Page 178 of 443
2-92 Check Eng Oil Pressure
This message is displayed
when the engine oil pressure
is low.
See ªOil Pressure Gageº in the Index for
more information.
Check Eng Oil Level
This message is displayed
when the engine oil level
is low.
Once oil is added, it may need time to drain and settle in
the engine before this message will turn off. It is best to
let the engine cool down (if it is hot) or warm up (if it is
cold) and cycle the ignition to be sure this message turns
off. Refer to the dipstick for the correct level.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index on how to check the oil
level and for what type of oil to add.
Page 334 of 443
6-13
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
B. Coolant Surge Tank
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator
D. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped)
F. Engine Oil Fill
G. FanH. Remote Negative (-) Terminal (GND)
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir
L. Underhood Fuse Block
M. Battery
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
Page 335 of 443
6-14
When you open the hood on the VORTEC 8100 V8 engine you'll see the following:
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
B. Coolant Surge Tank
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator
D. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
F. Engine Oil FillG. Fan
H. Remote Negative (
-)
Terminal (GND)
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
J. Power Steering Fluid ReservoirK. Brake Master Fluid Reservoir
L. Underhood Fuse Block
M. Battery
N. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
Page 336 of 443
6-15
Engine Oil
If the CHECK ENG OIL
LEVEL message appears
on the instrument cluster,
it means you need to
check your engine oil
level right away.
For more information, see ªCHECK ENG OIL LEVELº
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.
8100 Engines All Other Engines
The engine oil dipstick has a yellow ring handle and
is located in the engine compartment on the
passenger's side of the vehicle. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.
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6-16
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.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 engine oil 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.
Page 338 of 443
6-17
8100 Engines All Other Engines
The engine oil fill cap
for the VORTEC 4800,
5300, 6000 and 8100 V8
engines is located on the
engine valve cover, on
the passenger's side of
the vehicle.
Your vehicle may have a cap with text and a graphic,
or just a graphic as shown. See ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index for more information
on location.
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.
Page 345 of 443

6-24
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 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle's GVWR is over 8,600 or
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 your vehicle's GVWR is not over 8,600 and you
do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter
every 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading
on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
Too little fluid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your transmission fluid.