GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Drain the engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
  3. Remove the oil filter cap. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
  4. Remove the oil filter and discard.
  5. Disconnect the oil level sensor/switch wiring harness connector. Refer to Engine Controls Component Views in Engine Controls - 3.5L.

  6. Object Number: 235252  Size: SH
  7. Remove the A/T brace. Refer to Transmission Brace Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.

  8. Object Number: 256333  Size: SH
  9. Remove the oil pan retaining bolts.
  10. Remove the oil pan (2) from the lower crankcase.
  11. Remove the oil pan gasket. Scrape any remaining gasket material from the pan rail surfaces. DO NOT damage the sealing surface.

  12. Object Number: 235247  Size: SH
  13. If replacing the oil pan remove the oil level sensor/switch.
  14. Clean and inspect the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 235247  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  1. If removed install the oil level sensor/switch.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the oil level sensor/switch to 9 N·m (80 lb in).


    Object Number: 256333  Size: SH
  3. Install a new oil pan gasket.
  4. Install the oil pan (2) to the lower crankcase.
  5. Loosely install the oil pan retaining bolts.
  6. Install the A/T brace and the two brace-to-cylinder block bolts. DO NOT install the brace-to-oil pan bolts.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the A/T brace-to-cylinder block bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  8. Loosely install the A/T brace-to-oil pan bolts (4).
  9. To ensure proper mounting of the transaxle, align the cast boss on the rear of the oil pan so it is flush with the rear of the cylinder block face. Use a straight edge in order to check the pan alignment from the rear of the block face to the bolt boss on the oil pan.

  10. Object Number: 287781  Size: SH
  11. Press the forward part of the oil pan against the A/T brace. Be sure to keep the rear of the oil pan flush with the rear face of the cylinder block.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the A/T brace-to-oil pan bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 287902  Size: SH
  13. Keep the rear of the oil pan flush with the rear cylinder block and tighten the oil pan retaining bolts.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the oil pan retaining bolts in sequence shown to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  15. Tighten the remaining A/T brace bolts to the transmission. Refer to Transmission Brace Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.
  16. Connect the oil level sensor wiring harness connector. Refer to Engine Controls Component Views in Engine Controls - 3.5L.
  17. Install the oil pan drain plug. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
  18. Install the oil filter cap with new oil filter. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement and Maintenance Items .
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Fill the engine with new engine oil. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication
  21. Inspect for leaks.
  22. Verify oil level.