oil temperature PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1996 Owners Manual

Engine CoolantKeater (Option)
In very cold weather, 0" F (- 18 O C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater
can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should
be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting you vehicle.
To use the coolant heater:
'' 1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1 10-volt AC outlet.
A. CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock.
Also, the wrong
kind
of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into
a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt
AC outlet. If the cord won't reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
,
4. After you've used the coolant heater? be sure to store
the cord as it was before to keep it away fiom moving
engine parts.
If you don't, it could be damaged.
How long should YQU keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your Pontkc dealer
in the area where you'll be parking
your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for
that particular mea.
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Even if you have a low oil level, the light will go off for
15 to 20 seconds. Then, if the oil level is low, and it has
been at least eight minutes
since your engine was last
running, the
CHECK OIL LEVEL light will come on
for
20 to 40 seconds. The eight-minute delay allows the
majority of the oil to drain back into the oil pan and
prevent a false low condition.
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL warning comes on, the oil
level should be checked at the oil dipstick. If the level is
low, the engine
oil should be brought up to the proper
level. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. After restoring the\

proper level and waiting for the eight-minute drainback,
the key can be turned to the
RUN position and the
CHECK OIL LEVEL warning light should only come
on as a bulb check.
Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage shows
the engine
oil pressure in psi
(pounds per square inch)
when
the engine is rwmhg.
Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure in kPa (kiloPascals).
Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside
temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above the red
warning zone indicate the normal operating range.
A reading in the red zone may be caused by a,’
dangerously low
oil level or other problem causing low
oil pressure.
The CHECK GAGES light will go on and. a
warning ch@e
will sound, if you have this option.
Driving your
vehicle with low oil pressure can cause
extensive ,engine, damage.
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Head-Up. Display (Opth)
If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in
.your field
of view, it may take you more time to
see things
you need to see when it's dark outside.
Be sure to keep
the HUD image dim and placed
low
in your field of view.
If you have the optional Head-Up Display (HUD), you
can see some
of the driver information also mailable on
your instrument panel cluster. The infomation may be
displayed in English or metric units and appears
as a
reflection on the wjndshield. The
HUD shows:
Speedometer reading
Turn signal indicators
High-beam indicator symbol
CHECK GAGES message (for law oil pressure, high
coolant temperature,
low oil level and low fuel)
0 Low fuel warning symbol.
Q CHECK GAGES
I
I
km/h
MPH
HWD shows these images when they are lighted on the
instrument
panel.
When you sit straight in your seat, the HUD image will
appear slightly to the right.
When
the ignition key is turned to RUN, all possible
HUD images will come on, then the Head-Up Display
will operate
normally,,
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Driver Information Center
3 (-1 INFORMATION (I , J,
DRIVER TRIP
CHECK OIL LEVEL
WASHER FLUID
LOW COOLANT
CHECK QAOES
VOOD DOOR
TRUNK AJAR I
I
MlLES
888888
LAMP
MONITOR
TURN SIQNAL
BACK UP TAIL
BRAKE LAMP
TRIP
8 B 8 8.8
If you have the Driver Information Center, it gives you
important safety and maintenanc,e facts. When you turn
the ignition on, the entire center lights
up for a few
seconds. Then it goes to work.
. ..
..
.. -*
FUNCTION MONITOR: This lets you know if
you are low on fluids or have a problem with a
vehicle function:
CHECK OIL LEVEL: This message could mean
your oil level is low.
If it comes on for more than
three seconds, see "Check Oil Level
Warning Light" . ..
in the Index. - I
WASHER FLUID: This message means your
washer fluid tank is less than about
30% full. 'The
windshield portion of the vehicle outline
will also
glow.
If these come on, see "Windshield Washer
Fluid"
in the Index.
LOW COOLANT This message means your
coolant level has fallen to about half
full. If it comes
on, see "Engine Coolant" in the Index.
CHECK GAGES: If this light comes on and stays
on while you are driving, check your gages for fuel,
coolant temperature, oil pressure or battery voltage.
~. h I_ - I e:. ..
SECURITY: You'll get a DOOR AJAR message if a
door is not fully closed. The vehicle outline will show
you which door it is. You
will also get a HOOD AJAR
or TRUNK AJAR message if the hood or the trunk isn't
fully closed. The vehicle outline will
also show you
these are
ajar. ;,. . . ,--. . ,(/,,:-I.. - : , , .. , .. . . . .! _.
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I RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS 1
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
I SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
/

