Vehicle - Fluid Level General Guidlines
9222buick03
Bulletin
89-0-6
Date
June, ' 89
Ref. No.
89-171-0
Corp. Ref. No.
820201R
SUBJECT:
VEHICLE FLUID LEVELS
MODELS AFFECTED:
ALL 1989 MODELS
This bulletin has been developed to provide technicians with standards for checking fluid levels. These standards are intended for use with any repair which requires checking, replacing or adding additional fluid. The addition of fluids to components requiring repair is included in the labor time allowance for that repair. These standards are also to be used during pre-delivery inspection for checking required fluid levels.
ENGINE OIL
Check the engine oil level when the oil is warm and vehicle is level. 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 0B 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 Part Number 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.
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 Part Number 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)
BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID
Many vehicles are currently equipped with see-through master cylinder fluid reservoirs, allowing a visual inspection of the brake fluid. The fluid level should be within 3 mm (1/8") of the full indicator on the side of the reservoir. If within specification, do not add additional fluid. If the brake fluid level is below this range, add sufficient fluid to raise the level equal to the full indicator.
NOTICE:
On vehicles equipped with an Antilock Brake System (ABS), the ABS unit hydraulic accumulator must be completely depressurized to properly check the brake fluid level. Procedures for depressurizing the ABS hydraulic accumulator are included in Section 5E of the Chassis Service Manual. Failure to fully depressurize the ABS system per service manual procedure could result in overfilling the brake fluid reservoir.
On vehicles that do not allow a visual inspection, thoroughly clean the reservoir cap or cover to avoid brake fluid contamination. Remove the reservoir cap or cover (compress the rubber boots on reservoir cover diaphragm).
- On vehicles equipped with compact master cylinders (A, J, N, W body vehicles), brake fluid should be between the minimum and maximum indicator levels in the opening on top of the reservoir (see service manual for additional information).
- On vehicles equipped with diagonal split master cylinder, the brake fluid should be within 6 mm (1/4") from the top of the reservoir.
If the fluid level is within specifications, do not add additional fluid. If the fluid level is below the specified level, add sufficient fluid to bring the fluid level within specification.
BRAKE FLUID REQUIREMENTS
GM Part Number 1052535, Delco Supreme No. 11, or DOT-3 Fluid.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID - FRONT WHEEL DRIVE
Transaxle Fluid Level Information
When adding or charging fluid, use only DEXRON II. Refer to Section 0B of the Service Manual for maintenance information and servicing intervals.
^ Fluid level should be checked when it reaches normal operating temperatures of 190-200 F (88-93 C). This temperature is reached after approximately 15 miles (24 km) of highway driving.
^ Fluid color will be red when new.
IMPORTANT:
When new, automatic transmission fluid is red in color. The red dye is to distinguish it from engine oil or antifreeze. The red dye is not an indicator of fluid quality and is not permanent. As the vehicle is driven the transmission fluid will begin to look darker in color. The color may eventually appear light brown.
NOTICE:
Do not overfill. Overfilling will cause foaming, loss of fluid and possible damage to the transaxle.
^ Inaccurate fluid level readings will result if checked immediately after the vehicle has been operated:
- In high ambient temperatures above 90 F (32 C)
- At sustained high speeds
- In heavy city traffic during hot weather
- As a towing vehicle
- In commercial service (taxi or police use)
Transaxle Fluid Checking Procedure
1. Start engine and operate vehicle for a minimum of 15 miles (24 km).
2. Park vehicle on level ground.
3. Move gear selector to "Park" (P).
4. Apply parking brake and block wheels.
5. Let vehicle idle for 3 minutes with accessories turned off.
6. Check fluid level, color and condition.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID - REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Transmission Fluid Information
When adding or changing fluid, use only DEXRON II. Refer to MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION (SEC. 0B) of the Service Manual for maintenance information and servicing intervals.
NOTICE:
Do not overfill. Overfilling will cause foaming, loss of fluid and possible damage to the transmission.
^ Fluid level should be checked when it reaches normal operating temperatures of 88-93C (190-200F). This temperature is reached after approximately 15 miles (24 km) of highway driving.
^ Fluid color will be red when new.
IMPORTANT:
When new, automatic transmission fluid is red in color. The dye is to distinguish it from engine oil or antifreeze. The red dye is not an indicator of fluid quality and is not permanent. As the vehicle is driven, the transmission fluid will begin to look darker in color. The color may eventually appear light brown.
^ Inaccurate fluid level readings will result if the fluid is checked immediately after the vehicle has been operated:
- In high ambient temeperatures above 32 C (90 F)
- At sustained high speeds
- In heavy city traffic during hot weather
- As a towing vehicle.
- In commercial service (taxi or police use).
Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure
1. Start engine and operate vehicle for a minimum of 15 miles (24 km).
2. Park vehicle on level ground.
3. Move gear selector to "PARK".
4. Apply parking brake and block wheels.
5. Let vehicle idle for 3 minutes with accessories off.
6. Check fluid level, color and condition.
MANUAL TRANSAXLES - FRONT WHEEL DRIVE
Check the fluid level with the engine not running, vehicle level, and the transaxle cool enough so that you can rest your fingers on the transaxle case. Remove the fluid level indicator.
If within specification, do not add additional fluid. Fluid may appear on the bottom of the indicator, even when the fluid is several pints low. To ensure accurate reading, remove the level indicator, wipe it clean, reinsert it and remove to read the level. If below specification, add sufficient fluid to bring within specification.
HYDRAULIC CLUTCH FLUID
Some vehicles equipped with manual transaxles utilize a hydraulic clutch assembly. Check the fluid level with the vehicle level and the clutch reservoir cap removed. The fluid should be level with a step in the reservoir housing. If the fluid is below the step, add sufficient fluid to bring the fluid up to the step.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Requirements
GM Part Number 1052535, GM Delco Supreme No. 11 Brake Fluid or GM Part Number 12345347 Hydraulic Clutch fluid, or an equivalent fluid that meets DOT-3 specifications.
NOTICE:
Do not use mineral or parafin base oil in the clutch hydraulic system. These fluids will damage the rubber parts in the cylinders.
REAR AXLE FLUID, REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Check the fluid level with the vehicle level and the fill plug removed from the differential. The fluid should be within 6 mm (1/4") of the bottom of the fill plug boss. If within specifications, do not add additional fluid. If it is below this range, add sufficient fluid to bring within specifications.
REAR AXLE LUBRICANT REQUIREMENTS
See Service Manual Section 0B for proper lubricant.