GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The following information covers the tests, inspections, and services required to train the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.

Complete the necessary repairs and procedures on time. Use only the recommended fluids and lubricants. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

At Each Fuel Fill

Perform the following underhood procedures at each fuel fill.

Engine Oil Level

Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Notice: It is important to check the engine oil regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle warranty.

Engine Coolant Level

Inspect the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL® coolant mixture when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Windshield Washer Fluid Level

Inspect the fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

At Least Once a Month

Tire Inflation

Visually inspect tires including the spare tire. Verify that the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver door lock pillar. Refer to Vehicle Certification Label .

Cassette Tape Player Service

If applicable, clean the tape player for every 50 hours of tape play.

At Least Once a Year

Starter Switch Check

    Caution: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.

    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.

  1. Ensure that you have enough room around the vehicle, which should be parked on a level surface.
  2. Firmly apply both the park brake and the regular brake.
  3. Start the engine:
  4. • On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, the vehicle needs service.
    • On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch is not pushed all the way down, the vehicle needs service.

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Check

    Caution: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.

    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.

  1. Ensure that you have enough room around the vehicle, which should be parked on a level surface.
  2. Firmly apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
  3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position, but don't start the engine.
  4. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort.
  5. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), the vehicle needs service.

Ignition Transmission Lock Check

  1. With the vehicle parked, set the parking brake.
  2. Try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position:
  3. • With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
    • With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when you press the key release button.
  4. On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.

Park Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check

Caution: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.

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.

Caution: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of the vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.

Follow this procedure to test the park brake and the automatic transmission PARK mechanism:

  1. Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
  2. Keep your foot on the hydraulic brake pedal.
  3. With the park brake set, perform the following test:
  4. 3.1. Start the engine.
    3.2. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
    3.3. Slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. If the vehicle moves, refer to Park Brake Adjustment in Park Brake.
  5. In order to check the PARK (P) mechanism of an automatic transmission, additionally perform the following test:
  6. 4.1. Shift to PARK (P).
    4.2. Release all brakes. If the vehicle moves, refer to Park Brake Adjustment in Park Brake.

Underbody Flushing Service

At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.