GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Perform the owner checks and services that are listed below at the intervals specified in order to ensure the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of your vehicle.

For your safety and the safety of others, inspect any of the safety related components that may have been damaged in an accident. Perform any necessary repairs before operating the vehicle.

At the minimum, perform these routine inspections every 6 months or 10 000 km (6,000 mi), whichever occurs first. Complete any necessary repairs before operating the vehicle.

At Each Fuel Fill

Important: Perform these underhood inspections at each fuel fill.

Engine Oil Level Inspection

Inspect the engine oil level. Add the proper oil if necessary. Refer to Engine Oil in Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Engine Coolant Level Inspection

Inspect the engine coolant level. Add the Dexcool® cooling mixture if necessary. Refer to Engine Coolant in Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations . Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps: replace as needed. Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.

Windshield Washer Fluid Level Inspection

Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank. Add the proper fluid if necessary. Refer to Windshield Washer Fluid in Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Tire Inflation Inspection

Inspect the tire inflation. Ensure that the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications .

At Least Twice a Year

Restraint System Inspection

Ensure that the following components are functioning properly:

    • The belts
    • The buckles
    • The latch plates
    • The retractors
    • The anchorages
    • The reminder systems

Inspect for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts.

Repair any components in a condition that might prevent a safety belt system from functioning properly.

Replace any torn or frayed safety belts.

Body Lubrication Service

Notice: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants tells you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.

Lubricate all of the following exposed surfaces:

    • The door checks
    • The door lock bolts
    • The lock strike plates
    • The door hinge bushings
    • The dovetail bumper wedges

Use a dripless oil where oil holes are provided.

Also lubricate the following components:

    • The seat adjusters
    • The seat track
    • The door weatherstrips
    • The rubber hood bumpers

Parking Brake Inspection

Park on a fairly steep hill. Hold the vehicle with the park brake only. This procedure determines the holding ability of the park brake.

Starter Switch Inspection

Caution: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below.

Follow this procedure for the starter switch inspection:

  1. Ensure that there is enough room around the vehicle.
  2. Firmly apply the park brake and the regular brakes.
  3. Notice: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.

  4. On automatic transmission vehicles, attempt to start the engine in each gear. The starter should function only in NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P). If the starter functions in any other position, perform the vehicle service.
  5. On manual transmission vehicles, place the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N). Push the clutch down halfway and attempt to start the engine. The starter should function only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter functions when the clutch is NOT pushed all the way down, perform the vehicle service.

Automatic Transmission Shift Indicator Inspection

Verify that the indicator points to the gear chosen.

Steering Inspection

Be alert for any of the following conditions:

    • Changes in steering action
    • Abnormal front tire wear
    • Changes in steering wheel position

An inspection or service is needed when the following conditions occur:

    • The steering wheel is harder to turn.
    • The steering wheel has too much free play.
    • Strange sounds can be heard during turning or park.

Brake System Inspection

Be alert for any of the following conditions:

    • Illumination of the low air warning lamp
    • The tone alarm
    • Changes in braking action
       - Repeated pulling to one side
       - Unusual sounds during braking
       - Increased brake pedal travel

Ensure that the air brake system reservoirs are drained daily with full system air pressure. Inspect the system for leaks.

Any of these conditions may indicate the need for brake system inspection or service.

Exhaust System Inspection

Be alert for any changes in the sound of the exhaust system or any smell of fumes. These conditions indicate that the system may be leaking. Inspect or repair the exhaust system immediately, if needed.

Windshield Wipers and Washers Inspection

Inspect the following:

    • Inspect the operation and the conditions of the wiper blades.
    • Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
    • Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.

Weatherstrip Lubrication

Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth.

During very cold, damp weather more frequent application may be required.

Engine Cooling System Service

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

Defroster Inspection

Move the control lever to the defrost symbol and the fan to HI or the high symbol. Inspect the airflow from the ducts at the inside base of the windshield.

Mirrors and Sun Visors Inspection

Verify that the friction joints hold the mirrors and the sun visors in place.

Seat Adjuster Inspection

When adjusting a manual seat, ensure that the seat adjuster latches by attempting to move the seat after latching.

Lamps Inspection

Inspect the following lamps on the inside:

    • The panel lighting
    • The warning lights
    • The indicator lights
    • The interior lamps

Inspect the following lamps on the outside:

    • The license plate lamps
    • The sidemarker lamps
    • The reflectors or lights on the outside mirrors
    • The headlamps
    • The park lamps
    • The identification and clearance lamps
    • The tail lamps
    • The brake lamps
    • The turn signals
    • The backup lamps
    • The hazard warning flashers

Inspect the headlamp aim if the beams seem to be inappropriately aimed.

Glass, Mirrors, Lamps, and/or Reflectors Condition Inspection

Inspect all glass, mirrors, lamps, or reflectors for the following conditions:

    • Breaks
    • Scratches
    • Dirt
    • Damage

Any of the above conditions may reduce the view or visibility or cause injury. Replace, clean, or repair promptly if necessary.

Inspect that friction joints hold mirrors and sun visors in place.

Door Latches Inspection

Verify that the doors perform the following functions:

    • Close
    • Latch
    • Lock tightly

Inspect for broken, damaged, or missing parts that might prevent tight latching.

Cab Latches Inspection

Verify that the cab closes firmly.

Inspect for broken, damaged, or missing parts that might prevent tight latching.

Inspect that doors close, latch and lock tightly.

Fluid Leaks Inspection

Inspect for fluid leaks of the following substances by looking at the surface beneath the vehicle after it has been parked for a while:

    • Fuel
    • Coolant
    • Oil
    • Other fluids

Underbody Inspection

Corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal and dust control may collect on the underbody. If these materials are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) may occur on the following underbody parts:

    • The fuel lines
    • The frame
    • The floor pan
    • The exhaust system
    • The underbody flushing

At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody using plain water. Thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris may collect. Loosen the sediment packed in closed areas of the frame before being flushing.

At Least Once a Year

Key Lock Cylinders Service

Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the correct lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Towing Vehicle Protection Breakaway Valve Inspection

On air brake models, perform the following procedures on the tractor protection breakaway valve:

  1. Remove the tractor protection breakaway valve.
  2. Disassemble the tractor protection breakaway valve.
  3. Clean the tractor protection breakaway valve.
  4. Inspect the tractor protection breakaway valve.

Underbody Flushing Service

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