General Routine Maintenance / Service Intervals

[35th-ANV-SS]

The following is a recommended time interval / mileage maintenance document based on what the service manual states for our cars (3800 V6 / 5.7L V8 engine) and what we recommend based on experience.

This is just a recommendation and was written to be used solely as a guideline. The age of a vehicle, driving habits, and mileage all play a role in routine maintenance.

Cooling system:
Coolant flush every 4 years / 100,000 miles

Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL, Havoline DEX-COOL coolant or other GM approved DEX-COOL.

The service manual recommends AGAINST using a chemical flushing agent in our cooling systems. Some here have flushed their system with water and drop the block drains in order to get as much of the old coolant out as possible. Do not mix a standard “green” coolant with DEX-COOL as it has been known to create sludge in the cooling system. If switching from DEX-COOL to another brand, it is imperative that the cooling system, including the overflow tank and heater core, be thoroughly flushed of old coolant.

Capacity is as follows:
- 3800 V6 with manual transmission = 11.6 quarts
- 3800 V6 with automatic transmission = 11.4 quarts
- 5.7L V8 with manual transmission = 11.9 quarts
- 5.7L V8 with automatic transmission = 11.8 quarts

I made this thread some time ago if anyone is interested in learning more about how a cooling system works in more detail. http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread...ht=cooling+101

Hydraulic Brake System:
Use Delco Supreme II Brake Fluid (GM Part number 12377967 or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).

Brake Fluid flush ever 2 years / 25,000 miles

Hydraulic Clutch System:
Use hydraulic clutch fluid (GM Part number 12345347 or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).

Fluid Flush every year / 15,000 miles

Flushing of each of the above systems may be accomplished by manually pumping the pedal and then holding down on the pedal as the bleeder is cracked open and closed again before the pedal bottoms out. In the alternative, a much simpler method is to utilize a Mity-Vac to vacuum bleed the system. Just be sure that adequate fluid remains in the reservoir during the flushing process so that no air is sucked into the system.

For the Mity-Vac sticky, go here: http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124254

Manual Transmission:
Use DEXRON - III Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Capacity is as follows:
- Five-speed = 3.4 quarts
- Six speed = 4 quarts

I created this thread some time ago if you would like to read further into how a manual transmission works. http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126614

Change the transmission fluid if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions every 15,000 miles.
- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain
- When doing frequent trailer towing

If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles.

Automatic Transmission:
Use DEXRON - III Automatic Transmission Fluid

Capacity is as follows:
- Drain and refill Overhaul = 5.0 quarts
- 3800 V6 = 8.8 quarts
- 5.7L V8 = 10.8 quarts

Change the transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions every 15,000 miles.
- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain
- When doing frequent trailer towing

If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at least every 50,000 miles. Be sure to thoroughly clean the magnetic strip in the bottom of the transmission pan before reassembly.

Rear Axle - Standard Differential
Use SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part #12378261 or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115).

Change every 30,000 miles

Rear Axle - Limited-Slip Differential
Use SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part #12378261 or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115). With a complete drain and refill add 4 ounces of Limited-Slip Axle Lubricant Additive (GM Part #1052358 or equivalent). Even though the 2000 model year and later F-body limited-slip differentials are a gear type Torsen unit, the use of a limited-slip additive is still recommended.

Change every 30,000 miles

Engine Oil:
Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the GM Oil Life System (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Reset the system afterward. If the system is ever reset by accident, you must change your oil at 3,000 miles since your last oil change.

Capacity is as follows:
- 3800 V6 = 4.5 quarts
- 5.7L V8 = 5.5 quarts

Here is a great thread on what people are using: http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread...+change&page=2

Tire Rotation:
Every 6,000 - 7,500 miles. Basically you should rotate your tires every other oil change.

Fuel Filter:
3800 V6 = Part #G627
5.7L V8 = Part #GF578

Change every 30,000 miles.

Air Filter:
Change every 15,000 miles. This is an item that needs servicing based on what kind of road conditions you drive in. If you drive through a construction site daily, chances are you will need to check your air filter more regularly.

