General Information & Maintenance
This page is currently a work in progress 09/25/2024
Vehicle identification numbers
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is crucial for identifying your car. It’s stamped on a plate located on the left side of the dashboard and can be easily viewed through the driver’s side of the windshield (see illustration). You’ll also find the VIN on the Vehicle Certificate of Title and Registration. This unique number provides key details about your vehicle, including its manufacturing location, production date, model year, and body style.
Body identification plate
The Body Identification Plate is usually located on the top of the radiator support or the upper surface of the fan shroud. Like the VIN, it contains vital information about the vehicle’s production and original factory specifications. This plate is especially useful for accurately matching the vehicle’s original paint color and type during repairs, ensuring a seamless restoration.
Service parts identification label
This label is located in the trunk, usually either on the inside of the trunk lid or on the spare tire cover. It lists the VIN number, wheelbase, paint number, options, and other information specific to the vehicle it’s attached to. Always refer to this label when ordering parts.
Engine identification numbers
The engine code number on the 2.2 liter and 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine is stamped on a pad on the radiator side, at the rear of the block. The 2.3 liter OHC (Quad-4) engine VIN number is stamped into the rear of the block, near the starter motor. The Quad-4 engine also has a code label attached to the rear edge of the timing belt housing. On V6 engines, the code number is found on a pad on the rear of the block, just above the starter motor. On the 3800, the number is also stamped on a pad adjacent to the water pump.
Automatic transaxle number
The nameplate/ID number on the THM 1 25C/3T40 transaxle is attached to the upper surface of the case, near the rear (see illustration). On the 440-T4/4T60-E and 4T65-E transaxle, the transaxle VIN number is stamped into the right rear of the housing; a unit number label is attached above it.
Vehicle Emissions Control Information label
This label is found in the engine compartment.
Fluid Capacities
Engine oil (with filter change)
2.5L I4 | 3.0 qts |
3.4L V6 | 5.0 qts |
All others | |
1988-1996 | 4.0 qts |
1997+ | 4.5 to 5.0 qts |
Automatic transaxle (fluid and filter change)
3T40 | 4.0 qts |
All Others | |
1988-1995 | 6.0 qts |
1996-2001 | 7.0 qts |
2002+ | 7.4 qts |
Manual transaxle | 2.1 qts |
Fuel Tank
2.2L I4 | 17.1 gals |
All others | |
1988-1990 | 16 gals |
1991-1996 | 16.5 gals |
1997+ | 17.0 gals |
Cooling System
The capacity varies based on the engine, transaxle, and cooling system options. For precise information, please refer to your owner’s manual.
General Information
Radiator cap pressure rating. | 15 psi |
Brake pad lining wear limit | 1/8 inch |
Brake shoe lining wear limit | 1/16 inch from rivets |
**All capacities are approximate. Adjust as needed to reach the recommended levels.**
Fluid Types
Recommended lubricants and fluids
Note: Listed here are manufacturer recommendations at the time this article was written. Manufacturers occasionally upgrade their fluid and lubricant specifications, so check with your local auto parts store for current recommendations.
Engine Oil Type – Dexos API grade “certified for gasoline engines”
Engine Oil Viscosity – See accompanying chart (Article about viscosity)
Automatic transaxle fluid – Dexron III or VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual transaxle lubricant – Synchromesh Fluid
Engine coolant – 50/50 mixture of water and the specified ethylene glycol-based (green color) antifreeze or “DEXCOOL”, silicate-free (orange-color) coolant – DO NOT mix the two types
Brake fluid – DOT 3 or DOT 4
Clutch fluid – DOT 3
Power steering fluid – GM power steering fluid or equivalent
Chassis grease – SAE NLGI no. 2 chassis grease