oil dipstick PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1999 Owners Manual

Page 134 of 392

yellowblue
2-74 Check Oil Level Warning Light
The CHECK OIL LEVEL
light turns on for three
seconds as a bulb check
each time the ignition key is
turned to RUN. If the light
doesn't turn on, have your
vehicle serviced.
If the engine oil is more than one quart (0.95 L) low and
the engine has been shut off for at least eight minutes,
the CHECK OIL LEVEL light will turn on for about
one minute and will then remain off until the next time
you start the vehicle.
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL light turns on, the engine oil
level should be checked at the dipstick then brought up
to the proper level, if necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in
the Index.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light will come on
when your windshield
washers are working and the
fluid container is less than
one
-third full.
Check Gages Warning Light (Option)
This light will come on
briefly when you are
starting the engine.
If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving,
check your gages for fuel, coolant temperature, oil
pressure or voltage. This light will stay on if your engine
is not running with the ignition on.

Page 261 of 392

yellowblue
6-11 3800 Series II Engine (L36 - Code K)
When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Engine Coolant
Recovery Tank
B. Battery
C. Radiator Pressure CapD. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap
F. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid DipstickG. Brake Master Cylinder
H. Air Cleaner
I. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir

Page 262 of 392

yellowblue
6-12 3800 Supercharged Engine (L67 - Code 1) (If Equipped)
When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Engine Coolant
Recovery Tank
B. Battery
C. Radiator Pressure CapD. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap
F. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid DipstickG. Brake Master Cylinder
H. Air Cleaner
I. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir

Page 264 of 392

yellowblue
6-14
The engine oil dipstick is
located behind the engine
fans and in front of the
engine oil fill cap. The top
of the dipstick is a round,
yellow loop.
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.
Checking Engine Oil
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.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you'll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and Specificationsº
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross
-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.

Page 265 of 392

yellowblue
6-15
The engine oil fill cap is behind the engine oil dipstick
and engine fans.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you're through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the ªStarburstº 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 you use oil that has
the Starburst 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: