SERVICE GUILD: VEHICLE FLUID LEVELS 1989 VEHICLES
1989 PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS
*This bulletin has been revised to clarify the sections on the Brake System Fluid, Manual Transaxles Front Wheel Drive and Hydraulic Clutch Fluid and to revise the sections on Engine Coolant, Automatic Transaxle Fluid and Front and Rear Wheel Drive.
This bulletin has been developed to provide technicians with standards for checking fluid levels. These standards are intended for use with any repair which requires checking, replacing or adding additional fluid. The addition of fluids to components requiring repair is included in the labour time allowance for that repair. These standards are also to be used during pre-delivery inspection for checking required fluid levels.
ENGINE OIL
Check the engine oil level when the oil is warm. Stop engine, wait five (5) minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan. Remove the dip stick, wipe it clean, and reinsert the dip stick ensuring that it is pressed in all the way. Remove the dip stick and inspect the oil level. If the oil level is within 6mm (1/4") of the "FULL" line, the engine crankcase is considered "FULL". If below specification, add sufficient oil to bring within specification.
ENGINE OIL REQUIREMENTS
Engine oil of correct quality and viscosity must be used. Oil quality ratings are provided on each oil container. All gasoline powered vehicles require oil with API service designation of SF/CC or SF/CD, or SG. The SG designation may appear alone, or in combination with other designations, such as SG/CC, SG/CD, SG/SF/CC. The oil viscosity for the appropriate engine is provided in section 5 of the vehicle owner's manual or section OB of the service manual.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the fluid with the vehicle level and the engine not running. Remove the fill cap, which incorporates a dip stick.
If the fluid is warm to the touch (about 66 DEG C or 150 DEG F), the level should be between the "HOT" and "COLD" marks on the indicator.
If cool (about 21 DEG C or 70 DEG F), the level should be between the "ADD" and "COLD" marks.
If within specification, do not add additional fluid. If below specification when checked in accordance with the above procedures, add sufficient fluid to bring within specification corresponding with the fluid temperature.
POWER STEERING FLUID REQUIREMENTS
GM P/N 992646 (or equivalent) power steering fluid.
ENGINE COOLANT
All vehicles use a coolant recovery/surge tank system. Coolant in the system expands with heat and overflows into the recovery/surge tank which is connected by tubing to the cooling system. When the system cools, coolant is drawn back into the radiator from the recovery/surge tank.
Make a visual inspection of the recovery/surge tank with a cold engine to ensure that the coolant level is at the "FULL COLD" indicator line. If within specification, do not add additional fluid. If below specification, add coolant to the tank to bring within specification.
After completing a road test, make a second visual inspection of the recovery/surge tank. The coolant level should be higher than the "FULL COLD" line. This increase in coolant ensures that the radiator is full, and that there is no obstruction in the recovery/surge tank hose or fittings.
Vehicles are produced with a 50/50 ratio of permanent type anti-freeze and water meeting GM specification 1825-M, which provides freeze protection of -37 DEG C (-34 DEG F).
Notice:If necessary to test the freeze protection of a cooling system, a refractometer should be used.
COOLANT SPECIFICATIONS
GM P/N 993089 or coolant meeting GM specification 1825-M mixed 50/50 with clear water.
Antifreeze can be added to raise the boiling point of the coolant, but too much will affect the freezing point. Do not use a solution stronger than 70 percent antifreeze, as the freeze level rises rapidly after this point. Pure antifreeze will freeze at +11 DEG F (-11.5 DEG C)
BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID
Many vehicles are currently equipped with see-through master cylinder fluid reservoirs, allowing a visual inspection of the brake fluid. The fluid level should be within 3mm (1/8") of the full indicator on the side of the reservoir. If within specification, do not add additional fluid. If the brake fluid level is below this range, add sufficient fluid to raise the level equal to the full indicator.
NOTICE: On vehicles equipped with an Antilock Brake System (ABS), the ABS unit hydraulic accumulator must be completely depressurized to properly check the brake fluid level. Procedures for depressurizing the ABS hydraulic accumulator are included in Section 5E of the Chassis Service Manual. Failure to fully depressurize the ABS system per service manual procedure could result in overfilling the brake fluid reservoir.
