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If the oil is below the cross-hatched area (L)
for the 4.2L L6 engine or below the
cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick for
the 5.3L V8 engine, you will need to add at least
one quart/liter of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This section explains what kind of oil
to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity,
seeCapacities and Speci cations on page 445.
Notice:Do not add too much oil. If the engine
has so much oil that the oil level gets above
the cross-hatched area (F) that shows the
proper operating range for the 4.2L L6 engine
or above the cross-hatched area for the
5.3L V8 engine, the engine could be damaged.SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 330for the
location of the engine
oil ll cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating range.
Push the dipstick all the way back in when
you are through.
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What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for two things:
GM6094M
Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meeting
standard GM6094M. You should look for
and use only an oil that meets standard
GM6094M.
SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30
is best for your vehicle.
These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other
viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50.
Oils meeting these
requirements should
also have the starburst
symbol on the container.
This symbol indicates
that the oil has been
certi ed by the
American Petroleum
Institute (API).
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You should look for this information on the oil
container, and use only those oils that are
identi ed as meeting standard GM6094M and
have the starburst symbol on the front of the oil
container.
Notice:Use only engine oil identi ed as
meeting standard GM6094M and showing the
American Petroleum Institute Certi ed For
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to
use the recommended oil can result in
engine damage not covered by your warranty.
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 will
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 standard
GM6094M are all you will need for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you
know when to change the engine oil and lter.
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.
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When the system has calculated that oil life has
been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change
is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message
will come on in the Driver Information Center
(DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 199. Change the oil as soon as
possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
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, the engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the
system must be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this work and reset
the system. It is also important to check the 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 the last oil change. Remember to reset the
oil life system whenever the oil is changed.How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to
change your engine oil and lter 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 ENGINE
OIL message being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the Engine Oil Life System, do the
following:
1. Use the fuel button on the Driver Information
Center to reach the ENGINE OIL LIFE screen.
2. Press and hold the select button on the
Driver Information Center ve seconds
while ENGINE OIL LIFE is displayed.
3. OIL LIFE RESET will appear on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) display for
10 seconds to let you know the system
is reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes
back on when you start your vehicle, the engine oil
life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
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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 lter 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
SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 330for the
location of the engine
air cleaner/ lter.
When to Inspect
Inspect the air cleaner/ lter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the rst oil change
after each 50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 450for
more information. If you are driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the lter at each engine oil
change.
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Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transmission
uid level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals
listed inAdditional Required Services on page 452,
and be sure to use the transmission uid listed
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 458.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
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 uid can
damage your transmission. Too much can
mean that some of the uid could come out
and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system
parts, starting a re. Too little uid could
cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above
90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at
normal operating temperature, which is 180°F to
200°F (82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
drive the vehicle in THIRD (3) until the engine
temperature gage moves and then remains steady
for 10 minutes.
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Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for ve years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs
rst, if you add only DEX-COOL
®extended
life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with engine overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 347.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core, or
radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at the
rst maintenance service after each
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water
and one-half DEX-COOL®coolant. If you use
this coolant mixture, you do not need to add
anything else.
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{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can
boil before the proper coolant mixture will.
Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is
set for the proper coolant mixture. With
plain water or the wrong mixture, your
engine could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. Your engine
could catch re and you or others could
be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:If you use an improper coolant
mixture, your engine could overheat and be
badly damaged. The repair cost would not be
covered by your warranty. Too much water
in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times
a year, have your dealer check your cooling
system.
Notice:If you use extra inhibitors and/or
additives in your vehicle’s cooling system,
you could damage your vehicle. Use only the
proper mixture of the engine coolant listed
in this manual for the cooling system.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 458for more information.
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