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6-
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
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-18 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-21 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-24 Engine Coolant
6
-28 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-28 Power Steering Fluid
6
-29 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-31 Brakes
6
-34 Battery6
-35 Bulb Replacement
6
-41 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-42 Tires
6
-52 Appearance Care
6
-52 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-54 Care of Safety Belts
6
-55 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-58 Finish Damage
6
-59 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-60 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-60 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-61 Electrical System
6
-69 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 3400 V6 (Code E) engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
B. Underhood Fuse Block
C. Engine Coolant Reservoir
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
E. Transmission Fluid DipstickF. Brake Fluid Reservoir
G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap
I. Engine Oil Dipstick
Page 272 of 370
6-11
When you open the hood on the 3800 (Code K) V6 engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
B. Underhood Fuse Block
C. Engine Coolant Reservoir
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
(low in engine compartment)E. Transmission Fluid Dipstick
F. Brake Fluid Reservoir
G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap
I. Engine Oil Dipstick
Page 287 of 370
6-26
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.
Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery tank is located between the power
steering fluid reservoir and the underhood fuse block on
the passenger's side of the engine compartment.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD
mark or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should be up to the HOT mark or a little higher.
Page 289 of 370
6-28
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.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is located toward the
rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger's side.
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.
Page 290 of 370

6-29 How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
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.
When the 3400 V6 engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the ªHº mark. When it's cold, the level
should be at the ªCº mark. If the fluid is at the ADD
mark, you should add fluid.
For the 3800 V6 engine, the level should be at the HOT
mark when the engine compartment is hot. If the fluid is
at the ADD mark, you should add fluid.
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.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
When this message is
displayed, it means the
vehicle is low on windshield
washer fluid. You should
add more windshield
washer fluid soon.
Page 352 of 370

7-21
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified
For Gasoline Engines starburst
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench
DEX-COOL or
Havoline DEX-COOL
Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº
in the Index.
Hydraulic
Brake SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Power
Steering SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. 12346293 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC
-LB.
Hood and
Door HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).