VIN LOCATION
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.
VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION
Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.
VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 1
SHORT TRIP/CITY & LONG TRIP/HIGHWAY SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Note. Starting in the 1996 model year, General Motors has renamed their maintenance schedules; One is referred to as the Short-Trip/City and the other is the Long Trip/Highway schedule. These schedule requirements are similar to the familiar Severe Service and Normal schedules and can be used in place of one another.
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions
Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions
Severe Service
- Short Trips (4 Miles Or Less)
- When Most Trips Are Less Than 10 Miles And Outside Temperatures Remain Below Freezing.
- Towing Or Heavily Loaded
- Severe Dust Conditions
- Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
- Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)
Normal Service
- Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
- No Severe Service Operating Conditions
Scheme 2
Scheme 3
Scheme 4
SERVICE LABOR TIMES
Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.
TIRE INFLATION
Tire pressure specification decal is attached to the rear face of the driver's door. Inflation pressures listed on decal is always cold inflation pressure and must never exceed the maximum values molded into the tire side wall. These pressures should be used for all driving conditions, as they provide the best balance of fuel economy, tire life, riding comfort and handling.
WHEEL TIGHTENING
Tighten all wheel lug nuts to 100 lbs. ft. (140 N.m). Always tighten wheel lug nuts in a crisscross pattern. All wheel lug nuts have right-hand threads.
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS
| CAUTION | When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section. |
Vehicles are delivered with maintenance free battery. Water need never be added to a maintenance free battery. The battery contains a visual tester. A Green indicator is visible when an adequate charge level exists; a Black indicator implies charging is required and a Yellow indicator appears when replacement is necessary.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)
Note. See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.
Modifications or improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), can adversely affect system performance. DO NOT cover, obstruct or change the steering wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could cause improper function of the system. Use only plain water when cleaning the horn pad. Solvents or cleaners could adversely affect the air bag cover and cause improper deployment of the system.
| WARNING | To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section. |
Modification to the air bag system component or wiring can adversely affect system performance and possibly cause injury.
| CAUTION | The Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (DERM) can maintain enough voltage to cause a deployment of the inflator module for up to 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned off and the battery is disconnected. Many of the service procedures require disconnection of the inflator module to avoid an accidental deployment. |
| CAUTION | Disconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation |
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING
| CAUTION | Avoid breathing R-134a refrigerant and PAG lubricant vapors, exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. To remove R-134a from system use R-134a recycling equipment that meets SAE J2210 specifications. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service. |
| WARNING | R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems SHOULD NOT be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures of air/R134a have shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures are dangerous and may cause fire and/or explosions. See the appropriate A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING article in the AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT section. |
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals.
On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions
- DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
- DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.
- Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.
BATTERY WARNING
| WARNING | When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section. |
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR
Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER (GASOLINE MODELS)
To prevent catalytic converter overheating, DO NOT allow engine to idle for more than 20 minutes.
COOLANT (DEX-COOL 1995-96 MODELS)
| CAUTION | Some 1995 build-out and all 1996 models have DEX-COOL engine coolant installed at the factory. DEX-COOL coolant is a silicate-free coolant that is orange in color. It should not be mixed with regular ethylene-glycol coolant. To avoid possible damage to vehicle cooling system, visually check engine coolant color before adding and/or changing engine coolant. Vehicle should have an identification label placed under the hood stating what type coolant is installed. |
COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)
| CAUTION | To avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C). |
| CAUTION | Propylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C) Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C) |
| CAUTION | Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations. |
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS
| WARNING | Many solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component. |
FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE
| WARNING | Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component. |
HALOGEN BULBS
| WARNING | Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs. |
METHANOL GASOLINE
| CAUTION | Fuel that is more than 5% methanol should not be used in this vehicle. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel system, and damage plastic and rubber parts. Even at 5% methanol or less, solvents and corrosion preventers must be used with this fuel to avoid these problems. |
RADIATOR CAP
| CAUTION | Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot. |
RADIATOR FAN
| WARNING | Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off. |
SPARK PLUGS
Note. Allow engine to cool before removing spark plugs from aluminum cylinder heads.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
| CAUTION | If tires are allowed to spin at high speeds when TRACTION OFF light is on, tires can explode. Also, spinning the tires with the warning light on can cause the transaxle to overheat. DO NOT spin wheels above 35 MPH. |
WARRANTY INFORMATION
| CAUTION | Due to the different warranties offered in various regions and the variety of after-market extended warranties available, please refer to the warranty package that came with the vehicle to verify all warranty options. |
BASIC NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Everything is covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This basic warranty covers the cost to all parts and labor needed to repair or adjust any item (except tires) on the vehicle that have been proven defective in material, workmanship or factory preparation under normal use.
