It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.

The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the engine oil dipstick.

Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.

Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.

Engine oil is the principle coolant for the pistons, bearings, crankshaft, camshaft(s), timing chain, etc. It also seals high pressure gases in the combustion chamber, keeps internal engine parts clean and prevents rust and corrosion from forming inside the engine.

The amount of oil you engine consumes depends on how the vehicle is driven, how often the lubricating oil is changed, and the quality and viscosity of the oil. Frequently, your engine will consume more oil when the vehicle is driven at high speeds or during frequent acceleration and deceleration conditions.

2.2L Four Cylinder Engine (L61) Dipstick Location Shown, 3.0L (L81) Engine Similar

Pull out the yellow dipstick and clean it with a clean paper towel or cloth, then push it back into the dipstick tube all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip lower than the handle, and check the oil level. If the engine has been running, pull out the yellow dipstick, clean it and set it aside for a minimum of 5 minutes. Next, insert the yellow dipstick back into the dipstick tube. Remove it again, and check the oil level.

2.2L Four Cylinder (L61) Dipstick Shown, 3.0L V6 (L81) Similar

if your engine's oil level is 3/16" (5 mm) above or below the MAX line after the engine's oil and filter have been changed, the engine's oil level is correct. If the oil is at or below MIN line, then you'll need to add some oil. If the oil at MIN line, then add 1 quart (0.95L) at the oil filter cap. But you must use the right kind. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications .

Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper mark that shows the proper operating range, the engine could be damaged.

Oil Filter Cap Location: 2.2L Four Cylinder (L61) Engine

Oil Filter Cap Location: 3.0L V6 (L81) Similar

Rotate and lift the oil filler cap to remove it. Be sure to add enough of the right kind of oil to put the level in the proper operating range as noted on the dipstick. Push the dipstick back in when your are through.

Reinstall the oil filler cap and rotate it clockwise (to the tight). Be sure it is tight.

Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the "Starburst" symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this Starburst symbol. If you change your own oil, be sure to use oil that has starburt symbol on the front of the oil container. If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put into your engine is American Petroleum Institute certified for gasoline engines.

You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your vehicle, as shown in the following chart:

As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is the only viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle. Your can use SAE 10W-30 if it is going to be 20°F (-7°C) or above. The numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use engine oil with viscosity rating such as SAE 10W-40, SAE 20W-50, and SAE 30 as they do not meet Saturn recommended requirement.

If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20°F (-29°C), it is recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures.

Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good performance and engine protection.

Change the oil and filter at 3 month or 3,000 mile (5,000 km) intervals if the vehicle is usually operated under one of the following conditions:

If none of the operating conditions listed above apply, change the oil and filter every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 6 month (whichever comes first), or when the "CHANGE OIL SOON" light comes on.

Your vehicle has a computer that calculates when the engine oil and filter need changing. The computer considers the vehicle's mileage, along with the engine's revolutions and operating temperatures, and determines when to illuminate the "CHANGE OIL SOON" light.

The mileage between oil and filter changes will vary depending on how your drive your vehicle -- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 7,5000 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil and filter change. Never drive your vehicle more than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 6 months (whichever occurs first), without an oil change. The system won't detect dust in the oil. So, if you drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner.

The "CHANGE OIL SOON" light will come on and stay on for about 30 seconds after the engine is started to indicate that an oil filter change is necessary.

Each time you change your engine oil, the system must be rest.

Always keep a written record of the mileage and date when you changed your oil.

After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset. Here's how to reset the system:

1. Remove the cover of the underhood fuse block under the hood.



2. With the ignition key in "RUN" and the engine off, press the red "Oil-Reset" reset button and hold for 5 seconds.

If the CHANGE OIL SOON light is flashing, the system is reset.

The light will flash up to 30 seconds or until the ignition is turn off. However, if the light comes on again and stays on for 30 seconds at the next ignition cycle, it did not reset. You'll need to reset the system again.

Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.

Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your retailer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.