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
- No Severe Service Operating Conditions
Scheme 2
Scheme 3
Scheme 4
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
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
The tire specification decal is located on rear of the driver's door.
WHEEL TIGHTENING
Tighten wheel lug nuts to 100 ft. lbs. (136 N.m). Tighten compact spare wheel lug nuts to 80 ft. lbs. (108 N.m).
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 appropriate COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section below. |
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1987-90
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1991-93
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1994
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1995
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1996
Models with VIN Codes A, G and T use Group 70-60S batteries. Heavy Duty models use Group 75A-72 batteries.
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 appropriate COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section below. |
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1987-90
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1991-93
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1994
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1995
- COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES - 1996
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR
Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
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.
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 WARRANTY
Everything is covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
CORROSION COVERAGE
Begins at warranty start date and lasts 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. It covers any holes in body sheet metal caused by corrosion.
EMISSIONS "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTY
Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. It applies only in states that require EPA emission performance testing. Coverage is limited to fewer components after 2 years or 24,000 miles.
Scheme 7
FUSE & CIRCUIT BREAKER IDENTIFICATION
- 1 - 15 Amp - Computer Command Control, Fuel Injector (1987-89 & 1991-96)
- 2 - Blank (1987-88) - 20 Amp (1989-96) - Stoplights, Hazard Lights
- 3 - 15 Amp (1987-88) - Radio Blank (1989-90) - 10 Amp (1991-96) - SIR (Air Bag), Ignition
- 4 - 20 Amp (1987-88) - Stoplights, Hazard Lights 5 Amp (1989-92) - 10 Amp (1993-96) - Alternator, Anti-Lock Brakes (1992-95), LGO Heater Pipe (1992-94), D.R.L. (1995-96)
- 5 - 20 Amp - Back-Up Lights, Turn Signal Lights
- 6 - Blank (1987-88) - 20 Amp (1989-96) - Trunk Release, Cigarette Lighter (1989-90 Corsica Only) (1991-96 Corsica & Beretta)
- 7 - 20 Amp - Parking & Side Marker Lights, License Lights
- 8 - 25 Amp - Heater & Air Conditioner
- 9 - 20 Amp - Gauges/Warning Indicator, Audible Warning System, Rear Window Defogger, Air Conditioner, Computer Command Control (1987-90) Cruise Control (1995-96), D.R.L. (1995-96)
- 10 - 25 Amp - Windshield Wiper/Washer
- 11 - 20 Amp (1987-93), 15 Amp (1994-96) - Courtesy Lights, Clock, Door Locks (1987-93), Horn (1987-93), Cigar Lighter (1987-90) (1989 Beretta), Radio-CD (1991-96), Trunk Release (1987-88), Audible Warning System, ABS Passive Belts
- 12 - 35 Amp (Circuit Breaker) (1987-91) - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) (1992-96) - Power Windows
- 13 - 5 Amp (1987-91) - 3 Amp (1992-96) - Instrument Panel Lights, Headlight Reminder (1987-90)
- 14 - 15 Amp - Radio, Cruise Control, Clock (1987-88)
- 15 - 35 Amp (Circuit Breaker) (1987-91) - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) (1992-96) - Power Door Locks, Rear Window Defogger
- 16 - Blank (1987-88 & 1990) - 10 Amp (1989) - MAF Sensor (V6) 5 Amp (1991) - 3 Amp (1992-93) - DRL 20 Amp (1994-96) - Fuel Pump/Injectors
- 17 - Blank (1987-90) - 3 Amp (1991-93) - SIR 10 Amp (1994-96) - Automatic Door Unlock (Remove to Disable)
There are 2 fuses under the steering column they are as follows
1994-95 Models
- Inline Fuse (3 Amp) - Air Bag
- Inline Fuse (20 Amp) - Fog Lamps, Door Lock, Horn
There are 4 fuses under the steering column they are as follows
1996 Models
- Inline Fuse (3 Amp) - Air Bag
- Inline Fuse (20 Amp) - Fog Lamps, Door Lock, Horn
- Inline Fuse (20 Amp) - ABS Solenoids
- Inline Fuse (20 Amp) - Generator