1999 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE check engine

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6-22
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow
these steps:
1. The transaxle fluid
dipstick top is a round,
red loop and is next to
the brake master
cylinder behind the
engine block. Pull out
the dipstick and wipe it
with a clean rag or
paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the
lower level. The fluid level must be in the
cross
-hatched area.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place. way; then press
the tab down to lock the dipstick in place. way.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.

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6-23
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to
bring the level into the cross
-hatched area on the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long
-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It doesn't take much fluid, generally less than one
pint (0.5 L). Don't overfill.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON
-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON

-III is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place. way; then press
the tab down to lock the dipstick in place. way.
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.

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6-25 What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
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, drinkable 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.
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.

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6-26 Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface. 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.
If this LOW COOLANT
warning light comes on and
stays on, it means you're
low on engine coolant.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
CAUTION:
Turning 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.

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6-27
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is located on the rear
passenger side of the engine compartment.
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
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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6-71 Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase 110.8 inches (281.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tread Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front 60.4 inches (153.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 60.3 inches (153.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 201.9 inches (512.8 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 74.6 inches (189.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 55.7 inches (141.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L36 Engine Accessory Belt
The L36 engine uses an engine accessory belt. This
diagram shows the features connected and the routing.
See ªMaintenance Scheduleº in the Index for when to
check the belt.
A. Power Steering
B. Generator
C. Air ConditioningD. Crank
E. Coolant Pump
F. Idler

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6-72 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
ªMaintenance Scheduleº 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.
1. Front Belt
2. Back Belt
A. Generator
B. Power Steering PumpC. Crank
D. Supercharger
E. Coolant Pump
F. Air Conditioning

Scheduled Maintenance
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7-5
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance 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
your vehicle.

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
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 sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or 6 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Supercharger Oil Check (or every 36 months,
whichever occurs first) (3800 Code 1 V6 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. Automatic
Transaxle Service (normal conditions).
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 scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.