GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1997 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.8L 🢒 Oil Pan Replacement

Removal Procedure
    • J 28467-A Universal Support Fixture
    • J 41044 Engine Support Adapters
  1. Remove the ignition coils. Refer to SECTION 6D4.
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to SECTION 0A.
  3. Drain the engine oil.
  4. Remove the automatic transmission converter cover.
  5. Remove the engine mount through bolts. Remove the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement .
  6. Use the J 28467-A and the J 41044 in order to raise the engine.

    7. Object Number: 27183 Size: SH
  7. Remove the oil level indicator sensor electrical connector.

    8. Notice: Remove the oil level sensor, located in the oil pan, before the oil pan is removed. The sensor may be damaged if the oil pan is removed first.

  8. Remove the oil level indicator sensor.

    9. Object Number: 35860 Size: SH
  9. Remove the oil pan bolts.
  10. Remove the oil pan. Lower the rear of the oil pan while rotating it outward.

    11. Object Number: 26152 Size: SH
  11. Remove the oil pan gasket.
  12. Clean the oil pan gasket surfaces.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 741054 Size: SH
  1. Apply a continuous bead 6.35 mm (0.25 in) thick of RTV sealer GM P/N 12378521 (Canadian P/N 88901148) to the bottom side of the new gasket. Apply the RTV sealant directly over the gaskets sealing bead.

    2. Notice: Install the oil level sensor, located in the oil pan, after the oil pan is installed. The sensor may be damaged if the oil level sensor is installed first.

  2. Install the oil pan gasket.

    3. Object Number: 1341869 Size: SH
  3. Apply a continuous bead 6.35 mm (0.25 in) thick of RTV sealer GM P/N 12378521 (Canadian P/N 88901148) to the topside of the new gasket. Apply the RTV sealant directly over the gaskets sealing bead.

    4. Object Number: 35860 Size: SH
  4. Install the oil pan.

    5. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Install the oil pan bolts.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the oil pan bolts to 14 N·m (125 lb in).


    Object Number: 27183 Size: SH
  6. Install the oil level indicator sensor.
  7. Install the oil level indicator sensor electrical connector.
  8. Lower the engine.
  9. Install the engine mount through bolts. Install the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement .
  10. Install the automatic transmission converter cover.
  11. Install the exhaust catalytic converter pipe. Refer to Catalytic Converter Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  12. Lower the vehicle.
  13. Install the ignition coils. Refer to SECTION 6D4.
  14. Refill the engine oil.