Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder heads, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, engine management
Engine Performance:
Fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, turbocharging/supercharging (if applicable to specific trims)
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox internals, shift mechanisms, lubrication
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, transmission control module (TCM), fluid and cooling
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials (limited-slip where applicable), axles, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (independent multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic/electric), steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment
Brakes:
Brake system components (calipers, rotors, pads), hydraulic system, ABS system, EBD, traction control, parking brake
Electrical System Basic:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), fuses, relays, lighting systems, wiring diagrams
Electrical System Advanced:
Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, comfort and convenience systems, infotainment wiring
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning (refrigerant handling), heating, ventilation, climate control modules
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seating, trim, glass replacement, exterior trim
Chassis:
Frame structure, body structure, collision repair information
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, testing of electrical components, common fault finding
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Repair Engine:
Engine rebuilds, cylinder head gasket replacement, piston and ring replacement, bearing replacement, timing chain/belt replacement
Repair Transmission:
Transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, torque converter replacement, transmission fluid flush and replacement
Repair Suspension Steering:
Ball joint replacement, control arm bushings replacement, shock absorber replacement, steering rack repair/replacement
Repair Brakes:
Brake caliper rebuild/replacement, rotor replacement, brake line repair/replacement, ABS module troubleshooting
Repair Electrical:
Alternator replacement, starter motor replacement, diagnosing wiring faults, component replacement (sensors, modules)
Body Repair:
Door panel removal, window regulator replacement, lock mechanism repair, bumper replacement, panel alignment
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step fault diagnosis for various systems, interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), connector testing, circuit continuity checks
Depth:
Comprehensive (A-Z coverage implies all procedures from basic maintenance to complex overhauls and diagnostics)
Instruction Style:
Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions with pictures
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine/oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000-45,000 km or as per inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: V6 (approx. 60,000-100,000 km for iridium plugs), V8 (approx. 100,000-160,000 km for iridium plugs)
Brake Fluid Change:
Recommended every 2 years or 40,000 km
Engine Oil Spec V6:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM or higher, GM dexos1™ GEN 2 or equivalent, check manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil Spec V8:
SAE 10W-30 (API SM or higher, GM dexos1™ GEN 2 or equivalent, check manual for exact spec)
Coolant Type:
GM Type 1 Coolant (Blue) or equivalent phosphate-free coolant
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron VI)
Engine V6 Reliability:
Early Alloytec V6 engines (pre-GDI) could experience timing chain wear, and some GDI variants had injector issues. Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets are common with age.
Engine V8 Reliability:
Gen IV LS engines are generally robust but can experience oil pressure sensor failures or oil cooler line leaks. AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter issues can occur on some variants if not properly maintained.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings in control arms and sway bars can wear over time, leading to clunks or imprecise handling. Early VE models may have had some issues with rear suspension components.
Electrical Gremlins:
Body Control Module (BCM) issues, sensor failures (e.g., ABS sensors, crankshaft position sensor), and intermittent lighting faults can occur with age.