AIR BAG LIMITED WARRANTY (IF EQUIPPED)
On cars equipped with supplemental inflatable restraint (air bag) system, the components are covered for 3 years regardless of mileage, and there is no deductible fee.
POWER TRAIN WARRANTY
This warranty takes effect upon the expiration of the 12 months/12,000 miles Basic New Car Limited Warranty and covers the following components for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For some models, warranty coverage is extended to 36 months/50,000 miles. Refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific model application. Warranty is subject to a 100.00 deductible for each repair visit.
- Engine Cylinder block, heads and internal parts, intake and exhaust manifolds, timing gears, timing gear chain/belt and cover, flywheel, harmonic balancer, valve covers, oil pan and pump, engine mounts, seals and gaskets , water and fuel pumps, turbocharger housings and internal parts, turbocharger valves, seals and gaskets.
- Transmission Case and internal parts, torque converter, vacuum modulator, transmission mounts, seals and gaskets, transfer case and internal parts, seals and gaskets.
- Front-Wheel Drive Final drive housing and internal parts, axle shafts, constant velocity joints, front hub bearings, seals and gaskets.
CORROSION WARRANTY
Covers any rust-through in body sheet metal due to corrosion for 36 months regardless of mileage. For certain models, warranty coverage is for 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific model application. Warranty begins on the date vehicle is delivered or put in use, whichever occurs first.
EMISSION COMPONENTS "DEFECT" WARRANTY
General Motors Corporation warrants all GM's emission components in vehicle to be free of defects in material and workmanship which would cause it to fail to meet federal standards for emission control system at the time the vehicle was built. Warranty begins on the date the vehicle is delivered or first put in use, whichever occurs first. Refer to customer's copy of warranty information for exact warranty periods on specific models.
EMISSION "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTY
Listed below are the primary components which affect the vehicle's emission performance. Other emission control-related parts of these components are covered by the Performance warranty where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these parts, both parts are covered. Warranty starts at Warranty Start Date and the primary components are covered for 5 years/50,000 miles with a few exceptions to some items, which are only covered for 24 months/24,000 miles. For some California vehicles, the warranty limits are for 3 years/50,000 miles with the same exceptions. Certain components listed are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first for some California vehicles. Refer to customer's copy of warranty information for additional information on specific model applications.
- Air Injector Reactor (AIR) Pump, Air Distributor And Valves
- Pulse AIR Valve And Associated Parts
- PCV Valve System And Oil Filler Cap
- EGR Valve And Associated Controls
- Choke Switches And Carburetor Parts
- Engine Control Module And Associated Sensors (Some Models)
- Electronic Fuel Injection System
- Carburetor Feedback Control System
- Throttle Return Control Parts (Some Models)
- Catalytic Converter, Catalyst And Associated Parts
- Fuel Tank, Filler Cap, Restrictor And Vapor Control Valves
- Evaporative Emission Control Carbon Canister And Associated Controls
- Emission Related Hoses, Clamps, Belts, Pulley, Tubes, Fittings, And Wiring Harness
24 Months/24,000 Miles Warranted Components
- Thermostatic Air Cleaner Switch, Control Valve And Associated Parts
- EFE Valve, Heater And Associated Controls (Some Models)
- Exhaust System-To-Catalytic Converter
- Distributor Parts And Associated Controls
- Spark Plugs And Ignition Wires
- Intake & Exhaust Manifolds And Turbocharger (California Only)