GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement


Object Number: 143208  Size: SH

Look for the Starburst symbol for recommended oils for this engine. The Starburst symbol indicates that the oil is certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry the Starburst symbol.

The engine oil viscosity (thickness) effects the following operations:

    • The engine oil viscosity effects the fuel economy.
    • The engine oil viscosity effects the cold-weather operation (starting and oil flow).

Lower viscosity engine oils provide better fuel economy and provide better cold-weather performance. Higher temperature weather conditions require higher viscosity engine oils for satisfactory lubrication. Using oils of any viscosity other than those recommended could result in engine damage. Consider the range of temperatures the vehicle will be operating in before the next oil change. Select the recommended oil viscosity.

Tire Rotation


Object Number: 143209  Size: MH

Check the tires for abnormal wear. Check the tires for abnormal damage. Rotate the tires to equalize wear and to obtain maximum tire life. Check the wheel alignment if irregular and/or premature wear exists. Check for damaged tires. Do not include the compact spare tire in the tire rotation.

Perform the Brake System Inspection while the tires and wheels are removed. Refer to Brake Pad Inspection in Disc Brakes.

Brake System Inspection

The front brake linings have electronic wear indicators. The electronic wear indicators illuminate the Brake indicator lamp when replacement is needed. Inspect the lining during the tire rotation. The rear brake linings do not have a wear indicator system. Visually inspect the rear brake linings as follows:

Brake Lining Inspection Procedure


    Object Number: 143212  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the front brake inner linings for wear through the opening on the top of the brake caliper. Note that the pad linings are slightly beveled.
  2. View from the end of the caliper to inspect the front brake outer linings for wear.
  3. Replace the front linings if one of the following conditions is present:
  4. 3.1. Replace the front linings if the Brake indicator lamp is on. The brake indicator lamp indicates worn linings.
    3.2. Replace the front linings if either the inner or the outer linings are worn to within 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) of the lining plate or the rivets.
    3.3. Replace the front linings if worn unevenly.
    3.4. Replace the front linings if the wear surface is worn beveled.
    3.5. Refer to Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.

    Object Number: 143213  Size: SH
  5. Inspect the rear brake linings for wear through the opening on the top of the rear caliper.
  6. Replace the rear linings if one of the following conditions is present:
  7. 5.1. Replace the rear linings if either the inner or the outer linings are worn to within 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) of the lining plate or the rivets.
    5.2. Replace the rear linings if worn unevenly.
    5.3. Replace the rear linings if the wear surface is worn beveled.
    5.4. Refer to Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  8. Inspect the front rotor surface and inspect the rear rotor surface for the following conditions:
  9. • Inspect the surface for excessive rust.
    • If excessive rust is evident, refinish or replace the rotor.
    • Inspect the surface for variation in color. Variation in color indicates a warped rotor.
    • If variation in color is evident, refinish or replace the rotor.
  10. Inspect the front wear indicator sensors and inspect the wire leads for the following conditions:
  11. • Inspect for cuts.
    • Inspect for broken leads.
    • Inspect for poor connection to the inner pads.
    • Replace the wear indicator and/or replace the wire leads if any of the above is evident.
  12. Inspect the hoses for the following conditions:
  13. • Inspect the hoses for twisted hook up.
    • Properly attach the hose(s) if twisted.
    • Inspect the hoses for cuts.
    • Replace the hose(s) if cut.
    • Inspect the hoses for nicks.
    • Replace the hose(s) if nicked.
  14. Inspect the pipe fitting and inspect the hose connections for leaks. Wet spots around the fittings indicates leakage. Tighten or replace the components as necessary.
  15. Inspect the parking brake system. Inspect the parking brake shoes for wear, the hardware for corrosion and damage, the integral brake drum for scoring and rust, the brake cables for kinking and damaged corrosion protection, and the brake cable mounts for damage and missing pieces.

Air Cleaner Filter Inspection and Replacement

Important: Improper installation of the air cleaner filter may affect vehicle emissions.

Only qualified individuals are authorized to service the air cleaner filter.

Replace the air cleaner filter every 96 000 km (60,000 miles).

