GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

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

Engine Oil and Oil Filter Change

For the engine oil and oil filter changing procedure refer to the following:

    •  Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8 L
    •  Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 5.7 L

Engine Oil Quality


Object Number: 65538  Size: SH

Important: DO NOT use engine oil additives in Camaro and Firebird engines.

When changing or adding to the motor oil, use ONLY motor oils of the proper quality. The engines in the Camaro and Firebird require motor oils of the proper viscosity (thickness) and marked by the American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified For Gasoline Engines STARBURST symbol.

Engine Oil Viscosity


Object Number: 196359  Size: MH

Notice: Using engine oils of any viscosity other than those viscosities recommended could result in engine damage.

Motor oil viscosity has an effect on fuel economy and cold-weather operation (starting and oil flow). Lower viscosity motor oils can provide better fuel economy and cold-weather performance.

When choosing an motor oil, consider the range of outdoor temperatures the vehicle will be operated in before the next oil change. Then select the recommended oil viscosity.

The recommended SAE motor oil viscosity is 5W-30. However, if outdoor temperatures will remain above -18°C (0°F), 10W-30 may be used.

Engine Oil Quality and Viscosity (Export)


Object Number: 191050  Size: SF

In areas of the world other than North America, it may be difficult to find oils that display the API STARBURST symbol.

If you cannot find oils displaying the API STARBURST, look for oils that meet the API Service SJ and ACEA A3-96 requirements.

The recommended SAE engine oil viscosity is 5W-30, however, additional engine oil viscosities meeting the API Service SJ and ACEA A3-96 requirements may be used in accordance with the temperature ranges shown.

Accessory Drive Belt Inspection

Inspect the accessory drive belts for the following:

    • Cracks
    • Fraying
    • Wear
    • Proper tension

Replace as needed. (A belt can develop many small cracks in individual ribs without affecting the belt's performance.) Refer to the following:

    •  Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8 L
    •  Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory or Air Conditioning Compressor Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 5.7 L

Cooling System Service

Important: If silicate coolant is added to the cooling system, premature engine, heater core, or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the coolant will require replacement much more frequently (every 50 000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months.)

Drain, flush, and refill the system with a 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and ONLY GM Goodwrench® DEX-COOL® or Havoline® DEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.

Transmission Service

Manual Transmission

No fluid service is required. For fluid level inspection refer to Transmission Fluid Level Inspection in Manual Transmission - M49 or Transmission Fluid Level Inspection in Manual Transmission - MM6.

Automatic Transmission

Change both the fluid and the filter according to the maintenance interval schedule.

For the fluid and filter changing procedure refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E.

Spark Plug Replacement

Replace the spark plugs according to the maintenance interval schedule.

For the 3.8 L engine spark plug replacement procedure refer to Spark Plug Replacement .

For the 5.7 L engine spark plug replacment procedure refer to Spark Plug Replacement

Spark Plug Wire Inspection

Clean the spark plug wires and inspect for burns, cracks, or other damage. Inspect the wire's boot fit at the coil and at the spark plugs. Replace the wires as needed. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Inspection in Engine Controls-3.8 L.

Refer to Spark Plug Wire Inspection in Engine Controls-5.7 L.

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 .