GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2009 🢒 G8 🢒 Preface 🢒 Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions 🢒 Differential Oil Replacement

Draining Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

    Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Place a large suitable container under the differential in order to collect draining differential fluid.

    3. Object Number: 1958883 Size: SH

    Note: Clean the area around the differential plug (1) to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the differential (2).

    Note: The differential fill plug (1) and O-ring (3) come as an assembly, the O-ring (3) cannot be replaced separately.

  3. Remove the differential fill plug (1) from the differential (2).
  4. Inspect the differential fill plug (1) and O-ring (3) for excessive wear and/or damage. Replace as necessary.

    5. Object Number: 1958885 Size: SH

    Note: Clean the area around the differential plug (1) to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the differential (2).

    Note: The differential drain plug (1) and O-ring (3) come as an assembly. The O-ring (3) cannot be replaced separately.

  5. Remove the differential drain plug (1) from the differential (2).
  6. Inspect the differential drain plug (1) and O-ring (3) for excessive wear and/or damage. Replace as necessary.
  7. Allow the differential fluid to drain completely.

Filling Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1958885 Size: SH
  1. Install the differential drain plug (1) and O-ring (3) to the differential (2) and tighten to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

    2. Note: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the correct differential fluid. Failure to use the correct fluid may cause gear damage and/or fluid leaks. For fluid specifications refer to Lubrication Specifications.

    Note: The differential fluid level must be level with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.

  2. Fill the differential to the correct level.

    3. Object Number: 1958883 Size: SH
  3. Install the differential fill plug (1) and O-ring (3) to the differential (2) and tighten to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).
  4. Remove safety stands.
  5. Lower the vehicle to the ground.