Engine Oil Level

The Low Oil indicator lamp is a back-up warning system and should not take the place of periodically checking the oil level. To check the engine oil level:

1. Check the engine oil level when the oil is warm.
2. With the vehicle on a level surface, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back to the oil pan.
3. Pull out the oil level indicator (dipstick) and wipe it clean.
4. Insert the oil level indicator and push it back down all the way.
5. Pull out the oil level indicator keeping the tip down.
6. Look at the level of oil on the oil level indicator.

Add oil if needed to keep the oil level above the ADD line and within the cross-hatched operating range area.

7. Avoid overfilling. Overfilling may cause engine damage.
8. Push the oil level indicator back down all the way after taking the reading.

Engine Coolant Level and Condition

The Low Coolant indicator lamp informs the driver when the engine coolant level becomes low. This indicator lamp should not take the place of periodically checking the engine coolant. Check the engine coolant level in the coolant reservoir. The level should be at the KALT/COLD mark (reservoir seam). Add 50/50 mixture of coolant and water if necessary, to correct fluid level. Replace the coolant if dirty or if required as normal maintenance.

Windshield Washer Solvent Level

The Low Washer indicator lamp informs the driver if the washer solvent is low. Check the washer solvent level in the reservoir any time the hood is opened. Add solvent if necessary.

Hood Latch Operation

Note the operation of the secondary latch when opening the hood. It should keep the hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released. Check that the hood closes firmly. Refer to Hood Adjustment .

Tire and Wheel Inspection and Pressure Check

Check the tires for abnormal wear and check the tires for damage, especially if any suspension damage is noted. Check for damaged wheels. Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold (include spare tire). Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications for pressure specifications or refer to the tire placard on the driver's door.

Lamp Operation

Check the operation of the following lamps:

Fluid Level Check

Periodically inspect the surface beneath the vehicle after the vehicle has been parked for a while for the following substances:

Water dripping from the air conditioning system after use is normal. The cause of fuel or other fluid leaks, or fumes should be found and corrected at once.

Power Steering System Fluid Level

Check and keep at proper level. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid in Power Steering.

Brake System Fluid Level

Check the fluid level. Keep the fluid at the proper level. A low fluid level can indicate worn disc pads which may need to be serviced.

Weatherstrip Lubrication

Clean the surface. Use a clean cloth to apply a thin film of silicone grease, GM P/N 12345579 or equivalent.

Parking Brake and Transmission Park Mechanism Operation

Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could begin to move. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room in front of the vehicle, in case the vehicle begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately should the vehicle begin to move.

Perform the following steps to check the parking brake:

1. Turn the ignition to the run position.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL position.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal until the vehicle is held only by the parking brake.

Perform the following steps to check the automatic transmission park mechanism holding ability:

1. Shift the transmission to the PARK position.
2. Release all the brakes.

Check the adjustment of the shift control linkage if the vehicle moves. Refer to Shift Control Linkage Adjustment in Automatic Transmission.

Transmission Neutral Start Operation

Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn OFF the engine immediately if it starts.

Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should crank only in PARK and NEUTRAL.

Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Operation

Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately should the vehicle begin to move.

Perform the following steps to check the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI):

1. Turn the ignition ON with the engine not running.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Allow room for vehicle movement.
4. The transmission should not be able to shift out of PARK without first applying standard brakes.
5. Refer to Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Operation in Automatic Transmission if the BTSI is inoperative.

Steering Column Lock Operation

Try to turn the key to LOCK in each gear range while parked. The key should turn to LOCK only when the gear selector is in PARK. The key should come out only in LOCK.

Lap and Shoulder Belts Condition and Operation

Inspect the following components:

Movable Head Restraint Operation

Make sure movable head restraints stay in the desired position.

Seatback Recliner Operation

Push and pull on the top of the seatback while it is in the reclined position to check that the recliner is holding.

Spare Tire and Jack Storage

Be alert to rattles in the rear of the vehicle. Check that the following are securely stowed:

Oil the jack screw mechanism after each use.

Key Lock Service

Lubricate the key lock cylinder. DO NOT lubricate the instrument panel compartment lock.

Body Lubrication Service

Use engine oil to lubricate the following hinges:

The hood latch requires a special lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations for the proper hood latch lubricant.

Underbody Flushing

Flush the underbody at least every spring for any corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal and for dust control. Use plain water. Thoroughly clean any areas where mud or other debris can collect. Loosen any sediment packed in closed areas of the vehicle before being flushed.

Engine Cooling System

1. Inspect the coolant and the freeze protection.
2. Drain the coolant if dirty.
3. Refill with a mix of GM DEX-COOL® coolant and clean drinkable water.

Keep the coolant at the proper mixture for proper freeze protection.

4. Add two engine coolant supplement sealant pellets, GM P/N 3634621 or equivalent.
5. Inspect the hoses for the following damage:

•	Inspect for cracks.

•	Replace if cracks are evident.

•	Inspect for swelling.

•	Replace if swelling is evident.

•	Inspect for deterioration.

•	Replace if deterioration is evident.

6. Clean the outside of the radiator and the air conditioning condenser.
7. Wash the filler cap and the neck.
8. A pressure test of both the cooling system and the cap is recommended to help ensure proper operation.