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6-
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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
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-18 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-20 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-24 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-26 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-27 Rear Axle
6
-27 Thermostat
6
-28 Engine Coolant
6
-31 Power Steering Fluid
6
-32 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-34 Brakes
6
-37 Battery6
-38 Bulb Replacement
6
-46 Tires
6
-55 Appearance Care
6
-55 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-57 Care of Safety Belts
6
-58 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-59 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-61 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-62 Underbody Maintenance
6
-63 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-64 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-64 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-65 Electrical System
6
-71 Replacement Bulbs
6
-71 Capacities and Specifications
6
-72 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-73 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
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6-10
When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 engine you'll see:
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Radiator Cap
D. Engine Oil Fill CapE. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)
F. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
G. Engine Cooling FansH. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Oil Dipstick
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir
(If Equipped)
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6-11
When you open the hood of the 5.7L V8 engine you'll see:
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Engine Oil Fill CapE. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Cooling Fans
G. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
J. Brake Fluid Reservoir
K. Clutch Fluid Reservoir
(If Equipped)
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6-17 Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to
advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer that lets you know when to
change your engine oil. This is not based on mileage,
but on engine revolutions and engine operating
temperature. When the computer has calculated that the
oil needs changing, the Oil Life Monitor will indicate
that a change is necessary. The mileage between oil
changes will vary depending on how you drive your
vehicle
-- 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
(whichever occurs first) without an oil change.
The system won't detect dust in the oil. So, if you
drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner. Remember to reset
the OIL CHANGE Light whenever the oil is changed.How to Reset the Oil Change Light
After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset.
With the ignition key in RUN with the engine turned off,
push the TRIP/OIL RESET button located on the
instrument panel for 12 seconds. The OIL CHANGE light
will start to flash to confirm that the system is reset. The
reset is complete when the OIL CHANGE light goes out.
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.
Page 268 of 376
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6-20
4. Close the cover without overlap (the clamp will not
latch with overlap) and latch the clamps.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles
(25 000 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.
Uses such as high performance operation.
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 every
50,000 miles (83 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
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6-72
Cooling System
3800 V6
With Manual Transmission 11.6 quarts (11.0 L). . . .
With Automatic Transmission 11.4 quarts (10.8 L). . .
5.7L V8
With Manual Transmission 11.9 quarts (11.3 L). . . .
With Automatic Transmission 11.8 quarts (11.2 L). .
Crankcase
Oil and
Filter Change 3800 V6 (VIN K) 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . .
5.7L V8 (VIN G) 5.5 quarts (5.2 L)
Fuel Tank 16.8 gallons (63.6 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission
Five
-Speed 3.4 quarts (3.2 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Six
-Speed 4 quarts (3.8 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Axle Lubricant 1.75 quarts (1.7 L). . . . . . . . . . .
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.
Engine Specifications
Type
VIN Engine Code K 3800 V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIN Engine Code G 5.7L V8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Delivery Fuel Injection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valve Arrangement In
-Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement
3800 V6 231 cubic inches (3791 cc). . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 350 cubic inches (5662 cc). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order
3800 V6 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 1
-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Starts
to Open 177-184F (81
-85C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
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6-73
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter A1163C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 75
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter
3800 V6 PF47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 PF44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter
3800 V6 G627. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 GF578. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve
3800 V6 CV892C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 CV895C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Cap RC24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plug
3800 V6 41
-921 (0.060 inch gap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7L V8 41
-931 (0.060 inch gap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Type Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 24 inches (610 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length
Firebird/Formula 193.3 (491.1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trans AM/GT 193.7 (491.3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 74.4 inches (189.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height
Coupe 52.0 inches (131.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convertible
Firebird/Formula 52.7 inches (134.0 cm). . . . . . .
Trans Am/GT 52.4 inches (133.1 cm). . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 101.1 inches (256.6 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 60.7 inches (154.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 60.6 inches (154.0 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
OIL CHANGE light comes on. Remember to reset
the Oil Life Monitor whenever the oil is changed. For
more information, see ªOil Change 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.