Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work
If doing some of your own service work, use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service the vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see Publication Ordering Information 0 343.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 65. If equipped with remote vehicle start, open the hood before performing any service work to prevent remote starting the vehicle accidentally. See Remote Vehicle Start 0 14. Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed. See Maintenance Records 0 331.
Hood
Clear any snow from the hood before opening.
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release lever with the isymbol. It is on the lower left side of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever under the front center of the hood. Push the secondary hood release lever to the right to release.
3. After you have partially lifted the hood, the gas strut system will automatically lift the hood and hold it in the fully open position.
To close the hood:
1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all tools are removed. 2. Pull the hood down until the strut system is no longer holding up the hood. 3. Allow the hood to fall. Check to make sure the hood is latched completely. Repeat this process with additional force if necessary.
1. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0 263. 2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0 260. 3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0 260. 4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0 264. 5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0 269. 6. Battery - North America 0 270. 7. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0 264. 8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting - North America 0 309. 9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid 0 268. 10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0 278. 11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting - North America 0 309.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and long life, careful attention must be paid to engine oil. Following these simple, but important steps will help protect your investment:
. Use engine oil approved to the proper specification and of the proper viscosity grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in this section. . Check the engine oil level regularly and maintain the proper oil level. See “Checking Engine Oil” and “When to Add Engine Oil” in this section. . Change the engine oil at the appropriate time. See Engine Oil Life System 0 262. . Always dispose of engine oil properly. See “What to Do with Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See Engine Compartment Overview 0 259 for the location.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC) message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park the vehicle on level ground. Check the engine oil level after the engine has been off for at least two hours. Checking the engine oil level on steep grades or too soon after engine shutoff can result in incorrect readings. Accuracy improves when checking a cold engine prior to starting. Remove the dipstick and check the level. . If unable to wait two hours, the engine must be off for at least 15 minutes if the engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if the engine is not warm. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick and the engine has been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil and then recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right Engine Oil” later in this section for an explanation of what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications 0 333.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0 259 for the location of the engine oil fill cap. Add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil Selecting the right engine oil depends on both the proper oil specification and viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 329. Specification Ask for and use full synthetic engine oils that meet the dexos1 specification. Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexos1 specification are marked with the dexos1 approved logo. See www.gmdexos.com.
Viscosity Grade Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below −29 °C (−20 °F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, it is recommended to select an oil of the correct specification. See “Specification” earlier in this section. Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils meeting the dexos1 specification are all that is needed for good performance and engine protection. Engine oil system flushes are not recommended and could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. What to Do with Used Oil Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal of oil products. Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash or pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on a combination of factors which include engine revolutions, engine temperature, and miles driven. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed. On some vehicles, when the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes on to indicate that an oil change is necessary. Change the oil as soon as possible within the next 1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system might indicate that an oil change is not necessary for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and, at this time, the system must be reset. For vehicles without the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message, an oil change is needed when the OIL LIFE REMAINING percentage is near 0%. Your dealer has trained service people who will perform this work and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil regularly over the course of an oil drain interval and keep it at the proper level. If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System Reset the system whenever the engine oil is changed so that the system can calculate the next engine oil change. Always reset the engine oil life to 100% after every oil change. It will not reset itself. To reset the engine oil life system:
1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) 0 118 or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) 0 120. 2. Press and hold V for several seconds. The oil life will change to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset as follows:
1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) 0 118 or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) 0 120. 2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds. 3. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. If the display shows 100%, the system is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message and it comes back on when the vehicle is started and/or the OIL LIFE REMAINING is near 0%, the engine oil life system has not been reset. Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to the dealer and have it repaired as soon as possible. Change the fluid at the intervals listed in Maintenance Schedule 0 325, and be sure to use the transmission fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 329.
If you need to check the transmission fluid level, take the vehicle to your dealer.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine air filter’s remaining life and best timing for a change. The timing to change an engine air filter depends on driving and environmental conditions. When to Change Engine Air Filter When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE message displays, the engine air filter should be replaced at the next engine oil change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER SOON message displays, the engine air filter should be replaced at the earliest convenience. The system must be reset after the engine air filter is changed. If the CHECK AIR FILTER SYSTEM message displays, see your dealer. How to Reset Engine Air Filter Life System Reset the system whenever the engine air filter is replaced so that the system can calculate the next engine air filter change. To reset: 1. Place the vehicle in P (Park). 2. Display the Air Filter Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base and Midlevel) 0 118 or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) 0 120. 3. Press p to move to the Reset/Disable display area. Select Reset then press V for several seconds. 4. Press V to confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview 0 259.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/ Filter . For intervals on changing and inspecting the engine air filter, see Maintenance Schedule 0 325. . If equipped with Engine Air Filter Life System, see Engine Air Filter Life System 0 263. . If driving in very dusty areas, follow the engine air filter inspecting and changing intervals, see Maintenance Schedule 0 325.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Do not start the engine or have the engine running with the engine air cleaner/filter housing open. Before removing the engine air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine air cleaner/filter housing and nearby components are free of dirt and debris. Remove the engine air cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake the engine air cleaner/filter (away from the vehicle), to release loose dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air cleaner/ filter for damage, and replace if damaged. Do not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or components with water or compressed air.
To inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter:
1. Remove the five screws and lift the cover out of the assembly. 2. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ filter. 3. Lower the cover and secure with the five screws. 4. If equipped with Engine Air Filter Life System, reset the system after replacing the engine air filter. See Engine Air Filter Life System 0 263.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to maintain the correct working temperature.
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View) 2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
Engine Coolant The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant needs to be checked and replaced at appropriate intervals. See Maintenance Schedule 0 325.
The following explains the cooling system and how to check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating 0 267
What to Use
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C (−34 °F), outside temperature. . Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C (265 °F), engine temperature. . Protects against rust and corrosion. . Will not damage aluminum parts. . Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water. Have the coolant changed by an authorized service center, familiar with legal requirements regarding used coolant disposal. This will help protect the environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down. If coolant is visible but the coolant level mark is not visible, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant surge tank to the top rib on the middle of the tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool before this is done. See Engine Overheating 0 267. The coolant surge tank is located in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview 0 259.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank
If no problem is found, check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank. If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at the indicated level mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise about one-quarter of a turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. This will allow any pressure still left to be vented out the discharge hose. 2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the indicated level mark. 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fan. By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank until the level reaches the indicated level mark. 5. Replace the pressure cap tightly. 6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the coolant is cold. If necessary, repeat coolant fill procedure Steps 1–6. If the coolant still is not at the proper level when the system cools down again, see your dealer.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of the engine overheating. There is an engine coolant temperature gauge on the instrument cluster. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge 0 106. The vehicle may also display a message on the Driver Information Center (DIC). If the decision is made not to lift the hood when this warning appears, get service help right away. See Roadside Assistance Program 0 339.
If the decision is made to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Then check to see if the engine cooling fan is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it is not, do not continue to run the engine. Have the vehicle serviced.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when the vehicle:
. Climbs a long hill on a hot day. . Stops after high-speed driving. . Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off. 2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as necessary. 3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is no longer in the overheated area, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. If the warning does not come back on, continue to drive normally and have the cooling system checked for proper fill and function. If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the vehicle right away. If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for three minutes while parked. If the warning is still displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use When windshield washer fluid is needed, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before use. If operating the vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing. Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See Engine Compartment Overview 0 259 for reservoir location.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake linings are worn and new linings are needed. The sound can come and go or can be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal firmly.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied, clearing up following several applications. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes. Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque specifications. See Capacities and Specifications 0 333.
Brake pads should be replaced as complete axle sets. Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service may be required. Replacing Brake System Parts Always replace brake system parts with new, approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes may not work properly. The braking performance can change in many ways if the wrong brake parts are installed or if parts are improperly installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine Compartment Overview 0 259 for the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level surface, the brake fluid level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the brake fluid reservoir. There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When new linings are installed, the fluid level goes back up. . A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system. Have the brake hydraulic system fixed. With a leak, the brakes will not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is added when the linings are worn, there will be too much fluid when new brake linings are installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brake warning light comes on. See Brake System Warning Light 0 111. Brake fluid absorbs water over time which degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals to prevent increased stopping distance. See Maintenance Schedule 0 325. What to Add Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 329.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is maintenance free. Do not remove the cap and do not add fluid. Refer to the replacement number on the original battery label when a new battery is needed. For replacement of the battery, see your dealer. The vehicle has an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery. Installation of a standard 12-volt battery will result in reduced 12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery charger on the 12-volt AGM battery, some chargers have an AGM battery setting on the charger. If available, use the AGM setting on the charger, to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0 1. Stop/Start System This vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut off the engine to help conserve fuel. See Stop/Start System 0 202.
Vehicle Storage
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black, negative (−) cable from the battery to keep the battery from running down. Extended Storage: Remove the black, negative (−) cable from the battery or use a battery trickle charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case Under normal driving conditions, transfer case fluid does not require maintenance unless there is a fluid leak or unusual noise. If required, have the transfer case serviced by your dealer.
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.
. To check the parking brake's holding ability: With the engine running and the transmission in N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only. . To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding ability: With the engine running, shift to P (Park). Then release the parking brake followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear and cracking. See Maintenance Schedule 0 325. Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. For proper type and length, see Maintenance Replacement Parts 0 330.
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the front wiper blades:
1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Lift up on the latch in the middle of the wiper blade where the wiper arm attaches. 3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield far enough to release it from the J-hooked end of the wiper arm. 4. Remove the wiper blade. 5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Slide a plastic tool under the cover and push upward to unsnap. 2. Slide the cover toward the wiper blade tip to unhook it from the blade assembly. 3. Remove the cover. 4. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
5. Push the release lever (2) to disengage the hook and push the wiper arm (1) out of the blade assembly (3). 6. Push the new blade assembly securely on the wiper arm until the release lever clicks into place. 7. To reinstall the cover, ensure that the cover hook slides into the slot in the blade assembly. 8. Snap the cover down to secure.
Windshield Replacement
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced and the vehicle is equipped with a front camera sensor for the Driver Assistance Systems, a GM replacement windshield is recommended. The replacement windshield must be installed according to GM specifications for proper alignment. If it is not, these systems may not work properly, they may display messages, or they may not work at all. See your dealer for proper windshield replacement.
Gas Strut(s)
Your vehicle may be equipped with gas strut(s) to provide assistance in lifting and holding open the hood/trunk/liftgate system in full open position.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate
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