel. Pull off the
right
-hand cover to expose the fuses.Fuse Description
ABS ABS Motor Assembly
(3800 V6 Engine Only)
CRANK
SIGNAL BCM,
CLUSTERCRANK
-- Instrument Panel
Cluster, Body Control Module,
Powertrain Control Module
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6-67
Underhood Electrical Center -- Passenger's Side
Some fuses are in the underhood electrical center on the
passenger's side of the engine compartment.
To see the fuses, take the cover off.
1. Remove the remote positive terminal cap.
2. Unscrew the knob on the front of the fuse
cover counterclockwise.
3. Pull off the cover.
Fuse Description
1 Cooling Fan
2 Starter Solenoid
3 Power Seats, Rear Defog
4 High Blower, Hazard Flashers,
Stoplamps, Power Mirrors Door Locks
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6-68
Fuse Description
5 Ignition Switch, Brake Transaxle Shift
Interlock, Stoplamps, Anti
-Lock Brake
System, Turn Signals, Cluster, Air Bag,
Daytime Running Lamps Module
6 Cooling Fan
7 Interior Lamps, Anti
-Lock Brake System
(3800 V6 Engine Only), Keyless Entry,
Data Link, HVAC Head, Cluster, Radio,
Auxiliary Power, Cigarette Lighter,
Bose Amplifier
8 Ignition Switch, Wipers, Radio, Steering
Wheel Controls, Body Control Module,
Auxiliary Power, Power Windows,
Sunroof, HVAC Controls, DRL, Rear
Defog Relay
Relay Description
9 Cooling Fan 2
10 Cooling Fan 3
11 Starter Solenoid
12 Cooling Fan 1Relay Description
13 Ignition Main
14 Air Pump (3.5L V6 if equipped with
California Emissions)
15 Air Conditioning Clutch
16 Horn
17 Fog Lamps
18 Not Used
19 Fuel Pump
Fuse Description
20 Air Pump (3.5L V6))
21 Generator
22 Electronic Control Module
23 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
24 Not Used
25 Electronic Ignition (3800 V6 Engine
Only), Fuel Injectors/Electronic Ignition
(3.5L V6 Engine Only)
26 Transaxle Sensor
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