Page 288 of 365

6-28
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir and dipstick
are located next to the
coolant surge tank on
the passenger's side of
the vehicle.
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. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for reservoir location.
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.
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.
Page 289 of 365

6-29
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. See ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index for reservoir location.
Adding Washer Fluid
The CHECK WASHER FLUID message will be
displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when the fluid is low.
The windshield washer
fluid reservoir is located
next to the engine air
cleaner/filter on the
driver's side of the vehicle.
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full.
NOTICE:
When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.
Don't mix water with ready
-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to
freeze and damage your washer fluid
tank and other parts of the washer
system. Also, water doesn't clean as well
as washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
three
-quarters full when it's very cold.
This allows for expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
Don't use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.
Page 290 of 365

6-30
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver's side
of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT
-3 brake
fluid. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level
in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that
fluid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, youshould have your brake system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later your brakes won't work well, or
won't work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
If the ignition is in RUN and the brake fluid is low,
the CHECK BRAKE FLUID LEVEL message will be
displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See ªBrake System Warning
Lightº in the Index.
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6-68
Replacement Bulbs
For any bulb not listed here contact your dealer.
Application Number
Headlamps Composite
Inner High Beam 9005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outer Low Beam 9006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal 3157 NA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High
-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) 1156. . . .
Rear Turn Signal and Taillamp 2057. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions. Please refer to
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet for more information.
Engine Specifications
Displacement 279 cubic inches (4 565 cc). . . . . . . . .
Type 4.6 L DOHC V8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIN Engine Code
Eldorado Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ETC 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Torque
Eldorado 300 (lb
-ft) @ 4000 rpm . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
407 (N´m) @ 4000 rpm
ETC 295 (lb
-ft) @ 4400 rpm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
400 (N´m) @ 4400 rpm
Firing Order 1
-2-7-3-4-5-6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque
100 lb-ft (140 N´m)
Capacities
Transaxle (4T80-E) 15.0 quarts (14.2 L). . . . . . . . . .
Crankcase (Engine Oil with
Filter Change) 7.5 quarts (7.1 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 12.5 quarts (11.8 L). . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank 19.0 U.S. gallons (71.9 L). . . . . . . . . . . . .
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure
to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Page 335 of 365

Scheduled Maintenance
7-6Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the
GM Oil Life System (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). Reset the system.
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not
on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage
at which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly,
you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has
been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) will come on.Change your oil as soon as possible within the next
two times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you
are driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for
over a year. However, your engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. It is also important to check your oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed. See ªOil Life Systemº in the Index
for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
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7-15
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant
to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper
oil if necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index
for further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL
coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the
Index for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
Don't forget to check your spare tire. See ªTiresº in
the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the
Index for further details.
Power Antenna Service
Clean power antenna mast. See ªAudio Systemsº in
the Index for further details.
Page 346 of 365

7-17
Starter Switch Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. See ªParking Brakeº in the Index if necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn
off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked
on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See ªParking Brakeº
in the Index if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately
if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position,
but don't start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
Page 347 of 365

7-18
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift
lever is in PARK (P).
The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front of your
vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to
apply the regular brake at once should the
vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake's holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.