GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

RED COLORED ENGINE OIL 1983-84 VEHICLES

Some late production 1983 and some 1984 vehicles will have red colored engine oil. The red color is due to the red dye which is added to the engine oil to aid in detecting leaks during manufacturing.

The red dye does not affect any lubrication characteristics of the engine oil and, therefore, the oil should not be changed.

Owners should also be made aware of this practice.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.