oil dipstick PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1997 Owners Manual

Check Oil Level Warning Light Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
CHECK OIL
LEVEL
The CHECK OIL LEVEL
light
turns on for three
seconds as
a bulb check
each time the ignition key is
turned to the
RUN position.
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
0: il 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 “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
WASHER FLUID
This light will come on
when
your windshield
washers
are working and the
fluid container is less than
one-third full.
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3800 Series I1 Engine (L36 - Code K)
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
A. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Battery
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
D. Engine Oil Dipstick G. Brake Master Cylinder
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap H. Air Cleaner
E Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
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3800 Supercharged Engine (L67 - Code 1) (Option)
When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank D. Engine Oil Dipstick G. Brake Master Cylinder
B. Battery
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap H. Air Cleaner
C. Radiator Pressure Cap E Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
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The engine oil dipstick is
lo'cated 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 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 again9
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
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When to Add 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 lund of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
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.
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 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.
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
-_
I I gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
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How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
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.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid ,. @e
dipstick hole to bring it to’ the proper level.
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than one
pint
(0.5 L). Don’t overjU.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label i,s
made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON-I11
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling s stem 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-COOL6 extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have ;e problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
the
Index.
A 50J50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL@
coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 2685 “F (129 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Llet the warning lights and gages work as
8
they should.
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