2003 PONTIAC VIBE oil dipstick

6-12 Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood of the 1.8 L (Code 8) engine, you'll see the following:
A. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
D. Engine Oil DipstickE. Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)H. Brake/Hydraulic Clutch
Fluid Reservoir
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
J. Battery
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block

6-13
When you open the hood of the 1.8 L (Code L) H.O. DOHC engine, you'll see the following:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
D. Engine Oil DipstickE. Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)H. Brake/Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
Reservoir
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
J. Battery
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block

6-14
Engine Oil
If the engine oil pressure
light appears on the
instrument cluster, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information, see
ªEngine Oil Pressure 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.
1.8L Code 8 engine shown,
1.8L Code L engine similar
The engine oil dipstick is located in the center of the
engine compartment. The dipstick handle is a yellow
loop. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index
for more information on location.

6-15
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.
1.8L (Code 8) Engine
1.8L (Code L) Engine

6-16 When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the lower 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 upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
The engine oil fill cap is located in the center of the
engine compartment. 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.

6-24
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.
Check the fluid in the transaxle and differential every
30,000 miles (50 000 km). Change the fluid every
60,000 miles (100 000 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.
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
transaxle. 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 transaxle to overheat. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.