If the LOW OIL LEVEL message on the Driver Information Center comes on, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see Driver Information Center (DIC) .

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

It's a good idea to check your engine oil level 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 handle is a yellow ring located near the coolant surge tank. See Engine Compartment Overview for more information on location.

Turn off the engine and give the oil a few 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 a cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down.

If the oil is at or below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, 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 .

See "Racing or Other Competitive Driving" under Starting the Engine for additional information on engine oil.

Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, the engine could be damaged.

The engine oil fill cap is located in the engine compartment on top of the valve cover on the passenger's side of the vehicle. 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.

Look for two things:

Notice: Using oils that do not have the GM4718M Standard designation can cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.

Oils meeting these requirements should also have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

You should look for this on the oil container, and use only those oils that are identified as meeting GM Standard 4718M and havethe starburst symbol on the front of the oil container.

Your vehicle's engine is filled at the factory with a Mobil 1® synthetic oil, which meets all requirements for your vehicle.

Substitute Engine Oil: When adding oil to maintain engine oil level, oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M may not be available. You can add substitute oil designated SAE 5W-30 with the starburst symbol at all temperatures. If temperatures are above 0°F (-18°C), you may substitute SAE 10W-30 with the starburst symbol. Substitute oil not meeting GM Standard GM4718M should not be used for an oil change.

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 that lets you know when to change your engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not onmileage. 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 OIL SOON message will come on. Change youroil as soon as possible within the next two times you stop for fuel. It is possiblethat, if you are driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may not indicatethat an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and filtermust 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. Itis 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 Oil Soon Message

The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change your engine oil andfilter 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 OIL SOON message being turned on, reset the system.

To reset the CHANGE OIL SOON message after an oil change, do the following:

1. Turn the ignition to ON, with the engine off.
2. Press the TRIP button so the OIL LIFE percentage is displayed.
3. Press RESET and hold for two seconds. OIL LIFE REMAIN 100% will appear.

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 byputting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams orbodies 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 servicestation or a local recycling center for help.