Spark Plugs and Wires:
Spark plugs and wires should be changed every 100,000 miles

For tips on how to change them, see this thread: http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=151523

Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV):
Service every 100,000 miles

Belt Inspection:
Inspect belts regularly. Replace if necessary every 60,000 miles.

Power Steering Fluid:
Service every 50,000 miles
GM Power Steering Fluid
GM Part #1052884 - 1 pint
GM Part #1050017 - 1 quart or equivalent

Key Lock Cylinders:
Lubricate at least once a year
Multi-purpose Lubricant, Superlube - GM Part #12346241 or equivalent

Owner Checks and Services:
At each fill-up you should check the following fluid levels:
- Engine Oil Level
- Engine Coolant Level
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Tire Inflation should be checked at least once a month. Recommended torque value for wheel nuts = 100 lb-ft.

[35th-ANV-SS]

If anyone wants to see more info added, let me know and I can edit this. If you want to see certain "brands" that we all recommend, such as spark plug type used or air filter brands used, etc, give me the info and I will add it.

I wanted to add more, but haven't found the time and figured this way would be easier.

Also, if something in the above is not correct, please let me know so I can edit it accordingly.

Thank you,

Jon

[Knight]

Excellent write up. Of course, for those with aftermarket components, they should follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance.

[Knight]

Something that could be added - power steering fluid. Is there a recommendation for changing or flushing? I do with mine, just curious if there is a suggested time.

[Cutlass]

Excellent write-up. Added to the top of the Tech sticky list!

One edit needed though. Manual trans does not have a filter...

[35th-ANV-SS]

Something that could be added - power steering fluid. Is there a recommendation for changing or flushing? I do with mine, just curious if there is a suggested time.

I will look into this.

Cutlass - Fixed. Thanks

[KahanaReef]

Nice write up! Thanks

[JayTA98]

on the coolant flush I was told that it needs to be distilled water when you do the 50/50 mix. I believe drinking water has minerals in it. great write up!

[Cutlass]

on the coolant flush I was told that it needs to be distilled water when you do the 50/50 mix. I believe drinking water has minerals in it. great write up!

That might be the recommendation (I'm not sure) but 99.9% of people use tap water.

[35th-ANV-SS]

The info above about the coolant flush was taken from the owner's manual.

[35th-ANV-SS]

Power steering fluid and lubricating key lock cylinders added.

[JayTA98]

That might be the recommendation (I'm not sure) but 99.9% of people use tap water.

yeah but tap water will create rust/oxidation right?

[Knight]

yeah but tap water will create rust/oxidation right?

Any kind of water will cause rust/oxidation. I believe the concern with tap water is the added chemicals - ie chlorides and such. Those can cause accelerated oxidation. Regular flushing will lessen it.

[Cutlass]

yeah but tap water will create rust/oxidation right?

No, it doesn't really matter. The coolant protects parts from rust/oxidation. Unless you know your tap water is really bad, then just using 50/50 coolant/tap water is ok.

[14camarolover]

very helpful thanks alot

[Smittro]

Distilled water only in an all iron 3.4 and 3800... Does'nt matter with aluminum blocks..

[sjsingle1]

i am using Dex 6 in my A4......not having any problems with it

[DWake]

I believe only the 98 had the auburn diff, so 99+ had the torsen worm gears that didn't need lsd additive, not 2000+. Also, probably should recommend changing plugs way below 100k, I hear most do 25k bc its cheap enough w/ tr55s, and fuel filter every 10-15k, not 30k. Good write up though.

[Spaz]

shit... i change my fuel filter every 3rd oil change... ever cut one open???

[Cutlass]

I believe only the 98 had the auburn diff, so 99+ had the torsen worm gears that didn't need lsd additive, not 2000+. Also, probably should recommend changing plugs way below 100k, I hear most do 25k bc its cheap enough w/ tr55s, and fuel filter every 10-15k, not 30k. Good write up though.

Your correct on the auburn vs. torsen posi years, but all years recommend the additive.
And the factory plugs are platinum tipped and only need to be changed every 100K. But when using the TR55s, they do need more frequent changes.