How to Choose the Oil and Fluids for a Saturn Ion

The Saturn Ion, produced by GM in model years 2003 to 2007 and generally praised for having good handling comparable to that of its same-class competitors, has the unique distinction of being the longest compact car sold in the United States. Here's how to choose oil and fluids for all model years of the Saturn Ion.

Instructions

1

Use only SAE 5W-30 engine oil in your Saturn Ion. Look for the API starburst logo that certifies the oil as suitable for use in gasoline engines, and if you're running the standard 2.2L or 2.4L engine, double-check that the label states the oil meets GM standard GM6094M. If you're using the supercharged 2.0L engine, you need SAE 5W-30 engine oil that meets GM standard GM4718M. Many but not all synthetic oils qualify.

2

Mix one part clean, drinkable water and one part DEX-COOL coolant for your engine cooling system and intercool system, the latter only applicable in the supercharged 2.0L engine.

3

Maintain your manual transaxle in the 2.2L and 2.4L standard engines with DEXRON-III automatic transmission fluid that states "Approved for the H-Specification" on the label. The manual transaxle in a supercharged 2.0L engine requires manual transmission fluid, part number 21018899. The automatic transaxle in all engines requires DEXRON-VI automatic transmission fluid.

4

Keep your brake fluid reservoir full with Delco Supreme 11 brake fluid or a DOT-3 equivalent brake fluid. The same fluid or equivalent can be used in the hydraulic clutch system.