GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 .

Engine Oil and Filter Change

For the engine oil and filter changing procedure, refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.0L or Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.5L.

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

Engine Oil Quality

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.


Object Number: 65538  Size: SH

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.

Engine Oil Viscosity


Object Number: 65536  Size: MH

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 E/J Truck is SAE 5W-30.

Engine oil viscosity has an effect on fuel economy and the cold-weather operation. Lower viscosity engine oils can provide better fuel economy and cold-weather performance. However, higher temperature weather conditions 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 this vehicle at any time.

Chassis Lubrication

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

Lubrication Points (Rear-Wheel Drive)


Object Number: 179739  Size: MF
(1)Propeller Shaft-Slip Joint
(2)Rear Axle Differential
(3)Clutch Actuator
(4)Master Cylinder
(5)Oil Filter
(6)Steering Gear
(7)Engine
(8)Steering Linkage
(9)Wheel Bearings
(10)Air Cleaner
(11)Transmission

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

Lubricating Joints that have Grease Fittings

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.

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. Refer to Tire Rotation in Tires and Wheels. Irregular or premature wear may indicate a problem.

Drive Belt Inspection

Inspect the accessory drive belts for the following:

    • Cracks
    • Fraying
    • Wear
    • Proper tension
        Belts can have small cracks in individual ribs without affecting performance. Replace as needed. Refer to the appropriate procedure(s) for drive belt removal and installation:
       -  Fan Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.0L
       -  Generator and Air Conditioning Compressor and Power Steering Pump Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.0L
       -  Fan and Generator Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.5L(LE8)
       -  Drive Belt Replacement - Air Conditioning Compressor and Power Steering in Engine Mechanical - 2.5L (LE8)

Automatic Transmission Service

Change both the fluid and the fluid filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals. For maintenance schedule information, refer to Maintenance Schedule .

For the fluid and filter changing procedure, refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4 Speed - M41.

Spark Plug Replacement

Replace the spark plugs according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type. For maintenance schedule information, refer to Maintenance Schedule .

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 - 2.0L or Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 2.5L.

Air Cleaner Filter Replacement

Replace the air cleaner element according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type. For maintenance schedule information, refer to Maintenance Schedule .

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 - 2.0L or Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls - 2.5L.

Fuel Tanks, Cap and Lines Inspection

Inspect the following components for damage or leaks:

    • The fuel tank
    • The fuel cap
    • The fuel lines
    • The fuel rails
    • The fuel injection assemblies

Inspect the fuel cap gasket for an even filler neck imprint and any damage. Replace parts as needed.

Cooling System Service

Drain, flush and refill the cooling system with new coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling and Flushing in Engine Cooling.