GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The maintenance services in this section are based on the assumption that your vehicle will be used as it was designed:

    • To carry passengers and cargo within the limits shown on the Tire Placard located on the driver's door opening sill below the door striker (coupe) and the rear edge of the driver's door (sedan and wagon). See Loading your Vehicle.
    • To be driven on suitable road surfaces within legal driving limits.
    • To be fueled with the recommended fuel. See Fuel in the Index.

Using the Schedule

The service shown in this schedule up to 99,000 miles (165 000 km) should be performed after 99,000 miles (165 000 km) at the same intervals.

Because of all the different ways people use their vehicles, maintenance needs may vary. Therefore, you should follow the schedule based on months or mileage, whichever comes first, but not both.

    • Record the date when your vehicle was serviced under the "Date" heading.
    • Record your odometer mileage under the "Actual Mileage: heading.
    • Record the name of the facility where service was performed under the "Service By" heading.

Oil Change and Filter Information

Change the oil and filter at 3 month or 3,000 miles intervals (5,000 km) if the car is usually operated under one or more of the following conditions:

    • Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
    • It's below freezing outside, day and night.
    • It's very humid outside.
    • Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop-and-go traffic.
    • You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle.
    • You drive in dusty areas.
    • Your Saturn is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial application.

If none of the conditions listed above apply, the oil and filter change must be performed at or before 6 months or 6,000 miles (10,000 km).

Emission Information

* An Emission Control Service.

# The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board had determined that the failure to perform the maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle's useful life. Saturn, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in the Schedule Maintenance Service section.

3 Months or 3,000 Miles (5,000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

6 Months or 6,000 Miles (10,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect the brake system and rotate the tires and wheel at 6 months or 6,000 miles (10,000 km), and then every 12,000 miles (20,000 km) . During the tire rotation, check the brake calipers for freedom of movement, and lubricate if required.
    • Service manual transaxle, change fluid and filter 6,000 miles (10,000 km) only.

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

9 Months or 9,000 Miles (15 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

12 Months or 12,000 Miles (20,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect engine accessory drive belt and coolant hoses every 12 months or 18,000 miles (30,000 km) .

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

15 Months or 15,000 Miles (25 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

18 Months or 18,000 Miles (30,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect engine accessory drive belt and coolant hoses every 12 months or 18,000 miles (30,000 km) .
    • Inspect the brake system and rotate the tires and wheel. During the tire rotation, check the brake calipers for freedom of movement, and lubricate if required.

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

21 Months or 21,000 Miles (35 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

24 months or 24,000 Miles (40,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect engine accessory drive belt and coolant hoses every 12 months or 18,000 miles (30,000 km) .
    • Inspect the vacuum line/hose every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#
    • Inspect fuel tank, cap and pipe/hoses every 24 months or 30,000 (50,000 km) .*#

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

27 Months or 27,000 Miles (45 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

30,000 Miles (50,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect the brake system and rotate the tires and wheels. During the tire rotation, check the brake calipers for freedom of movement, and lubricate if required.
    • Service manual transaxle, change fluid and filter every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .
    • Replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*
    • Inspect the vacuum line/hose every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#
    • Replace engine air filter every 36 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*
    • Inspect fuel tank, cap and pipe/hoses every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

33 Months or 33,000 Miles (55 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

36 Months or 36,000 Miles (60,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect engine accessory drive belt and coolant hoses.
    • Replace engine air filter every 36 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

39 Months or 39,000 Miles (65 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

42,000 Miles (70,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect the brake system and rotate the tires and wheel. During the tire rotation, check the brake calipers for freedom of movement, and lubricate if required.

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

45 Months or 45,000 Miles (75 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

48 Months or 48,000 Miles (80,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect engine accessory drive belt and coolant hose every 12 months or 18,000 miles (30,000 km) .
    • Inspect the vacuum line/hose every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#
    • Inspect fuel tank, cap and pipe/hoses every 24 months or 30,000 (50,000 km) .*#

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

51 Months or 51,000 Miles (85 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

54 Months or 54,000 Miles (90,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect the brake system and rotate the tires and wheel. During the tire rotation, check the brake calipers for freedom of movement, and lubricate if required.
    • Inspect the engine accessory drive belt and coolant hoses every 12 months or 18,000 mile (30,000 km) .

