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Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the 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 handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 330
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several
minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you
do not do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. 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
4.2L L6 Engine
5.3L V8 Engine
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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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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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A cold uid check can be made after the vehicle
has been sitting for eight hours or more with the
engine off, but this is used only as a reference.
Let the engine run at idle for ve minutes if outside
temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or more. If it is
colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have to idle the
engine longer. Should the uid level be low
during this cold check, you must check the uid
hot before adding uid. Checking the uid hot
will give you a more accurate reading of the
uid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
1. Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift
lever in PARK (P).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the
shift lever through each gear range, pausing
for about three seconds in each range.
Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three minutes
or more.Then, without shutting off the engine,
follow these steps:
1. Flip the handle up and then remove the
dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
The automatic
transmission dipstick
handle with this symbol
on it is located in the
engine compartment on
the passenger’s side
of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 330for more information on location.
2. Reinstall it back in all the way, wait three
seconds and then pull it back out again. If
the dipstick does not go down the tube easily,
turn the blade and try again until it is fully
inserted in the tube.
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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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Checking Coolant
The engine coolant
recovery tank is in the
engine compartment
on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
The cap has this symbol
on it. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 330for more
information on location.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When
your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
FULL COLD, or a little higher.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture at the coolant
recovery tank.
{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when
the engine and radiator are hot can allow
steam and scalding liquids to blow out
and burn you badly. With the coolant
recovery tank, you will almost never have
to add coolant at the radiator. Never turn
the radiator pressure cap — even a
little — when the engine and radiator
are hot.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
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{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on
hot engine parts. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the
engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the
radiator. For information on how to add coolant to
the radiator, seeCooling System on page 349.
Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and possible engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 330
for information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 186for more
information.
If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center
(DIC), the display will show an Engine Coolant
Hot/Engine Overheated message. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 199for more
information.
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Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 330for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power
steering uid unless you suspect there is a leak
in the system or you hear an unusual noise. A uid
loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine
compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the
uid level on the dipstick.
For vehicles with the 4.2L L6 engine, the level
should be at the C (Cold) mark. For vehicles with
the 5.3L V8 engine, the level should be at the
FULL mark. If necessary, add only enough uid to
bring the level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 458.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the
proper uid can cause leaks and damage hoses
and seals.
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