oil temperature CHEVROLET VENTURE 2000 1.G Owners Manual

2-42 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
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
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach,
use a heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord
rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you don't, it could
be damaged.How long should you 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 dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Maximum engine speed is limited when you're in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), to protect driveline
components from improper operation.

5-9
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel lift
or car carrier equipment.
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find an Engine Coolant Temperature Gage on
your vehicle's instrument panel. See ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº in the Index. You also have an
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Message and a
Low Coolant Level Warning Message on your
instrument panel. See ªEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Messageº and ªLow Coolant Level Warning
Messageº in the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
Should an overheated engine condition exist, an
overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The low coolant level message may come
on and the temperature gage will indicate an overheat
condition exists. Towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss and change the oil. See
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.

6-14
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W
-30 if it's going
to be 0F (
-18C) or above. 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.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20F (-29C), consider using 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.
Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good
performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer that lets you know when to
change your engine oil. This is not based on mileage, but
on engine revolutions and engine operating temperature.
When the computer has calculated that the oil needs
changing, the GM Oil Life System will indicate that a
change is necessary. The mileage between oil and filter
changes will vary depending on how you drive your
vehicle
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil and filter
change. Under severe conditions, the system may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 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. Remember to
reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message whenever
the oil is changed.

6-18
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 city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

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 ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the 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 the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:

When outside temperatures are above 90F (32C).

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 180F to 200F
(82C to 93C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50F
(10C). If it's colder than 50F (10C), you may have
to drive longer.

6-21
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL
extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning messages and gages work
as they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.

6-65
Replacement Bulbs
Headlamps 9004-HBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal/
Parking Lamps 3157NA or 3157 NAK. . . . . . . . . .
Front Sidemarker Lamps 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stop/Taillamps (Top) 3057. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signal Lamps (2nd from Top) 3156. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back
-up Lamps (3rd from Top) 3156. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamps (Bottom) 3057. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions.
Please refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index for more information.
Automatic Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement 8.0 quarts (7.5 L). . .
Complete Overhaul 10.0 quarts (9.5 L). . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System
With A/C 9.6 quarts (9.1 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With Rear Climate Control 11.9 quarts (11.3 L). . . . . Engine Crankcase
- Oil
and Filter Change4.5 quarts (4.25 L) . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Capacity
Standard/Regular 19.8 gallons (75.0 L). . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional/Extended 25.0 gallons (94.0 L). . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant,
Air ConditioningSee Refrigerant . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Label under the hood.
Tire Pressures, SizesSee Certification/Tire . . . . . . . .
label on the rear edge of the driver's door.
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer Fluid1.0 gallon (0.37 L) . . . . .
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill
to the appropriate level, as recommended in this manual.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN Code E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-2-3-4-5-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 185. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature
Specification 195
F (91
C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .