GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The following information covers the checks and services required in order to retain the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.

Ensure any necessary repairs are completed on time. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to the vehicle, ensure that the fluids are the proper ones. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

At Each Fuel Fill

It is important to perform these underhood check at each fuel fill.

Engine Oil Level

Inspect the engine oil level. Add the proper oil if necessary.

In order to select the proper fluids and lubricants, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Engine Coolant Level

Inspect the engine coolant levels. Add the proper coolant mixture, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Windshield Washer Fluid Level

Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir. Add the proper fluid, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

At Least Once a Month

Tire Inflation: Test the tire inflation. Verify that the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the tire placard located on the driver's door lock pillar. Refer to Tire Placard in General Information.

Cassette Deck: Clean the playback heads and the capstan on the cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play. Refer to Cassette Player Care and Cleaning Tape Head and Capstan in Entertainment.

At Least Once a Year

Key Lock Cylinders: Lubricate the lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Body Lubrication: Lubricate all of the following areas:

    • The body door hinges
    • The body hood
    • The fuel door
    • The rear compartment hinges
    • The rear compartment latches and locks
    • The instrument panel compartment hinges
    • The instrument panel compartment latch
    • The instrument panel compartment lock cylinder
    • The console cover hinges and latch.
    • The seat hardware

More frequent lubrication may be required when the vehicle is exposed to a corrosive environment. In order to locate the proper lubricant, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Starter Switch:

    • Before you start, ensure that you have enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle jumps suddenly.
    • Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. Do not use the accelerator pedal. Be prepared to turn off the engine immediately if the engine starts.
    • 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.

Steering Column Lock:

While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to LOCK in each shift lever position.

With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).

On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key to lock without the button. The key should turn to LOCK only with the key button depressed.

Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check.

Caution: When performing 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 the vehicle begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once, should the vehicle begin to move.

Follow this procedure in order to test the parking brake and 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. Set the parking brake.
  4. Use the following procedure In order to test the parking brake:
  5. 4.1. Start the engine.
    4.2. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
    4.3. Slowly remove foot pressure from the hydraulic brake pedal.
  6. In order to test the PARK (P) mechanism, follow steps 1-3 above then do the following steps:
  7. 5.1. Shift to PARK (P).
    5.2. Release all the brakes.

Lap and Shoulder Belts Condition and Operation:

Inspect all of the following belt system components:

    • The webbing
    • The buckles
    • The latch plates
    • The retractors
    • The guide loops
    • The anchors

Replace the belt if the webbing has been cut or otherwise damaged.