Engine Oil, Engine Coolant and Power Steering Fluid

ENGINE OIL

Check the engine oil level when the oil is warm. Stop engine, wait five (5) minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan. Remove the dip stick, wipe it clean, and reinsert the dip stick ensuring that it is pressed in all the way. Remove the dip stick and inspect the oil level. If the oil level is within 6 mm (1/4") of the "FULL" line, the engine crankcase is considered "FULL". If below specification, add sufficient oil to bring within specification.

ENGINE OIL REQUIREMENTS

Engine oil of correct quality and viscosity must be used. Oil quality ratings are provided on each oil container. All gasoline powered vehicles require oil with API service designation of SF/CC or SF/CD, or SG. The SG designation may appear alone, or in combination with other designations, such as SG/CC, SG/CD, SG/SF/CC. The oil viscosity for the appropriate engine is provided in section 5 of the vehicle owner's manual or section OB of the service manual.
POWER STEERING FLUID

Check the fluid with the vehicle level and the engine not running. Remove the fill cap, which incorporates a dip stick.

^ If the fluid is warm to the touch (about 66 C or 150 F), the level should be between the "HOT" and "COLD" marks on the indicator.

^ If cool (about 21 C or 70 F), the level should be between the "ADD" and "COLD" marks.

If within specification, do not add additional fluid. If below specification when checked in accordance with the above procedures, add sufficient fluid to bring within specification corresponding with the fluid temperature.

POWER STEERING FLUID REQUIREMENTS

GM P/N 1050017 (or equivalent meeting GM Specification number 9985010) power steering fluid.

ENGINE COOLANT

All vehicles use a coolant recovery/surge tank system. Coolant in the system expands with heat and overflows into the recovery/surge tank which is connected by tubing to the cooling system. When the system cools, coolant is drawn back into the radiator from the recovery/surge tank.

Make a visual inspection of the recovery/surge tank with a cold engine to ensure that the coolant level is at the "FULL COLD" indicator line. If within specification, do not add additional fluid. If below specification, add coolant to the tank to bring within specification.

After completing a road test, make a second visual inspection of the recovery/surge tank. The coolant level should be higher than the "FULL COLD" line. This increase in coolant ensures that the radiator is full, and that there is no obstruction in the recovery/surge tank hose or fittings.

Pontiac vehicles are produced with a 50/50 ratio of permanent type anti-freeze and water meeting GM specification 1825-M, which provides freeze protection of -37C (-34F).

Notice: If necessary to test the freeze protection of a cooling system, a refractometer should be used.

COOLANT SPECIFICATIONS

GM P/N 1052753 or coolant meeting GM specification 1825-M mixed 50/50 with clear water.
Antifreeze can be added to raise the boiling point of the coolant, but too much will affect the freezing point. Do not use a solution stronger than 70 percent antifreeze, as the freeze level rises rapidly after this point. Pure antifreeze will freeze at +11 F (-11.5 C).