GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Engine Oil Requirements


Object Number: 65536  Size: MH

The vehicle's engine requires oil meeting GM Standard GM6094M. Use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. GM Goodwrench® oil meets all the requirements.

The viscosity chart shows, SAE 5W-30 is best for the vehicle. However, if the temperature will be 0°F (-18°C) or above and SAE 5W-30 is not available, you may use SAE 10W-30.

These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50.


Object Number: 65538  Size: SH

Oils meeting these requirements should also have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

You should look for this information on the oil container, and use those oils that are identified as meeting GM Standard GM6094M and have the starburst symbol on the front of the oil container.

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 your engine at extremely low temperatures.

When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL light comes on, service is required for the vehicle. On vehicles driven under the best conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate that vehicle service 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.

If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally, the customer must have the vehicle serviced within 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since your last service. Reset the oil life system whenever you change the oil. Refer to GM Oil Life System Resetting for information on the engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.

Maintenance Schedule

When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL light appears, certain services and inspections are required. Required services are described in the following paragraphs for Maintenance I and Maintenance II. It is recommended that the first service on a vehicle be Maintenance I, the second service be Maintenance  II and that you alternate between the two thereafter. However, in some cases, Maintenance II may be required more often.

Maintenance I: Use Maintenance I if the CHANGE ENGINE OIL light comes on within 10 months since vehicle was purchased or if Maintenance II was performed.

Maintenance II: Use Maintenance II if the previous service performed was Maintenance I. Always use Maintenance II whenever the CHANGE ENGINE OIL light comes on 10 months or more since the last service or if the CHANGE ENGINE OIL light has not come on at all for one year.

Service

Maintenance I

Maintenance II

Change the engine oil and filter. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical.

Reset the oil life system. Refer to GM Oil Life System Resetting .

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Lubricate chassis components.

Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering linkage, transmission shift linkage and parking brake cable guides. Ball joints should not be lubricated unless their temperature is -12°C (10°F) or higher, or they could be damaged.

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Inspect the vehicle for leaks or damage. A fluid loss in the vehicle system could indicate a problem. Inspect, repair, and add fluid to the system if necessary.

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Inspect the engine air cleaner filter. If necessary, replace the filter. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however, urge that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded.

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Rotate the tires and inspect the tire inflation pressures and the tire wear. Refer to Tread Wear Indicators Description and to Tire Rotation in Tires and Wheels.

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Inspect the brake system.

Inspect the brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect the disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect the drum brake linings for wear or cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Inspect the parking brake adjustment.

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Inspect the engine coolant and the windshield washer fluid levels. Add fluid as needed.

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Inspect the suspension and steering components. Inspect front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect constant velocity joints, rubber boots and axle seals for leaks.

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Inspect the engine cooling system.

Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace with GM parts as needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is recommended at least once a year.

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Inspect the wiper blades.

Inspect the wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace the blade elements that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Refer to Wiper Blade Element Replacement in Wiper/Washer Systems

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Inspect the restraint system components.

Ensure the safety belt reminder light and all the belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, repair or replaced it. Replace torn or frayed safety belts, refer to Operational and Functional Checks in Seat Belts. Inspect for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and repair or replaced it. (The air bag system does require regular maintenance.)

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Lubricate the body components.

Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assemblies, secondary latches, pivots, spring anchor and release pawl, hood and door hinges, rear folding seats and liftgate hinges. Frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication. Applying dielectric silicone grease GM P/N 12345579 (Canadian P/N 1974984) or equivalent on the weatherstrips with a clean cloth.

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Inspect the transmission fluid level and add fluid as needed. Refer to Fluid Capacity Specifications in Automatic Transmission.

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Additional Maintenance Services

Perform the following services during the first maintenance (Maintenance I or Maintenance II) after the indicated kilometers (miles) shown for each item.

Service

41 500 km (25,000 mi)

83 000 km (50,000 mi)

125 000 km (75,000 mi)

166 000 km (100,000 mi)

207 500 km (125,000 mi)

240 000 km (150,000 mi)

Inspect the fuel system for damage or leaks.

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Inspect the exhaust system for loose or damaged components.

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Replace the engine air cleaner filter. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls.

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Transmission Severe Service

Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter, refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement in Automatic Transmission, if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:

    • Heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 32°C (90°F) or higher
    • Hilly or mountainous terrain
    • Frequent trailer towing
    • Taxi, police or delivery service

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Transmission Normal Service

Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement in Automatic Transmission.

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Change the transfer case fluid.

Add fluid as required. (A fluid loss could indicate a problem; repair as required) Inspect the vent hose at the transfer case for kinks and proper installation. Refer to Transfer Case Fluid Replacement in Transfer Case.

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Inspect the spark plug wires and replace the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement and Spark Plug Wire Inspection in Engine Controls.

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Engine cooling system service or every 5 years, whichever occurs first. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling Pressure Cap Testing Cooling System Leak Testing Flushing in Engine Cooling.

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Inspect the engine accessory drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Excessive Wear Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.

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