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

57 Months or 57,000 Miles (95 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

60 Months or 60,000 Miles (100,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect engine accessory drive belt and coolant hose every 12 months or 18,000 miles (30,000 km) .
    • Service automatic transaxle, change fluid and filter every 30,000 Miles (50,000 km) .
    • Replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*
    • Inspect the vacuum line/hose every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#
    • Replace engine air filter every 36 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*
    • Flush cooling system, change coolant and check pressure cap every 5 years (60 months) or 100,000 miles (166,000 km) .*
    • Inspect fuel tank, cap and pipe/hoses every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

63 Months or 63,000 Miles (105 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

66,000 Miles (110,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect the brake system and rotate the tires and wheel. During the tire rotation, check the brake calipers for freedom of movement, and lubricate if required.

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

69 Months or 69,000 Miles (115 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

72 Months or 72,000 Miles (120,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect the vacuum line/hose every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#
    • Inspect fuel tank, cap and pipe/hoses every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#
    • Inspect engine accessory drive belt and coolant hoses.
    • Replace engine air filter every 36 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

75 Months or 75,000 Miles (125 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

78 Months or 78,000 Miles (130,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect the brake system and rotate the tires and wheel. During the tire rotation, check the brake calipers for freedom of movement, and lubricate if required.

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

81 Months or 81,000 Miles (140,000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

84 Months or 84,000 Miles (140,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect the engine accessory drive belt and coolant hoses every 12 months or 18,000 mile (30,000 km) .

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

87 Months or 87,000 Miles (145 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

90 Months or 90,000 Miles (150,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect the brake system and rotate the tires and wheel. During the tire rotation, check the brake calipers for freedom of movement, and lubricate if required.
    • Service automatic transaxle, change fluid at every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .
    • Replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*
    • Inspect engine accessory drive belt and coolant hose every 12 months or 18,000 miles (30,000 km) .
    • Inspect the vacuum line/hose every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#
    • Replace engine air filter every 36 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*
    • Inspect fuel tank, cap and pipe/hoses every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

93 Months or 93,000 Miles (155 000 km)

· Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

96 Months or 96,000 Miles (160,000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Inspect the axle boots, suspension bushing and ball joint seals.
    • Inspect the exhaust system and shields.
    • Lubricate the door hinges, check links, hood and sunroof.
    • Inspect engine accessory drive belt and coolant hose every 12 months or 18,000 miles (30,000 km) .
    • Inspect the vacuum line/hose every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#
    • Inspect fuel tank, cap and pipe/hoses every 24 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) .*#

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

99 Months or 99,000 Miles (165 000 km)

    • Change the engine oil and filter. An Emission Control Service.*
    • Replace fuel filter every 100,000 miles (1660,000 km) .*#

Date

Actual Mileage

Serviced By

Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services

The services listed on the Maintenance Schedule are explained on the following pages. When the following maintenance services are performed, make sure required parts are replaced and all necessary repairs are done before driving your vehicle. Be sure to use the fluids and lubricants described in Section C in this Maintenance Section.

