If the oil pressure light and/or the Oil Pressure Low -- Stop Engine message on the DIC appears on the instrument cluster, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away.

For more information, see "Oil Pressure Low -- Stop Engine" under DIC Warnings and Messages and Oil Pressure Light .

You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.

It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.

The engine oil dipstick is located on the driver's side of the engine compartment, near the front of the vehicle. The dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See Engine Compartment Overview for more information on location.

Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.

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.

If the oil is at or below the lower mark, then you'll need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications .

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.

The engine oil fill cap is located in the center of the engine compartment. See Engine Compartment Overview for more information on location.

Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you're through.

Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the starburst symbol.

This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this starburst symbol.

If you choose to perform the engine oil change service yourself, be sure the oil you use has the starburst symbol on the front of the oil container. If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put into your engine is American Petroleum Institute certified for gasoline engines.

You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your vehicle, as shown in the viscosity chart.

SAE 10W-30 is the viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W-30 if it's going to be colder than 60°F (16°C) before your next oil change. When it's very cold, colder than 0°F (-18°C), you should use an SAE 5W-30 oil. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity grade oils, such as SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50 under any conditions.

Notice: Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by your warranty.

GM Goodwrench® oil meets all the requirements for your vehicle.

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.

Don't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good performance and engine protection.

Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know 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 will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.

When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary. A Change Engine Oil message in the DIC will come on. Change your oil as soon as possible within the next two times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service people who will perform this work using genuine GM parts and reset the system. It is also important to check your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.

How to Reset the Change Engine Oil Message and the Oil Life Indicator

The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a Change Engine Oil Message in the DIC being turned on, reset the system.

After the oil has been changed, the Change Engine Oil message and the oil life indicator must be reset. To reset the message and indicator, use one of the following procedures:

Base Audio System

Press the CLR button located to the right of the DIC display to acknowledge the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message. This will clear the message from the display and reset it.

To reset the oil life indicator, use the following steps:

1. Press the up or down arrow on the INFO button located to the right of the DIC display to access the DIC menu.
2. Once XXX% ENGINE OIL LIFE menu item is highlighted, press and hold the CLR button.

The percentage will return to 100, and the oil life indicator will be reset.

3. Repeat the steps if the percentage does not return to 100.

Navigation System

Press the multi-function button, next to the OK prompt in the upper right of the display to acknowledge the Change Engine Oil message. This will clear the message from the display and reset it.

To reset the oil life indicator, use the following steps:

1. Turn the system on by pressing the PWR/VOL knob once. The PWR/VOL knob is located to the lower left of the DIC display.
2. Press the INFO button located to the left of the display to access the Vehicle Info (Information) menu.
3. Turn the TUNE/SEL knob located to the lower right of the display until Engine Oil Life is highlighted. Press the knob once to select it.
4. Once XXX% Engine Oil Life is displayed, press the multi-function button next to the Reset prompt in the upper right corner of the display.

The percentage will return to 100, and the oil life indicator will be reset.

5. Repeat the steps if the percentage does not return to 100.

Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Don't 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. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.