Page 272 of 376

6-5
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system, allowing your emission control system to
function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add
anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing
oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to
contribute to clean air. General Motors recommends that
you use these gasolines, particularly if they comply with
the specifications described earlier.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don't use it. It can corrode
metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn't
be covered under your warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to
find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you'll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for
advice. Just tell us where you're going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Page 275 of 376

6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.
Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.
Don't smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Page 277 of 376
6-10
When you open the hood of the 3100 V6 engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
B. Battery
C. Radiator Fill Cap
D. Engine Coolant ReservoirE. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Engine Oil DipstickH. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Dipstick
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Page 278 of 376
6-11
When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
B. Battery
C. Radiator Fill Cap
D. Engine Coolant ReservoirE. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
(low in engine compartment)
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Engine Oil DipstickH. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Dipstick
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Page 279 of 376
6-12
When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 Supercharged engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
B. Battery
C. Radiator Fill Cap
D. Engine Coolant ReservoirE. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
(low in engine compartment)
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Engine Oil DipstickH. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Dipstick
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Page 280 of 376

6-13
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are
on properly. Then just pull the hood down and close
it firmly.
3800 V6 Supercharged Engine
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a 3800 V6 Supercharged engine.
The supercharger is a device which is designed to pump
more air into the engine than it would normally use.
This air, mixed with fuel, creates increased engine
power. Since the supercharger is a pump and is driven
from an engine accessory drive belt, increased pressure
is available at all driving conditions.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) works with a
vacuum control to regulate the increased pressure
required during specific driving conditions. When this
increased pressure or boost is not desired, such as during
idling and light throttle cruising, the excess air that the
supercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass.
All of these controls working together provide high
performance character and fuel efficiency in the
3800 V6 Supercharged engine.
Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL LEVEL
message appears on the
instrument panel, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information,
see ªLow Oil Level Lightº
in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is the yellow loop near
the front of the engine.
Page 281 of 376
6-14
3100 V6 Engine 3800 V6 or 3800 V6
Supercharged Engine
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.3100 V6 Engine
3800 V6 Engine or 3800 V6 Supercharged Engine
Page 282 of 376
6-15 When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you'll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and Specificationsº
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross
-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
3100 V6 Engine 3800 V6 or 3800 V6
Supercharged Engine
The engine oil fill cap is located on the front of the
engine, near the center of the engine compartment and
the yellow
-looped engine oil dipstick.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you're through.