2002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX engine

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
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.
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. 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.

6-16 What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the starburst symbol.
This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by
the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any
oil which does not carry this starburst symbol.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the starburst symbol on the
front of the oil container. If
you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
3100 V6 Engine

6-17
As in the chart shown previously, if you have the
3100 V6 engine, SAE 5W
-30 is best for your vehicle.
However, you can use SAE 10W
-30 if it's going to be
0
F (
-18
C) or above. These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W
-50.
As shown in the following chart, if you have the
3800 V6 engine, SAE 10W
-30 is best for your vehicle.
However, you can use SAE 5W
-30 if it's going to be
colder than 60
F (16
C) before your next oil change.
When it's very cold, you should use SAE 5W
-30.
These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such
as SAE 20W
-50.
3800 V6 or 3800 V6 Supercharged Engine

6-18
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench
oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls
below
-20F (-29C), consider using either an
SAE 5W
-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both
will provide easier cold starting and better protection for
your engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good
performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life 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 OIL SOON light 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.

6-19
How to Reset the GM Oil Life System

The GM Oil Life System
calculates when to change
your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Anytime
your oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation
occurs where you change your oil prior to a CHANGE
OIL SOON light being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the GM Oil Life System
after the oil has been
changed, use one of the following two procedures:
Using the Driver Information Center (DIC)
1. With the ignition key in RUN but the engine off,
fully push and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times within five seconds.
2. If the CHANGE OIL SOON light flashes, the system
is resetting.
3. Turn the key to OFF after the light stops flashing,
then start the vehicle.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON light comes back on, the
engine oil life monitor has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
Using the Trip Computer (If Equipped)
1. Press the MODE button until the light appears lit
next to OIL LIFE.
2. Press and hold the RESET button for three seconds.
The oil life percentage should change to 100%What to Do with Used Oil
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 threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the filter before disposal. Never 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.

6-20
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the front of the
engine compartment on the driver's side. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.
To check or replace the engine air cleaner/filter do
the following:
1. Loosen the two clips located on the top of the engine
air cleaner/filter housing and lift the filter cover tabs
out of the housing.
2. Push the filter cover housing toward the engine.
3. Pull out the old filter.
4. Check or install a new engine air cleaner/filter.
See ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in
the Index.
5. To reinstall the cover, position the tabs through the
slots on the housing. A notch on the sides of the
filter cover will indicate the correct placement.
Reinstall the two clips on the top of the engine air
cleaner/filter housing when you are finished.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.

6-21
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.
Supercharger Oil
The supercharger engine
oil fill plug is located in
the engine compartment
on the front of the
supercharger, on
the passenger side of
the vehicle.
Unless you are technically qualified and have the proper
tools, you should let your dealer or a qualified service
center perform this maintenance.
When to Check
Check oil level every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or every
36 months, whichever occurs first.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Use only the recommended supercharger oil. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.

6-22 How to Check and Add Oil
Park the vehicle on a level surface. Check oil only when
the engine is cold. Allow the engine to cool two to three
hours after running.
CAUTION:
If you remove the supercharger oil fill plug while
the engine is hot, pressure may cause hot oil to
blow out of the oil fill hole. You may be burned.
Do not remove the plug until the engine cools.
1. Clean the area around the oil fill plug before
removing it.
2. Remove the oil fill plug using a 3/16 inch
Allen wrench.
3. The oil level is correct when it just reaches the
bottom of the threads of the inspection hole.
4. Replace the oil plug with the O
-ring in place.
Tighten to 88 lb
-in (10 N´m).
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.