oil dipstick PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1993 Owners Manual

Check Oii Levei Warning Light
fO#-rn#)
This light indicates when the engine oil
level is
1 to 1% quarts (0.95 L to 1.4 L)
low. It will go on for one to three
seconds when the ignition is turned to
the Run position, as a bulb check. It
will then
go off. Even if you have a law
oil level, it 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 the
Index under
Engine Oil). 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.
Battery Warning,Lighf
This light will come on briefly when
you
start the vehicle, as a check to show
you it is
working, then it should go out.
If it stays on, OF comes on while you are
driving, you
may have a problem with
the electrical charging system. It could
indicate that you have a loose generator
drive belt, or another electrical
problem. Have it checked right away.
Driving while this light is
on could
drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with
the light
on, be certain to turn off all
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3800 Engine (CODE L)
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
1. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
4. Brake Fluid Reservoir
5. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
6. Air Cleaner
7. Engine Oil Dipstick
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap
9. Radiator Pressure Cap
1 0. Battery
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Service & Appearance Care
. ... .. . 3800 SC Engine (CODE I)
When you open the hood, you'll see:
1. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
2. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
3. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
4. Brake Fluid Reservoir
5. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
6. Air Cleaner
7. Engine Oil Dipstick
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap
9. Radiator Pressure Cap
1 0. Battery
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Engine Oil
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. 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.
To Check 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 lower.
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 section explains what kind of oil to use.
For crankcase capacity, see the
Zr.z&x
under Capacities & Specijicatiow.
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.
I
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.
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Service & Appearance Care
Automatic Transax/e Fluid
When to Check and Change:
A good time to check your automatic
transaxle fluid level is when the engine
oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine when to change
your fluid. See the
Index under
Scheduled Maintenance Services.
How to Check:
Because this operation can be a little
difficult, you may choose to have this
done at a 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.
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, 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
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic-especially in hot
While pulling a trailer.
90" F (32" C).
weather.
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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Service & Appearance Care
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (CONTJ
How to Add Fluid:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind
of transaxle fluid to
use. See the
Index under Fluids &
Lubricants.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough
of the proper fluid to bring
the level up
into the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick. It doesn't take much fluid,
generally less than a pint
(0.5 L). Don't
overfill. We recommend that you use
only fluid labeled DEXRON@-IIE,
because fluids with that label are made
especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON@-IIE 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 following explains your cooling
system and how to add coolant when
it
is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see the Index under
Engine Overheating.
The proper coolant for your Pontiac
will:
Give freezing protection down to
Give boiling protection up to 262°F
Protect against rust and corrosion.
-34°F (-37°C).
(128" C).
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
a
Let the warning lights work as they
should.
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