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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
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-7 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-15 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-18 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-21 Engine Coolant
6
-24 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-25 Power Steering Fluid
6
-25 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-27 Brakes
6
-30 Battery
6
-32 Bulb Replacement6
-41 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-42 Tires
6
-51 Appearance Care
6
-51 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-53 Care of Safety Belts
6
-54 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-54 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-56 Cleaning Tires
6
-56 Sheet Metal Damage
6
-57 Finish Damage
6
-58 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-59 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-59 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-60 Electrical System
6
-68 Replacement Bulbs
6
-69 Capacities and Specifications
6
-70 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
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6-10
When you open the hood on the 3800 (L36) engine, here's what you'll see :
A. Engine Coolant
Recovery Tank
B. Remote Positive Terminal
C. Fuse BlockD. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
E. Radiator Pressure Cap
F. Engine Oil DipstickG. Engine Oil Fill Cap
H. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Dipstick
I. Brake Master Cylinder
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
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6-15
How to Reset the Oil Life System
After changing the engine oil, the Oil Life System
should be reset. It will not reset itself. To reset the Oil
Life System, press and hold the RESET button on the
DIC for more than five seconds while OIL LIFE INDEX
is being displayed. The oil life will change to 100%.
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
The air cleaner and filter are located on the driver's side
of the engine compartment.
To check or replace the engine air cleaner/filter:
1. Lift the latches on the air cleaner housing cover.
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6-17
5. Replace the air filter.
6. Reinstall the rear section of the air cleaner.
7. Reconnect the electrical connector.
8. Reattach the air intake hose by snapping it back onto
the throttle body.
9. Refasten the latches to the air cleaner housing cover.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause
a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place when
you're driving.
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6-18 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle has this feature, the outside air entering
the vehicle is routed through a filter. The filter removes
certain particles from the air, including pollen and dust
particles. Reductions in airflow, which may occur more
quickly in dusty areas, indicate that the filter needs to be
replaced early.
The particle filter is under a
removeable panel located at
the base of the windshield
on the passenger's side.
The filter should be replaced as part of the routine
scheduled maintenance. See ªMaintenance Scheduleº in
the Index for replacement intervals. See your dealer for
details on changing the filter.Once you remove your filter, if you choose not to
replace it, it will not damage your vehicle. However, the
air will no longer be filtered.
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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Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in English
and metric conversions. Please refer to ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index for more information.
Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 3.8 L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 205. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-6-5-4-3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 195F (91C) . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque
100 1b-ft (140 N´m)
Capacities
Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement 6.0 quarts (5.7 L). . .
After Complete Overhaul 10.0 quarts (9.5 L). . . . . . .
When draining or replacing torque convertor, more fluid
may be needed.
Engine Cooling System 13.0 quarts (12.3 L). . . . . . .
Crankcase
(Engine Oil with Filter Change) 4.5 quarts (4.3 L).
Fuel Tank 17.5 gallons (66.2 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant See refrigerant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
charge label under the hood.
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.
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Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner/Filter AC Type A-1096C . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter GM Part No. 25654414. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter AC Type PF
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter AC Type GF
-627 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Filter GM Part No. 8651909. . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs AC Type 41
-921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
(Shepherd's Hook Type) 22.0 inches (56.0 cm). . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 200.0 inches (508.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 75.9 inches (192.8 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 57.9 inches (147.1 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 112.2 inches (285.0 cm)c. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tread Width
Front 60.4 inches (153.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 60.2 inches (152.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Accessory Belt
The 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 Conditioning
D. Crankshaft
E. Coolant Pump
F. Tensioner
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Scheduled Maintenance
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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): Tire Rotation.
Every 12,000 Miles (20 000 km): Passenger
Compartment Air Filter Replacement (if equipped).
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement.
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.
(Continued)