2007 CHEVROLET OPTRA 5 service

Doing Your Own Service Work
{CAUTION:
You can be injured and your vehicle could
be damaged if you try to do service work
on a vehicle without knowing enough
about it.
Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement
parts, and tools before you attempt any
vehicle maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts,
and other fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily confused. If you
use the wrong fasteners, parts can later
break or fall off. You could be hurt.If you want to do some of your own service work,
you will want to use the proper service manual.
It tells you much more about how to service your
vehicle than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 406.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work, see
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 82.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of any service
work you perform. SeePart E: Maintenance
Record on page 384.
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Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your
vehicle can affect the airflow around it. This may
cause wind noise and affect windshield washer
performance. Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part
of the proper maintenance of your vehicle.
To help keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, GM recommends
the use of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline.
Gasoline Octane
Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is
less than 87, you may notice an audible knocking
noise when you drive, commonly referred to as
spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If you are
using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you
hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specification D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 in Canada. Some gasolines may
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). General Motors recommends against the
use of gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives
on page 252for additional information.
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However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels
containing more than 10% ethanol must not be
used in vehicles that were not designed for
those fuels.
Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for
fuel that contains methanol. Do not use
fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage would
not be covered under your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you
buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT.
General Motors recommends against the use of
such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce
the life of spark plugs and the performance of
the emission control system may be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on.
If this occurs, return to your dealer for service.Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside
the United States or Canada, the proper fuel might
be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or
any other fuel not recommended in the previous
text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of
improper fuel would not be covered by your
warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business
in the country where you will be driving.
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Notice:Use only engine oil identied as
meeting GM Standard GM6094M and showing
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), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provide
easier cold starting and better protection for
the engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet
GM Standard GM6094M are all you need for
good performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is 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, change the oil and filter every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months, whichever
occurs first.
If none of them is true, use the long trip/highway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and
filter every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months,
whichever occurs first. 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. Do not 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
used oil, ask your dealer, a service station, or a
local recycling center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the
engine compartment on the passenger’s side of
the vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 258for more information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the engine air cleaner/filter every
15,000 miles (25 000 km) and replace it every
30,000 miles (50 000 km). If you are driving
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the engine air cleaner/filter remove the
filter from the vehicle and lightly shake the filter
to release loose dust and dirt. If the filter remains
caked with dirt, a new filter is required.
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To inspect or replace the filter, do the following:
1. Remove the four screws that hold the cover on.
2. Lift off the cover.
3. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
4. Put the cover back on tightly and tighten
the screws.
SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 358for replacement intervals.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off can cause you or others
to be burned. The air cleaner not only
cleans the air; it helps to stop ames if
the engine backres. If it is not there and
the engine backres, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre
can cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into your engine, which will
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/lter
in place when you are driving.
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid
level. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to
the dealership service department and have it
repaired as soon as possible. You may also have
your fluid level checked by your dealer or
service center when you have your oil changed.
Notice:Use of automatic transaxle uid
labeled other than ESSO LT71141 or
TOTAL ATF H50235 may damage your vehicle,
and the damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use ESSO LT71141
or TOTAL ATF H50235 labeled automatic
transaxle uid.
Manual Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid
level. A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for
fluid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to
the dealership service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 382
for the proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
There is one reservoir for both the brake and the
hydraulic clutch fluid. SeeBrakes on page 281
for more information.
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The master cylinder reservoir
is filled with hydraulic fluid.
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It is not necessary to regularly check the fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system.
Adding fluid will not correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often you should check the fluid level in
your master cylinder reservoir and for the proper
fluid. SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services
on page 374andPart D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 382.
How to Check and Add Fluid
You do not need to check the fluid level unless
you suspect a clutch problem. To check the
fluid level, look on the side of the reservoir. If the
fluid reaches the MAX (A) mark on the reservoir,
the fluid level is correct. The reservoir is
located near the back of the engine compartment
on the driver’s side of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 258for
more information on location.
267