  1. Change Engine Oil and Oil Filter*: Use oil that has the "Starburst" symbol on the front of the oil container. To determine the preferred viscosity (e.g., SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30) for your vehicle's engine, refer to the Owner Manual portion of your Owner's Handbook. Replace the oil filter with the type specified in the Owner Manual.
  2. Inspect Axle Boots, Suspension Bushing, and Ball Joint Seals: Inspect the axle shaft boot seals, suspension bushings, and ball joint seals for cracks, tears, or leakage. Service as necessary.
  3. Inspect Exhaust System and Shields: The exhaust system is made of a stainless steel that will show exterior surface corrosion in use. This is normal, and replacement is not required unless there are leaks or broken components. Inspect the complete exhaust system and the body near the system. Look for broken, damaged, missing, or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat build up on the floor or let exhaust fumes seep into the trunk or passenger compartment. Inspect the shields for cracks, tears, and missing fasteners. The three rubber isolators used to position the exhaust system must be intact with no splits or tears. To prevent vehicle panel and fuel tank damage, all shields must be firmly attached. Shields must always be re-installed if they are removed for exhaust system or body repairs.
  4. Inspect the Brake System and Rotate Tires and Wheels: For proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate the tires following the instructions given under "Tire Inspection and Rotation" in the Service and Appearance Care section of your Owner's Handbook. Check the tires for uneven wear or damage.
  5. If irregular or premature wear is apparent, see your Saturn retailer. Also, check for damaged wheels. While the tires are removed for rotation, perform the brake system inspection. Refer to the section entitled "Service and Appearance Care" in the Owner Manual portion of your Owner's Handbook for further information.

  6. Manual Transaxle Fluid Change: Change the manual transaxle fluid using Saturn® Transaxle Fluid (P/N 21005966) or DEXRON®-III at 6,000 miles (10,000 km). After this, the fluid does not require periodic changing.
  7. Automatic Transaxle Fluid and Filter Change: Changing the automatic transaxle fluid, using Saturn® Transaxle Fluid (P/N 21005966) or DEXRON®-III and the automatic transaxle filter at the intervals prescribed in the maintenance schedule. Because this operation may be a little difficult, you may chose to have this done at a Saturn retail service facility.
  8. Replace Spark Plugs*: Replace the spark plugs with the type listed in the Owner Manual Portion of your Owner's Handbook. Tighten the spark plugs with the engine cold.
  9. Torque
    Tighten the spark plugs to 27 N·m (20 lb-ft).

  10. Inspect Vacuum Line/Hose*#: Inspect the line and connectors for proper installation, cracks, chafing, or decay. Service as necessary.
  11. Inspect Fuel Tank, Filter, Cap and Pipes/Hoses*#: Inspect the fuel tank, cap and pipes/hoses for damage or leaks. Remove the fuel cap; inspect the gasket for an even filler neck imprint and any damage. Service as necessary.
  12. Inspect Engine Accessory Drive Belt and Coolant Hoses: Inspect the belt. Look for cracks, fraying, wear, and proper tension. Inspect coolant hoses for leakage, cracks, hardening, swelling, and chafing. Service as necessary.
  13. Replace Engine Air Filter*: Replace the air filter at the specified interval. Replace more often if the vehicle is usually operated in dusty conditions.
  14. Service Cooling System*: Drain, flush and refill the system with a new coolant solution. The solution must be a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water (preferable distilled) and DEX-COOL® coolant. This mixture provides proper coolant protection, corrosion inhibitor levels and engine operating temperature. Inspect the coolant surge tank pressure cap for deposit build-up on the cap threads, seal, and valves. Replace parts as needed. To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a pressure test of both the cooling system and the pressure cap. Refer to Section 6 of the Owner Manual portion of your Owner's Handbook for further details.
  15. Caution: Adding only plain water to the cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. The vehicle's coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but you would not get the overheat warning. The engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant.

    Notice: If an improper coolant mixture is used, the engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and other parts.

  16. Replace Fuel Filter*#: Replace the fuel filter at the specified interval. Or, change the filter if it become clogged causing fuel pressure to drop.
  17. To prevent damage to the O-ring, add a lubricant, e.g., engine oil, on the male end before assembling the connections. Holding the steel line or filter firmly, press on female coupler until a click is heard, then pull back to endure engagement. Ensure fuel line connects are fully seated. Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose to have it done at a Saturn retailer service facility.
  18. Important: Make sure all fluids are disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. See the section "Service and Appearance Care" in your Owner Manual portion of the Owner's Handbook for more information.

* An Emission Control Service

# The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board had determined that the failure to perform the maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle's useful life. Saturn, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in the Schedule Maintenance Service section.