On vehicles that do not allow a visual inspection, thoroughly clean the reservoir cap or cover to avoid brake fluid contamination. Remove the reservoir cap or cover (compress the rubber boots on reservoir cover diaphragm).
- On vehicles equipped with compact master cylinders (A, J, L, N, W body vehicles), brake fluid should be between the minimum and maximum indicator levels in the opening on top of the reservoir (see service manual for additional information).
- On vehicles equipped with diagonal split master cylinder, the brake fluid should be within 6 mm (1/4") from the 8 top of the reservoir.
If the fluid level is within specification, do not add additional fluid. If the fluid level is below the specified level, add sufficient fluid to bring the fluid level within specification.
BRAKE FLUID REQUIREMENTS
GM P/N 992669, Delco Supreme No. 11, or DOT-3 Fluid.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID - FRONT AND REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Transmission Fluid Level Information
When adding or changing fluid, use only DEXRON (R) II. Refer to Section OB of the Service Manual for maintenance information and servicing intervals.
Fluid level should be checked when it reaches normal operating temperatures of 88 - 93 DEG C (190 - 200 DEG F). This temperature is reached after approximately 24KM (15 miles) of highway driving.
Fluid colour will be red when new.
Important: When new, automatic transmission fluid is red in colour. The red dye is to distinguish it from engine oil or antifreeze. The red dye is not an indicator of fluid quality and is not permanent. As the vehicle is driven the transmission fluid will begin to look darker in colour. The colour may eventually appear light brown.
NOTICE: Do not overfill. Overfilling will cause foaming, loss of fluid and possible damage to the transaxle.
Inaccurate fluid level readings will result if checked immediately after the vehicle has been operated:
- In high ambient temperatures above 32 DEG C (90 DEG F) - At sustained high speeds - In heavy city traffic during hot weather - As a towing vehicle - In commercial service (taxi or police use)
Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure
1. Start engine and operate vehicle for a minimum of 15 miles (24 km).
2. Park vehicle on level ground.
3. Move gear selector to "Park" (P).
4. Apply parking brake and block wheels.
5. Let vehicle idle for 3 minutes with accessories turned off.
6. Check fluid level, colour and condition.
MANUAL TRANSAXLES - FRONT WHEEL DRIVE
Check the fluid level with the engine not running, vehicle level, and the transaxle cool enough so that you can rest your fingers on the transaxle case. Remove the fluid level indicator.
""N" Models:
- The fluid level should be within the lines "add" and "max" on the indicator blade.
"W" Models:
- The fluid level should be within 3 mm (1/8") of the "full cold" line
If within specification, do not add additional fluid. Fluid may appear on the bottom of the indicator, even when the fluid is several pints low. To ensure accurate reading, remove the level indicator, wipe it clean, reinsert it and remove to read the level. If below specification, add sufficient fluid to bring within specification.
Manual Transmission Fluid - Rear Wheel Drive
Check the fluid with the vehicle level. Remove the fill plug. The lubrication level should register within 6 mm (1/4") of the bottom of the fill plug boss. If within specification, do not add additional fluid. If below specification, add sufficient fluid to bring within specifications.
See service manual section OB for proper lubricant.
HYDRAULIC CLUTCH FLUID
Some vehicles equipped with manual transaxles utilize a hydraulic clutch assembly. Check the fluid level with the vehicle level and the clutch reservoir cap removed. The fluid should be level with a step in the reservoir housing. If the fluid is below the step, add sufficient fluid to bring the fluid up to the step.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Requirements
GM P/N 992669, GM Delco Supreme No. 11 Brake Fluid or GM P/N 12345347 Hydraulic Clutch fluid, or an equivalent fluid that meets DOT-3 specifications.
NOTICE: Do not use mineral or paraffin base oil in the clutch hydraulic system. These fluids will damage the rubber parts in the cylinders.
REAR AXLE FLUID, REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Check the fluid level with the vehicle level and the fill plug removed from the differential. The fluid should be within 6mm ( 1/4 ") of the bottom of the fill plug boss. If within specification, do not add additional fluid. If it is below this range, add sufficient fluid to bring within specification.
REAR AXLE LUBRICANT REQUIREMENTS
See service manual section OB for proper lubricant.
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.
