Engine Oil
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER RECOMMENDATIONSEngine oils are labeled on the containers with various API (American Petroleum Institute) designations of quality. Use engine oils that are labeled SF, SE or SE/CC for 2.6L 4ZE1 engine and SG or SF for 2.8L V6 engine. Do not use oils labeled only SA, SB, SC, SD, CA, CB, CC or DC; or oils with the combination label SE and CD (SE/CD). Higher quality oils labeled SF are preferred and should be used when available.
The oil and filter change intervals for your engine are based on the use of SE-quality or SF-quality oils and high quality filters. Using oils other than SE-quality or SF-quality oils or oil change intervals longer than recommended could reduce engine life and might affect your warranty.
Your engine was serviced with a high-quality engine oil when it was built You do not have to change this oil before the suggested change period.
If your normal driving does not include one or more of the four "severe service" conditions listed below, change the oil every 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometers) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Change the oil filter at the first oil change. then every second oil change if the change is based on mileage (7,500 miles or 12,000 kilometers). If the change is based on time (12 months), change the filter with every oil change.
Change the oil and oil filter every 3,750 miles (6.000 kilometers) for 2.6L 4ZE1 engine and every 3,000 miles (4.800 kilometers) for 2.SL V6 engine or every three months if you often drive under one or more of these "Severe Service" conditions:
- Driving in dusty areas
- Towing a trailer
- Frequent idling or idling for long periods
- Frequent short trips (4 miles [6 kilometers] or less) in cold or freezing weather, where the engine does not thoroughly warm up.
Change the oil and oil filter as soon as possible after driving in a dust storm.
When installing the oil filter:
1. Apply a light coat of engine oil to the oil filter gasket.
2. Hand tighten the filter until the gasket contacts the sealing face.
3. Using the filter wrench, tighten the filter 1 full turn.
4. Run the engine and inspect for leaks.
IMPORTANT: An improperly installed oil filter can result in severe engine damage.
Engine Oil Viscosity
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on fuel economy. Lower viscosity engine oils can provide increased fuel economy; however, higher temperature weather conditions require higher viscosity engine oils for satisfactory lubrication.
To get the best fuel economy with your vehicle, you should use a fuel-saving engine oil of the proper viscosity These oils can be found in service stations and other retail stores. They are identified by words such as: "Energy Saving," "Conserves Gasoline," "Gas Saving," "Gasoline Saving," "Friction Reducing," "Improved Gasoline Mileage" or "Fuel Saving."
The chart lists the engine oil viscosities recommended for the temperature range you expect before the next oil change.
For temperatures above -18°C (0°F), SAE 1OW - 30 is the preferred viscosity grade. If cold weather starting problems are encountered at temperatures below -18°C (0°F), SAE 5W - 30 viscosity oils may be required.
Note: Using SAE 1OW-40 oil, or any other viscosity other than those viscosities recommended, may reduce engine life and affect your warranty.