1988 Pontiac Safari Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (5.0 quarts)
The 1988 Pontiac Safari takes 5W-30 motor oil — 5.0 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-4R/MW9 — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| 700R4/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Safari
🛞 1988 Pontiac Safari Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1988 Pontiac Safari Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1988 Pontiac Safari Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1988 Pontiac Safari Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
15.0 quarts (14.19 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water. GM Specification 1825-M.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1988 Pontiac Safari take?
The 1988 Pontiac Safari takes 5W-30 motor oil (SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1988 Pontiac Safari?
The 1988 Pontiac Safari oil capacity is 5.0 quarts with a filter change, or 4.0 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1988 Pontiac Safari?
Most 1988 Pontiac Safari owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Pontiac recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1988 Pontiac Safari?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1988 Pontiac Safari. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.