Engine Compartment Overview
- Remote Negative (–) Location. See Jump Starting - North America 0 367.
- Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North America 0 367.
- Battery - North America 0 318.
- Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0 309.
- Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under Engine Oil 0 305.
- Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0 310.
- Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid 0 314.
- Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine Oil 0 305.
- Auxiliary Battery. Battery - North America 0 318.
- Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0 317.
- Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0 329.
- Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0 310.
- Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” under Washer Fluid 0 315.
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement.
Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine Oil” in the Duramax diesel supplement. To ensure proper engine performance and long life, careful attention must be paid to engine oil. Follow these steps:
- Use engine oil approved to the proper specification and of the proper viscosity grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine Oil.”
- Check the engine oil level regularly and maintain the proper oil level. See “Checking Engine Oil” and “When to Add Engine Oil.”
- Change the engine oil at the appropriate time. See Engine Oil Life System 0 307.
- Always dispose of engine oil properly. See “What to Do with Used Oil.”
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every 650 km (400 mi), especially before a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
The engine oil dipstick handle may be hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC) message displays, check the oil level:
- Park on level ground and check oil after engine off for at least 2 hours. Checking on steep grades or too soon can give incorrect readings.
- If unable to wait 2 hours, the engine must be off at least 15 minutes if warm, 30 minutes if not warm. Pull out dipstick, wipe, reinsert, remove, and check level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, add 1 L (1 qt) of recommended oil and recheck the level.
Do not add too much oil. Oil
