CHEVROLET CAMARO 1996 4.G Owners Manual
Manufacturer: CHEVROLET, Model Year: 1996, Model line: CAMARO, Model: CHEVROLET CAMARO 1996 4.GPages: 402, PDF Size: 21.38 MB
Page 261 of 402

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are
on. Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly.
Engine Oil
LOW
OIL
If the LOW OIL light on the
instrument panel comes on,
it means you need to check
your engine oil level right
away. For more information,
see “Low Oil Light” in the
Index.
You should check
your engine oil level
regularly; this is an
added reminder.
The engine oil dipstick handle is the yellow loop near
the back
of the engine.
It’s
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.
3800 L36 (Code K) Oil Dipstick
6-10
Page 262 of 402

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5.7L LT1 (Code P) Oil Dipstick
Turn
off the engine and give the oil a few 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.
I
3800 L36 (Code K)
I ~~~ I
5.7L LT1 (Code P)
6- 1
Page 263 of 402

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This
part explains what kind of oil to use. For crankcase
capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in
the Index.
I 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.
The oil fill cap is located on the valve cover near the
oil dipstick.
Just 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 Oil to Use
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 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
.. --v- I gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, .as shown in the following chart:
6-12
F
Page 264 of 402

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS ~ ~~~~~~
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
I
I LOOK
FOR MIS
SYMBOL ~
SAE 1OW-30
‘-30 REO
COLD
WEATHER
I
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
5.7L LT1 (Code P)
As shown in the chart, unless you have the 3.8L engine,
SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can
use SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going to be 0°F (-lS°C) or
above. These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils,
such
as SAE 20W-50.
6-13
Page 265 of 402

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY PRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
I SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
L
HOT
WEATHER
/OF ‘C‘
+loo- - +3a
-
+EO- - +27
+60--+16
+40- - +4
+20---7
0---la
COLD
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
3800 L36 (Code K)
As shown in the chart, if you have the 3.8L engine,
SAE 1OW-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can
use
SAE 5W-30 if it’s going to be colder than 60°F
( 16°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 2OW-50.
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.
6-14 -
Page 266 of 402

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Chevrolet dealer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
0
0
0
0
0
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 car.
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 first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
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 your dsed oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or
a local recycling
center for help.
6-15
Page 267 of 402

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Air Clt
3800 L36 (Code K)
5.7L LT1 (Code P)
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
Page 268 of 402

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine
fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
Operating the
engine with the air cleaner off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air,
it stops flame if
the engine backfires.
If it isn’t there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t
drive with it
off, and be careful working on the
engine with the
air cleaner off.
Air Filter Replacement
To remove the air filter:
1. Remove the two plastic pins by pulling them
straight up.
6-17
Page 269 of 402

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2. Disconnect the plastic clamp on the duct. Pull apart
the connection. 3. Pull the air cleaner straight up. Unclamp the metal clips.
6-18
Page 270 of 402

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4. Open the air cleaner and remove the filter.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level
is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
15,000 miles
(25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter at
100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
regularly
reaches
90°F (32°C) or higher.
6-19