GTOken Posted December 8, 2011 Report Share Posted December 8, 2011 Since I just got this car I figured I would take it to the local dealer (once) for a service (oil & filter). This dealer is the original selling dealer and probably has done any and all maintenance on this vehicle from the previous/original owner. I ask them to check for any recalls or applicable TSB's, neither of which I think they checked on since they did not report anything to me. My first puzzlement was when I asked them specifically what oil they put in the guy said it was Mobil Dexos Synthetic (blend I think) 10w30. That is the optional weight oil, 5w30 is the recommended. I looked on Mobil's website and did not find any Dexos oil much less any that was 10w30. I will call them back tomorrow to see if I can get a better answer as I would like to keep some extra oil on hand. That's more of a vent. I have some questions to you guys about a couple things they wanted me to have serviced. 1. They said I need a fuel filter. Seems like this is an obligatory suggestion anytime a vehicle goes in for service. But, being 9yrs old and with 33k miles on the car it very well could need a new one. Question: Where is the fuel filter and what are the steps to replacing it. I feel certain I can do it but would like to know the procedure ahead of time. 2. They recommended a throttle body cleaning. I think this was also stated in the owners manual at this mileage. Is this something I can do at home and what are the steps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Posted December 8, 2011 Report Share Posted December 8, 2011 This is just my opinion... so take it for what it might be worth... I believe in maintenance...and preventive maintenance...but I don't believe in changing parts "JUST BECAUSE"... I am not trying to tell "YOU" what to do... but... My car is six years old and has almost 110,000 miles on it. The fuel filter has NEVER been replaced. I did have the coolant changed and the transmission fluid changed at 95,000 miles. I considered that preventive maintenance. I sometimes drive mine a little harder than the average Cadillac driver. :) My throttle body "MIGHT" need cleaning, but it still starts, runs and idles like a new one. Fuel mileage is the same as it has always been. The throttle body on the newer ones is not as easy to get to as the older ones, so until it exhibits some tiny symptom of needing it... I will leave it alone... I may be mistaken, but as for the DEXOS oil... that is a GM standard, that oil has to meet, to be used in GM automobiles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimD Posted December 8, 2011 Report Share Posted December 8, 2011 Since I just got this car I figured I would take it to the local dealer (once) for a service (oil & filter). This dealer is the original selling dealer and probably has done any and all maintenance on this vehicle from the previous/original owner. I ask them to check for any recalls or applicable TSB's, neither of which I think they checked on since they did not report anything to me. My first puzzlement was when I asked them specifically what oil they put in the guy said it was Mobil Dexos Synthetic (blend I think) 10w30. That is the optional weight oil, 5w30 is the recommended. I looked on Mobil's website and did not find any Dexos oil much less any that was 10w30. I will call them back tomorrow to see if I can get a better answer as I would like to keep some extra oil on hand. Your 2002 model engine was factory certified for dinosaur 5W-30 oil. It's in the Owner's Manual. Do a google search for "Dexos 1" and ignore the first 3 or 4 'advertisement' hits. Dexos 1 (gasoline engines) and Dexos 2 (diesel engines) are both GM fabricated oil standards that fly in the face of long-standing API standards. GM collects a surcharge from suppliers that choose to qualify for Dexos labels plus GM collects a $/gallon of Dexos standard oil that is sold. Winner = GM. Loser = consumer. 1. They said I need a fuel filter. That is a dealer service recommendation, not a GM service recommendation. Look in your Owner's Manual. My '98 model Seville somehow survived more than 209,000 miles with the factory installed fuel filter. 2. They recommended a throttle body cleaning. I think this was also stated in the owners manual at this mileage. Is this something I can do at home and what are the steps? Certainly, but not before you really need it. You will know you need it when the throttle blade requires more than usual effort to move down the road with a "cold" engine. Remove as much of the intake air plumbing as required to gain access to the throttle body. Prop the throttle valve open with a screwdriver handle or a piece of wood. Use throttle body cleaner on a rag or a toothbrush to remove the (black) buildup from the bore of the throttle body AND the perimeter of the throttle valve. I recommend also removing the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve and cleaning the plunger as well as the AIC ports within the throttle body. Jim Drive your car. Use your cell phone. CHOOSE ONE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTOken Posted December 8, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2011 Points well taken, and I agree. Just wanted to get some input from people with Northstar experience. THanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 I agree with both Jims. The fuel filter will let you know when it needs to be changed. Can't remember the last time I had to change one. As for the TB, I think the manual says every 30K. I do mine every spring and that makes it so easy. Barely anything more than a wipe down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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