1-18 In Brief
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays a DIC message when
it is necessary to change the engine
oil and filter.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,with the engine off.
2. Press and release the stem in the lower center of the
instrument cluster until the
“Oil Life” message is displayed.
3. Once the alternating “Oil Life”
and “Reset” messages appear,
press and hold the stem
until several beeps sound.
This confirms that the oil life
system has been reset.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System
on
page 10‑11.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have the
5.3L V8 engine (Code P) have
a yellow fuel cap and can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
on
page 9‑66. In all other engines,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under Recommended
Fuel on page 9‑64.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control, if equipped.
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-11
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15 Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-17
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-22
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-24
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-30
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-31
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Taillamps, Turn Signal,Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (H3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (H3T) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-37
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Vehicle Care 10-7
A. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
on
page 10‑25.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant
on
page 10‑19.
C. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
on
page 10‑17.
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid
on
page 10‑24.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“Checking the Fluid Level” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
on
page 10‑12.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 10‑9. G. Radiator Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System on page 10‑18.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). See Jump Starting
on
page 10‑86.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
J. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting
on
page 10‑86.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 10‑26.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑39.
M. Battery on page 10‑28.
N. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See Hydraulic
Clutch on page 10‑16.
Vehicle Care 10-9
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filteron
page 10‑17.
B. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
on page 10‑17.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
on
page 10‑25.
D. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant
on
page 10‑19.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“Checking the Fluid Level” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
on
page 10‑12. F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 10‑9.
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes
on
page 10‑26.
I. Battery on page 10‑28.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid
on
page 10‑24.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑39.
L. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 10‑18.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. 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. See Engine
Compartment Overview
on
page 10‑6for 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 this is not
done, 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.
Vehicle Care 10-11
Cold Temperature Operation
If in an area of extreme cold, where
the temperature falls below−29°C
(−20°F), use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30
engine oil. Both provide easier
cold starting for the engine at
extremely low temperatures. Always
use an oil that meets the required
specification, GM6094M. See “What
Kind of Engine Oil to Use” for more
information.
Engine Oil Additives / Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with the
starburst symbol that meet GM
standards are all that is needed
for good performance and engine
protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished,
it indicates that an oil change
is necessary. A “Change Oil”
message comes on. See Engine Oil
Messages
on page 5‑23. Change
the oil as soon as possible within
the next 1 000 km (600 miles). It is
possible that, if driving under the
best conditions, the oil life system
might not indicate that an oil change
is necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and filter
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 using genuine
parts 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, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 miles)
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 the
engine oil and filter based on
vehicle use. Whenever the oil is
changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change
is required. If a situation occurs
where the oil is changed prior to a
change engine oil message being
turned on, reset the system.
10-12 Vehicle Care
After changing the engine oil, reset
the system:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUNwith the engine off.
2. Press and release the stem in the lower center of the
instrument cluster until the OIL
LIFE message is displayed.
3. Once the alternating “Oil Life”
and “Reset” messages appear,
press and hold the stem until
several beeps sound. This
confirms that the oil life system
has been reset.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
If the “Change Oil” message
comes on again and stays on for
30 seconds at the next ignition
cycle, it did not reset. The system
needs to be reset again.What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can 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. Recycle it by taking it to a
place that collects used oil.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic
transmission fluid level is when the
engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Scheduled
Maintenance
on page 11‑2, and be
sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑8.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a
little difficult, you may choose to
have this done at the dealer service
department.
If adding it yourself, be sure to
follow all the instructions here,
or there could be a false reading on
the dipstick.
Vehicle Care 10-17
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
3.7 L shown (5.3 L similar)
The engine air cleaner/filter is
located in the engine compartment
on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment
Overview
on page 10‑6for more
information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
Maintenance IIintervals and replace
it at the first oil change after each
80 000 km (50,000 mile) interval.
See Scheduled Maintenance
on
page 11‑2for more information.
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 or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Unfasten the clips that hold the cover on and remove the cover.
2. Lift out the engine air cleaner/filter. 3. Inspect or replace the air filter.
See Maintenance Replacement
Parts
on page 11‑10to determine
which filter to use.
4. Reinstall the engine air cleaner/filter cover. Fasten the
clips to hold the cover in place.
{WARNING
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you
or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is
off, dirt can easily get into the
engine, which could damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter
in place when you are driving.
11-2 Service and Maintenance
.Are driven off-road in the
recommended manner. See
Off-Road Driving on page 9‑7.
.Use the recommended fuel.
SeeRecommended Fuelon
page 9‑64.
{WARNING
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous. Some jobs can
cause serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if you
have the required know-how and
the proper tools and equipment.
If in doubt, see your dealer to
have a qualified technician do
the work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work on page 10‑4.
At your dealer/retailer, you can be
certain that you will receive the
highest level of service available. Your dealer/retailer has specially
trained service technicians, uses
genuine replacement parts, as
well as, up to date tools and
equipment to ensure fast and
accurate diagnostics.
The proper replacement parts,
fluids, and lubricants to use
are listed in
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricantson page 11‑8and
Maintenance Replacement Partson
page 11‑10. We recommend the
use of genuine parts from your
dealer/retailer.
Rotation of New Tires
To maintain ride, handling, and
performance of the vehicle, it is
important that the first rotation
service for new tires be performed
when they have 8 000 to 13 000 km
(5,000 to 8,000 miles). See Tire
Rotation on page 10‑57.
Scheduled
Maintenance
When the Change Oil Message
Displays
Change engine oil and filter. See
Engine Oilon page 10‑9. An
Emission Control Service.
When the “Change Oil” message
displays, service is required for
the vehicle as soon as possible,
within the next 1 000 km/600 miles.
If driving under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for more than a year. The engine
oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life
system must be reset. Your dealer
has trained service technicians who
will perform this work and reset the
system. If the engine oil life system
is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 miles
since the last service. Reset the oil