Page 273 of 398
Vehicle Care 10-7
3.5L V6 Engine (3.6L V6 Engine similar)
A. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filteron
page 10‑12.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See Power
Steering Fluid
on page 10‑21. C. Electric Engine Cooling Fan
(Out of View). See Cooling
System
on page 10‑14.
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 10‑8. E. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of
View). See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil
on
page 10‑8.
F. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View). See
“Checking the Fluid Level” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
on
page 10‑12.
G. Brake Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See Brakes
on
page 10‑23.
H. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System
on
page 10‑14.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on
page 10‑74.
J. See Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑38.
K. See Battery on page 10‑25.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
on
page 10‑22.
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10-8 Vehicle Care
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. SeeEngine
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.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the MIN
(minimum) mark, add at least
one liter/quart of the recommended
oil. This section explains what
kind of oil to use. For engine oil
crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications on page 12‑2.
Notice: Do not add too much oil.
If the engine has so much oil that
the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged.
See Engine Compartment Overviewon page 10‑6for the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
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Vehicle Care 10-9
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for three things:
.GM6094M
Use only an oil that meets
GM Standard GM6094M.
.SAE 5W-30
SAE 5W-30 is best for the
vehicle. These numbers on an
oil container show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils such as
SAE 20W-50.
.American Petroleum Institute
(API) starburst symbol
Oils meeting these requirements
should have the starburst
symbol on the container.
This symbol indicates that the
oil has been certified by the
American Petroleum
Institute (API).Notice:
Use only engine oil
identified as meeting GM
Standard GM6094M and showing
the American Petroleum Institute
Certified For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use
the recommended oil can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
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.
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10-10 Vehicle Care
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 engine oil light
comes on. See
Change Engine Oil
Light
on page 5‑22. 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/retailer 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.
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Vehicle Care 10-11
After changing the engine oil, reset
the system:
1. Press the DIC vehicleinformation button to display OIL
LIFE REMAINING on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC)
on page 5‑25and Engine
Oil Messages on page 5‑33.
2. Press the DIC Set/Reset button for during 5 seconds to reset the
oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change. The oil life system can also be reset
as follows:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN
with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the change engine oil light is
not on, the system is reset.
If the change engine oil light
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.
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10-12 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take your vehicle to the
dealer/retailer and have it repaired
as soon as possible.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed inScheduled
Maintenance
on page 11‑2, and be
sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7.
Notice: Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission
fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 11‑7. For the 2.4L, 3.5L and 3.6L engines,
the transmission fluid will not reach
the end of the dipstick unless the
transmission is at operating
temperature. If you need to check
the transmission fluid level, please
take your vehicle to your dealer/
retailer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See
Engine Compartment Overviewon page 10‑6for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
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 the 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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Vehicle Care 10-13
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter, do the following:
1. Remove the clamp on the airduct hose.
2. Disconnect the hose.
3. Remove the four bolts on the side of the air cleaner assembly.
4. Turn the cover upward to disengage the cover hinges. 5. Remove the air cleaner cover
assembly and air filter element.
6. Inspect or replace the air filter element.
If the air filter element is dirty,
you should replace it. If it is only
dusty, it may be cleaned by
blowing compressed air through
it from the clean side.
Make sure you are away from
the engine compartment when
cleaning the air filter with
compressed air.
Wipe all dust from inside of the
housing and inspect the air
cleaner and air outlet duct for
cracks, cuts and deterioration.
The air outlet duct must be
replaced if damaged.
7. Reverse Steps 1 through 5 to reinstall the engine air cleaner/
filter cover and air duct hose.
{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. If it is not there and the
engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off,
and be careful working on the
engine 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.
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10-14 Vehicle Care
Cooling System
When it is safe to lift the hood:
2.4L L4 Engine shown, 3.5L V6 and3.6L V6 Engines similar
A. Electric Engine Fan
B. Coolant Surge Tank
C. Pressure Cap
{WARNING
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant
surge tank is hot, do not do anything
else until it cools down. The vehicle
should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level should be
between the MIN and MAX lines.
If it is not, you may have a leak at
the radiator hoses, heater hoses,
radiator, water pump, or somewhere
else in the cooling system.
{WARNING
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with
the engine on, check to see if the
electric engine cooling fan is
running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, your vehicle
needs service. Turn off the engine.
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