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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-9 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-13 Engine Oil
6
-18 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-22 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-26 Engine Coolant
6
-31 Power Steering Fluid
6
-33 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-34 Brakes
6
-37 Battery
6
-38 Bulb Replacement
6
-45 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-46 Tires6
-54 Appearance Care
6
-54 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-56 Care of Safety Belts
6
-57 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-57 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-59 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-59 Sheet Metal Damage
6
-59 Finish Damage
6
-60 Underbody Maintenance
6
-60 Chemical Paint Spotting
6
-61 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-62 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-62 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-63 Electrical System
6
-69 Replacement Bulbs
6
-70 Capacities and Specifications
6
-71 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
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6-11
When you open the hood of the 3.5L V6 engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Remote Positive (+) TerminalD. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Engine Oil DipstickH. Automatic Transaxle Dipstick
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
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6-12
When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
B. Battery
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
D. Remote Positive (+) TerminalE. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Oil Dipstick
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap
H. Automatic Transaxle DipstickI. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Coolant
Recovery Tank
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
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6-18
How to Reset the CHANGE OIL Light
After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset.
To reset the CHANGE OIL light after an oil change:
1. With the ignition key in ON but the engine off, fully
push and release the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within five seconds.
2. If the CHANGE OIL light flashes, the system
is resetting.
3. Turn the key to OFF after the light has finished
flashing, then start the vehicle. If the CHANGE OIL
light comes back on, the engine oil life monitor has
not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don't let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free
-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don't ever dispose of oil
by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
To check or replace the air filter:
1. Loosen the wing nut on
the air duct.
3800 V6 Engine
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6-22
To change the passenger compartment air filter, use the
following steps:
1. Turn off the ignition when the windshield wipers are
in the up position.
2. Raise the hood.
3. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from
the fender rail and air inlet grille.
4. Reposition the hood weatherstrip from the right side
of the vehicle (peel back halfway to center).
5. Remove the air inlet grille retainers.
6. Remove the air inlet grille.
7. Remove the air deflector grille in the compartment.
8. Remove the passenger compartment air filter.
9. Then reverse the steps to install the new air filter.
For the type of filter to use, see ªNormal
Maintenance Replacement Partsº in the Index.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 90F (32C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
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, change the fluid and filter at
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
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6-70
Capacities and Specifications
Please refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index for more information.
Automatic Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement
(3800 V6) 8.0 quarts (7.5 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
After Complete Overhaul 10.0 quarts (9.5 L). . . . . . .
Pan Removal and Replacement
(3.5L V6) 7.4 quarts (7 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
After Complete Overhaul 10.0 quarts (9.5 L). . . . . . .
When draining/replacing the converter, more fluid
may be needed.
Cooling System Including Reservoir
3800 V6 10.2 quarts (9.63 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5L V6 10.0 quarts (9.5 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant (R
-134a),
Air Conditioning*1.9 lbs. (0.85 kg) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Crankcase (Oil and Filter Change)
3800 V6 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5L V6 6.0 quarts (5.7 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank17.75 gallons (67.2 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*See ªAir Conditioning Refrigerantsºlater in
this section.NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be
sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
3.5L V6 Engine Specifications
Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 212 cubic inches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compression Ratio 9.3:1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-2-3-4-5-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 180F (82C) . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 215. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3800 V6 Engine Specifications
Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 231 cubic inches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compression Ratio 9.4:1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 195F (91C) . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 195. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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6-71
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you're not sure, ask your dealer.
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter
3800 V6 A1208C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5L V6 AC1096C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
10406026
Battery
3800 V6 690 CCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5L V6 19000678. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter
3800 V6 AC Type PF47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5L V6 25177917. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve
AC Type CV892CSurge Tank Cap
3.5L V6 10296465. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Cap
3800 V6 RC27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs
3800 V6 AC Type 41
-921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.060 inches (.152 cm)
3.5L V6 Type PTR5C
-13/12556183 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.050 inches (.127 cm)
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Length 20 inches (51 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type Pin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase 109.0 inches (270 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread Width 61.5 inches (156 cm). . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread Width 61.5 inches (156 cm). . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 195.9 inches (498 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 73.8 inches (187 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 56.4 inches (143 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
See ªOwner Checks and Servicesº and ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.* Your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This
monitor will show you when to change the engine oil
and filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
The system won't detect dust in the oil. So if you drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the
CHANGE OIL light comes on. Remember to reset the
Oil Life Monitor whenever the oil is changed. For more
information, see ªChange Oil lightº in the Index.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See ªBrake System Inspectionº under ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspectionsº in Part C of this schedule.
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