2003 GMC SAFARI Owner's Manual

A. Windshield Washer Fluid
B. Engine Coolant
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Transmission Dipstick
E. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
F. Engine Oil Fill
G. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
I. Battery
Engine Oil
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 has a yellow ring and is located
near the center of the engine compartment. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
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.
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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 line, 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, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-92.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.
The engine oilfill cap is
located on the valve cover
in the engine compartment
on the passenger’s side
of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for more
information on location.
Be sure tofill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
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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 choose to perform
the engine oil change
service yourself, be sure
the oil you use 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 viscosity chart.
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As in the chart shown previously, SAE 5W-30 is the
only viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle. You
should look for and use only oils which have the API
Starburst symbol and which are also identified as
SAE 5W-30. If you cannotfind such SAE 5W-30 oils,
you can use an SAE 10W-30 oil which has the API
Starburst symbol, if it’s going to be 0°F(−18°C)
or above. Do not use other viscosity grade oils, such as
SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50 under any conditions.
Notice:Use only engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certied 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 of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F(−29°C),itis
recommended that you use 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
If any one of these are true for you, use the short
trip/city maintenance schedule:
•Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is
particularly important when outside temperatures
are below freezing.
•Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
•You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top
of your vehicle.
•The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil andfilter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months—whichever
occursfirst.
If none of them is true, use the long trip/highway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil andfilter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months—whichever
occursfirst. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine
under highway conditions will cause engine oil to
break down slower.
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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 dispose of 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.
Engine Cover
Removing the Engine Cover
1. Move both front seats as far back as they will go.
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2. Remove the instrument panel extension by
removing the two nuts that secure it in place. The
nuts are located at the bottom of the extension
on the driver’s and passenger’s side corners.3. Remove the screws located near the top on each
side of the extension. Grasp the extension from
both sides and gently remove it.
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4. Disconnect the electrical connectors and set the
extension aside.5. Grasp the top of the heater duct and pull down
gently to remove it.
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6. Loosen the two bolts on the engine cover. The
bolts are not supposed to come out of the cover,
only from the front of the dash.
When removing the cover, be careful not to damage
the instrument panel or the trim.
7. Disconnect the AM radio ground strap.8. Grasp the bottom of the cover and slide it rearward.
Then, lift it up and out of the vehicle.
If the seal does not release, use the pull strap on
the driver’s side above the rear mount.
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