For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items, refer to Maintenance Schedule .

The following text and illustrations describe the details of the required scheduled maintenance services.

For information on the proper fluids and lubricants to use, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

For the engine oil and filter changing procedure, refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical -4.3L.

For information on the correct engine oil quality and viscosity, refer to the following:

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 the warranty.

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

Notice: Using oils of any viscosity other than those recommended could result in engine damage. When choosing an oil, consider the range of temperatures the vehicle will be operated in before the next oil change. Then, select the recommended oil viscosity.

The recommended oil viscosity for the M/L Van is SAE 5W-30.

Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on the fuel economy and the cold-weather operation (starting and oil flow). Lower viscosity engine oils can provide better fuel economy and cold-weather performance. However, higher temperature weather condition require higher viscosity engine oils for satisfactory lubrication. When the temperature is consistently above -18°C (0°F), SAE 10W-30 can be used. SAE 20W-50 or oils of other viscosity rating or quality designations are NOT recommended for use in any GMC vehicle at any time.

Important: If your vehicle is operated in an area where the temperature falls below -29°C (-20°F), consider using a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 0W-30. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for the engine at extremely low temperatures.

Notice: Using oils of any viscosity other than those recommended could result in engine damage. When choosing an oil, consider the range of temperatures the vehicle will be operated in before the next oil change. Then, select the recommended oil viscosity.

Important: When adding to, or changing the engine oil, use ONLY oils of the proper quality.

In countries other than the United States and Canada, it may be difficult to find engine oils that display the API STARBURST symbol certifying the oil is for use in gasoline engines. If you are unable to find engine oils displaying the API STARBURST symbol, use engine oils that meet API Service SJ and/or ACEA A1-96, ACEA A2-96, or ACEA A3-96 requirements as shown in the chart above.

Notice: Do not lubricate the parking brake cables. Lubrication destroys the plastic coating on the cable.

Refer to the illustration for the location of the lubrication points for the chassis. Lubricate the transmission shift linkage, the park brake guides, the underbody contact points and linkage.

(1)	Engine Oil Filter
(2)	Master Brake Cylinder
(3)	Power Steering Fluid
(4)	Engine Oil
(5)	Automatic Transmission
(6)	Park Brake Linkage
(7)	Rear Axle

Refer to the illustration for the location of the grease fittings.

Important: Wipe off all dirt from the grease fitting before lubricating the joint. Ball joints should not be lubricated unless their temperature is -12°C (10°F) or higher. During cold weather, the ball joint should be allowed to warm up as necessary before being lubricated. Use a low-pressure grease gun on all joints to prevent seal damage.

Apply grease slowly while watching the grease seal. Apply grease until grease is seen bleeding from the seal. If the seal expands but no grease is seen, do not apply any more grease and allow time for the grease to bleed from the seal.

For RWD, lubricate the steering linkage (1), the upper and lower ball joint (2), and the wheel bearing (3).

For A4WD, lubricate the steering linkage (1) and the upper and lower ball joint (2).

Tire and Wheel Inspection and Rotation

Check the tires for abnormal wear for damage. Rotate the tires to equalize the wear and obtain maximum tire life. Irregular or premature wear may indicate a problem.

Accessory Drive Belt Inspection

Inspect the accessory drive belts for the following:

•

Cracks

•

Fraying

•

Wear

•	Proper tension

Replace as needed. (Belts can have many small cracks in individual ribs without affecting the performance.) For drive belt replacement, refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical.

Automatic Transmission Service

Change both the fluid and the filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals. Use the proper fluid.

For the fluid and filter changing procedure, refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement in Automatic Transmission.

Spark Plug Replacement

Replace the spark plugs according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type.

For information on the correct type of spark plug, refer to Maintenance Items .

For the spark plug replacement procedure, refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls.

Spark Plug Wire Inspection

Clean the spark plug wires and inspect for burns, cracks or other damage. Check the wire boot fit at the coils and at the spark plugs. Replace wires as needed. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement in Engine Controls.

Air Cleaner Filter Replacement

Replace the air cleaner filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type.

For information on the correct type of air cleaner filter, refer to Maintenance Items .

For the air cleaner filter replacement procedure, refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls.

Drive Axle Service

Change the axle fluid according to the maintenance schedule intervals. For the maintenance schedule refer to Maintenance Schedule .

For axle capacities refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities in Maintenance and Lubrication.

For the procedure to check the fluid level refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection .