1989 GMC Safari Oil Type & Capacity
The 1989 GMC Safari oil type depends on the engine: the Van Cargo, 2.5 E, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the Van Cargo, 2.5 E, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Van Passenger, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Van Passenger, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Van Cargo, 2.5 E, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 2.5 E, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van Cargo, 2.5 E, Automatic — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 2.5 E, Standard — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, Automatic — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, Standard — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger, Automatic — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger, Standard — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Safari
🛞 1989 GMC Safari Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1989 GMC Safari Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1989 GMC Safari Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1989 GMC Safari Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
10.0 quarts (9.46 L) — 56/44 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water. GM Specification 1825-M.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1989 GMC Safari take?
It depends on the engine: Van Cargo, 2.5 E, Automatic uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 2.5 E, Standard uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, Automatic uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, Standard uses 5W-30; Van Passenger, Automatic uses 5W-30; Van Passenger, Standard uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 1989 GMC Safari?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Van Cargo, 2.5 E, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 2.5 E, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1989 GMC Safari?
Most 1989 GMC 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 — GMC recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1989 GMC Safari?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1989 GMC Safari. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.