The following text and illustrations describe the details of the scheduled required maintenance services.
For information on the proper fluids and lubricants to use refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
For the engine oil and oil filter changing procedure refer to the following:
• | Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8 L. |
• | Engine Oil and Oil Filter Change in Engine Mechanical - 5.7 L. |
Important: DO NOT use engine oil additives in Camaro and Firebird engines.
When changing or adding to the motor oil, use ONLY motor oils of the proper quality. The engines in the Camaro and Firebird require motor oils of the proper viscosity (thickness) and marked by the American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified For Gasoline Engines STARBURST symbol.
Notice: Using engine oils of any viscosity other than those viscosities recommended could result in engine damage.
Motor oil viscosity has an effect on fuel economy and cold-weather operation (starting and oil flow). Lower viscosity motor oils can provide better fuel economy and cold-weather performance.
When choosing an motor oil, consider the range of outdoor temperatures the vehicle will be operated in before the next oil change. Then select the recommended oil viscosity.
The recommended SAE motor oil viscosity is 5W-30. However, if outdoor temperatures will remain above -18°C (0°F), 10W-30 may be used.
In areas of the world other than North America, it may be difficult to find oils that display the API STARBURST symbol.
If you cannot find oils displaying the API STARBURST, look for oils that meet the API Service SJ and ACEA A3-96 requirements.
The recommended SAE engine oil viscosity is 5W-30, however, additional engine oil viscosities meeting the API Service SJ and ACEA A3-96 requirements may be used in accordance with the temperature ranges shown.
Inspect the accessory drive belts for the following:
• | Cracks |
• | Fraying |
• | Wear |
• | Proper tension |
Replace as needed. (A belt can develop many small cracks in individual ribs without affecting the belt's performance.) Refer to the following:
• | Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8 L. |
• | Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory or Air Conditioning Compressor Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 5.7 L. |
Important: If silicate coolant is added to the cooling system, premature engine, heater core, or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the coolant will require replacement much more frequently (every 50 000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months.)
Drain, flush, and refill the system with a 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and ONLY GM Goodwrench® DEX-COOL® or Havoline® DEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
No fluid service is required. For fluid level inspection refer to Transmission Fluid Level Inspection in Manual Transmission - M49 or Transmission Fluid Level Inspection in Manual Transmission - MM6.
Change both the fluid and the filter according to the maintenance interval schedule.
For the fluid and filter changing procedure refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E.
Replace the spark plugs according to the maintenance interval schedule.
For information on the correct type of spark plug refer to Spark Plug Usage .
For the spark plug replacement procedure refer to Spark Plug Replacement .
Clean the spark plug wires and inspect for burns, cracks, or other damage. Inspect the wire's boot fit at the coil and at the spark plugs. Replace the wires as needed. Refer to the following:
• | Spark Plug Wire Harness Replacement in Engine Electrical. |
• | Spark Plug Wire Harness Replacement in Engine Electrical. |
• | Spark Plug Wire Harness Replacement in Engine Electrical. |
Replace the air cleaner filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type.
For information on the correct type of air cleaner filter refer to Maintenance Items .