Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, timing system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel delivery, ignition system, emission controls, forced induction (if applicable).
Transmission Automatic:
Internal components, valve body, torque converter, hydraulic system, electronic controls, fluid specifications, service.
Transmission Manual:
Component identification, disassembly, reassembly, clutch service, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, drive axles, differential, driveshafts, constant velocity (CV) joints.
Suspension:
Front suspension (e.g., MacPherson struts, control arms), rear suspension (e.g., multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, power steering, steering gear, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Brake system components (e.g., calipers, rotors, pads), hydraulic system, ABS, traction control, parking brake, bleeding procedures, fluid types.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass, bumpers, frame structure, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, diagnostics, service.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system components, restraint systems, seat belt mechanisms, diagnostics.
Infotainment And Electronics:
Audio system, navigation system, climate control modules, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), communication systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, battery maintenance.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
System-specific fault codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Component Removal Installation:
Step-by-step guides for removing and installing major and minor components.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, machining, and reassembly, including torque specifications.
Transmission Overhaul:
Comprehensive instructions for automatic and manual transmission disassembly, component replacement, and reassembly.
Brake Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component replacement, alignment procedures, steering system diagnosis and repair.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting using wiring diagrams, component testing, module diagnosis.
HVAC Service:
Refrigerant system service, component replacement, leak testing, diagnostics.
Body Repair:
Panel replacement, door and window repair, interior trim installation.
Tire And Wheel:
Tire changing, balancing, wheel alignment specifications.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Includes step-by-step instructions with pictures/diagrams.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting Charts:
Yes, for various system faults.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive torque values for all critical fasteners.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4 Stars
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Service Intervals Oil Change
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Service Intervals Air Filter
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles or 4 years.
Service Intervals Cabin Filter
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 22,500 miles or 2 years.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement 3.6L V6:
Approximately 90,000 - 100,000 miles (using iridium-tipped plugs).
Service Intervals Transmission Fluid
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Inspect every 45,000 miles; replace fluid and filter as needed based on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Engine Oil Type 3.6L V6:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (GM dexos1 or API SN/SM approved)
Engine Oil Type 4.6L V8:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (GM dexos1 or API SN/SM approved)
Coolant Type:
GM Engine Coolant, P/N 12346290 (orange, extended-life, silicate-free)
Common Problems 3.6L V6 Timing Chain:
Potential stretching or wear of timing chains, leading to rattling noises or fault codes. Requires prompt inspection and replacement.
Common Problems Northstar Head Gaskets:
While less common on later Northstar variants like the one in the STS, earlier versions had head gasket issues. Inspect for coolant leaks or white smoke.
Common Problems Suspension:
Wear in control arm bushings and ball joints, leading to clunking noises or steering instability.
Common Problems Water Pump:
Leaking water pumps are a known failure point, especially on the V6. Listen for whining or look for coolant leaks.
Common Problems Drivetrain AWD Hubs:
Premature wear of front wheel bearing hubs on AWD models.