COLD
I WEATHER
SAE 5W-30
WOK
FOR THIS 4
SYMBOL
SAE 10W-30 PREFEMEO abow (PF (-18°C)
DO NOT USE SAE MW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown.in the chart, SAE 1OW-30 is best for your
vehicle. However,
you can use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going
to be colder than 60 OF (1 6 O C) before your next oil
change. When it’s very cold, you should use
SAE
5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity
oils,
such as SAE 20W-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not
covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Pontiac dealer is
ready to advise if you
think something should be added.
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a
a
a
a
a
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a
trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
The vehicle
is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil
to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change
your oil and filter
every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or ,3 months -- whichever
occurs first.
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
occurs fiist. Driving a vehicle with
a fully warmeld
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be
unhealthy -for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t 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 throw
away 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 real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever 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
you used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
I
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil
is changed.
Change both the fluid
and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In .heavy eity.traffic where the 'outside temperature
regularly reaches
90 OF (32 O C) or higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
0 Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter
do not require changing.
See "Scheduled Maintenance Services"
in the Index.
..
I .(.. :.-'Bow to Check
Because &is operation can be a little dBicult, you may
choose to have
this done at your P'ontiac dealership
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be' sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
~ fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting
a fire. Be sure to
get an' accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking.& .@an: Je
fluid level if you have been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is
180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you may
have
to drive longer.
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How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
bind of tmhsaxle fluid to use. See 6‘Recomended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring
the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
Pull out the dipstick.
Using a long-neck funnel, add enough
Md at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level. It doesn’t
take much
fluid, generally less than a pint (0.5 L).
Don’t overfiI2. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled
DEXRON*-III,, because fluid with that label
is made especially for yo& automatic transax18e.
Damage caused
by fluid other than DEXRON’@-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in
all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL (orange-colored,
silicate-free) engine
coolant.
This coolant is designed to remain in your
vehicle for 5 years or 100,000 miles (166 000 km),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low.
If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of water &d the proper coolant for
your Pontiac will:
e
e
0
0
0
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265 OF (1 29 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
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~ Air Conditioning Refrigerants'
I, 1 .c , ;Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you're not sure, ask your Pontiac dealer.
Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code ........................... K
Displacement ......................... 3.8 Liters
Horsepower
.......................... ,205-hp
3800 Series 11 Engine (L36)
Qpe ..................................... V6
Firing Order ........... I ........... 1-6-5-4-3-2
Thermostat Temperature
........... 195°F (91°C)
3800 Supercharged Engine (L67)
VIN Engine Code .......... '. ................ 1
Type .................................... V6
Displacement ........................ 3.8 Liters
Horsepower
.......................... .240-hp
Firing Order ...................... 1-6-5-4-3-2
Thermostat Temperature
.... ; ...... 195°F (91°C)
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts'
Air Cleaner Filter ............. AC Type A- 1096C
Engine
Oil Filter ................ AC Type PF-47
Transaxle Filter
............ GM Part No. 8651909
Sparkplugs
......... ; .......... AC Type 41-921
Gap:
0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase ............ 110.8 inches (2 814.3 mm)
Tread Width
Front
................ 60.4 inches (1 534.2 mm)
Length .............. 201.9 inches (5 124.0 mm)
Width ................. 74.6 inches (1 893.2 mm)
Height ................. 55.7 inches (1 414.8 mm)
Rear ........... i ...... 60.3 inches (1 531.6 mm)
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Maintenance Schedule
I Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if my
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 h).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures
are below freezing.
I
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer QT use a carrier on top of
your vehicle. (With some models, you should never
tow a trailer. See “Towing
a Trailer” in the Index.)
taxi, or other commercial application.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police,
One of the reasom you should follow this schedule if you
operate your vehicle under any of these conditions is that
these conditions cause engine
oil to break down suoner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or
6 months, whichever occurs first).
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) - Then Every
12,000 Miles (20 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air- Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement Fuel
Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Supercharger
Oil Check (or’every 36 months,
whichever occurs first)
(3.8L Code 1 engine only).
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 h): Automatic Tramaxle
Service
(severe conditiom only).
Every 60,000 Miles (I00 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection,
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service
(or every 60 months, whichever.occurs fist).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the comglbte maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
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