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Lower-mileage C5 - what maintenance?

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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 01:11 PM
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Default Lower-mileage C5 - what maintenance?

Hi all,

Like many here, I have a lower-mileage C5. My 2002 daily driver has just over 20K - I bought it 2 years ago with about 9K. So far, little or no maintenance has been performed (except oil changes).

I know there is no scheduled maintenance at 20K, but what should I do now that it is essentially a 5 year old car?

Thanks,

CB
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by ChefBoy
Hi all,

Like many here, I have a lower-mileage C5. My 2002 daily driver has just over 20K - I bought it 2 years ago with about 9K. So far, little or no maintenance has been performed (except oil changes).

I know there is no scheduled maintenance at 20K, but what should I do now that it is essentially a 5 year old car?

Thanks,

CB
Would defintely change the fluids in transmission and differential. Would also change the coolant. May need to flush the radiator if it shows that it is warranted.
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 01:24 PM
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I'd swap the trans/dif fluids and change the coolant. You're plugs will be fine, if there are any misfires the car will throw a check light. You can check you serpentine belts for any cracking etc to see if they need to be changed.

If you've never flushed your brake fluid I'd suggest that too. Brake fluid is hydroscopic (absorbs water) and over time it will get a higher water content which lowers the fluid's boiling point and can adversley affect pedal feel.

Also, check the pads/rotors for wear.

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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 01:37 PM
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56k miles I just did a radiator flush and oil change 3 mo/3k mi as normal.

Is there a basic checklist to go by online that I could print?

Like how often should transmission/differentials be changed?
30/60/90 (or every 30 months)

That type of thing...

Thanks!
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 01:44 PM
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changing syn oil ever 3mo/3000 is a complete waste... go by your oil life monitor or once a year.
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Cobra4B
changing syn oil ever 3mo/3000 is a complete waste... go by your oil life monitor or once a year.
Awesome thank! Big money saver there. Do you change it on the life monitor when it hits 0%?
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 01:53 PM
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I'd say change the fluids like all the above folks. Maybe check/dress the weatherstripping with silicone grease. Check battery voltage when not running, check charging system voltage when it is running. Check battery for signs of leakage. Wash the underside of the car if you haven't been doing that regularly. Check/replace air cleaner. Check all turn signals, brake lights, etc. Check the air in the spare tire... Make sure your radio stations are correctly programmed... Geez, I'm reaching here. (125K and going strong on mine.)
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Cobra4B
I'd swap the trans/dif fluids and change the coolant. You're plugs will be fine, if there are any misfires the car will throw a check light. You can check you serpentine belts for any cracking etc to see if they need to be changed.

If you've never flushed your brake fluid I'd suggest that too. Brake fluid is hydroscopic (absorbs water) and over time it will get a higher water content which lowers the fluid's boiling point and can adversley affect pedal feel.

Also, check the pads/rotors for wear.



Thats some good advice right there! I have an 02 with the same miles and that is what I did.. Might not have needed it but it cant hurt it!!
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 02:04 PM
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Originally Posted by larryzonka
Awesome thank! Big money saver there. Do you change it on the life monitor when it hits 0%?
I change mine before a HPDE if it has over 4000 miles on it, otherwise I go by the oil life monitor... at 10% it says change oil soon. Normally I run too many HPDE's the make it all the way, but when I do it's 7-9k change interval.

Syn oil can go over 15k... it's the filter that eventually fills up. GM put the oil life monitor and syn oil in for a reason.

3mo. 3000 miles is old thinking, for old motors, w/ old tech.
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 04:41 PM
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Thanks for the replies guys! I appreciate it.



CB
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