  1. Disconnect the air intake hose from the air cleaner cover.
  2. Remove the air cleaner cover retaining screws (or clips, if equipped).
  3. Remove the air cleaner cover.
  4. Remove the air cleaner filter.
  5. Inspect the air cleaner filter condition.
  6. Replace the air cleaner filter if any of the following conditions are evident:
  7. • Replace a damaged filter.
    • Replace a heavily soiled filter.
  8. Install the air cleaner filter in the air cleaner cover.
  9. Install the air cleaner cover to the air cleaner housing.
  10. Install the air cleaner cover retaining screws (or clips, if equipped).
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the air cleaner cover retaining screws until fully seated and not stripped.

  12. Connect the air intake hose to the air cleaner cover.

Passenger Compartment Air Filter (Pollen Filter) Replacement

The passenger compartment air filter is located in the air inlet for the heater and air conditioning module, under the passenger side air inlet grille (leaf screen). Refer to Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement in HVAC with Automatic A/C.

Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection

Inspect the following for damage and/or leaks:

    • Inspect the fuel tank.
    • Replace the fuel tank as necessary.
    • Inspect the cap.
    • Replace the cap as necessary.
    • Inspect the lines.
    • Replace the lines as necessary.

Inspect fuel cap gasket for an even filler neck imprint or for any damage. Replace as necessary.

Rear Axle Fluid Level Check

The vehicle must be level when inspecting fluid level. The vehicle does not have to be supported by the suspension. Remove the inspection plug from the side of the differential to inspect the fluid level. The fluid level should be at the lower edge of inspection plug opening. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations for proper fluid level if additional fluid is needed.

Automatic Transmission Service

Use DEXRON® III fluid, GM P/N 12346143. Refer to Changing Fluid and Oil Filter for procedure. Change both the fluid and the filter every 83 000 km (50,000 miles) if used under one of the following conditions:

    • If used in heavy traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 32°C (90°F).
    • If used in hilly terrain.
    • If used in mountainous terrain.
    • If used when doing frequent trailer towing.
    • If used under high performance operation.

The fluid and the filter does not require changing if the vehicle is not used under any of these conditions.

Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection

Inspect the drive belt for wear. Cracks in the belt ribs will not impair belt performance. Do not replace the drive belt if cracks in the belt ribs are evident. Replace the belt if the following conditions are evident:

    • Replace the belt if sections of the belt are missing.
    • Replace the belt if the belt is frayed, refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical.

Spark Plug Replacement

The spark plugs have a platinum tip. Replace the spark plugs every 160 000 km (100,000 miles), refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Electrical. Use the J 42068 Spark Plug Adapter Sleeve special tool to prevent possible crossthreading or cracking when removing and installing spark plugs. Refer to Maintenance Items for replacement spark plugs and gap specifications.

Spark Plug Wire Inspection

  1. Clean the wires.
  2. Inspect for the following conditions:
  3. • Inspect for burns.
    • Inspect for cracks.
    • Inspect for damage.
  4. Check the wire boot fit at the ignition coils.
  5. Check the wire boot fit at the spark plugs.
  6. Replace the wires as necessary, refer to Spark Plug Wire Harness Replacement in Engine Electrical.

Timing Belt Replacement

Notice: Failure to follow the described timing belt inspection and maintenance may result in a broken timing belt and cause severe engine damage.

Replace the timing belt at 60,000 miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle was driven without an engine coolant heater and where temperatures fall below -28 degrees C (-20 degrees F). Reset the cold start counter after replacing the timing belt.

Replace the timing belt at 100,000 miles (160 000 km) if the above condition does not apply.

The J 42069 Timing Belt Alignment Kit special tool must be used to properly install and adjust the belt. If the belt is improperly installed or if the belt is improperly adjusted the following will be seriously affected:

    • The vehicle emissions.
    • The driveability.
    • The belt life.

Engine damage will occur if the belt fails. Refer to Timing Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical for belt replacement and adjustment procedures.

Fuel Filter Replacement

Replace fuel filter every 100,000 miles (160 000 km). Refer to In-Line Fuel Filter Replacement for Fuel Filter replacement procedure.

Cooling System Service

Notice: When adding coolant, use DEX-COOL® coolant. If silicated coolant is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner-at 50 000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.

This vehicle was manufactured with GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL™. DEX-COOL™ was developed to last for 240 000 km (150,000 miles) or 5 years, whichever occurs first. Use only GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL™ (orange colored, silicate free) when coolant is added or when coolant is changed. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling for draining and refilling procedure. Add two engine coolant supplement pellets (GM P/N 3634621 or equivalent) when refilling the system.