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 3
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, emission classification, and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR, VIN Position 4). Emission classification is identified by engine VIN code (except diesel-powered vehicles). Manufacturer's Schedules identify items to be serviced based on type of operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions
Severe Service
- Short Trips (4 Miles Or Less)
- Freezing Temperatures
- 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 4
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
Note. For more information regarding jacking or hoisting the vehicle, refer to the JACKING & HOISTING article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.
SERVICE LABOR TIMES
Note. Labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.
WHEEL SIZE
Replacement wheels should match originals in load limit, diameter, width, offset, and mounting configuration. The wrong wheel can cause difficulty with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire chain clearance to body and chassis.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)
Note. See the AIR BAGS 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 BAGS article in ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT. |
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 AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE article in GENERAL INFORMATION 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.
AXLE LUBRICANTS
| CAUTION | Axle lube quantities must be replaced if the axle has been submerged in water. |
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
| CAUTION | 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
| CAUTION | Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement. |
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
| CAUTION | 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. |
SPARK PLUGS - 2.2L
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. |
BUMPER-TO-BUMPER PLUS COVERAGE LIMITED WARRANTY
Entire vehicle (except battery) is covered for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covered by this warranty are any repairs to vehicle components which have proven defective in material and workmanship under normal use (tires excluded). Warranty repairs (parts and labor) will be made by the Dealer at no charge using new or remanufactured parts. This warranty is subject to a 100 deductible for each repair visit after the first year or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
BATTERY COVERAGE
Covers replacement cost of battery for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. A prorated charge applies after first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
CORROSION COVERAGE
Covers any body sheet metal panel that is perforated due to corrosion. Coverage is for 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSIONS "DEFECT" & "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTIES (FEDERAL)
Defect Warranty ensures vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship. Coverage is for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed in order for the vehicle to pass a federally-required state or local emissions test. Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.
EMISSION "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure vehicle passes inspection. Coverage is for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSION "DEFECT" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Coverage is for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Some emission-related parts are covered for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.