1993 GMC SIERRA coolant level

Heater Output
Optional Engine Block Heater
If your engine is equipped with an optional engine block heater, you can use
it during initial start-up in cold weather (20”F,
-8”C, or lower) to help heat the
passenger compartment faster. Because an engine block heater war\
ms the
engine coolant, your vehicle’s heating system can provide som\
e heat as soon
as you start the engine.
The use
of an engine block heater also reduces the time it takes for the
engine to reach normal operating temperature, and shortens the time it takes
the heater to reach full output. For more information, See “Engine Block
Heater” in the Index.
Diesel Engine
If you idle your diesel engine for a long time when it’s cold\
outside, your
heater may blow out cool air. This is normal. When you increase the \
engine
speed, your heater should blow out warmer air.
If it doesn’t, your coolant
level may be
low. See “Engine Coolant’’ in the Index to find out how to
check your coolant level.
Electronic HeatingAir Conditioning System
Function Display
K2305
If your vehicle has air conditioning, your heating/air conditioning \
system will
look like this.
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PO593
The coolant level should be at or above the COLD mark. If it isn’t, you may
have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or
somewhere else in the cooling system.
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very\
hot.
-, Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned.
Don’t run the engine
if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it cou
lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you could be
burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
I I
NOTICE
Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by
I your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, check to see if the electric engine fan (if you
have one) is running.
If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running.
If it isn’t, your vehicle needs service.
Start the engine again to see
if the regular fan runs when the engine does.
If it doesn’t, your vehicle needs service. Turn off the engine.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at or above
COLD, add a 50hO mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and a proper
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Prob/ems on the Road
t
e;
K2550
6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose
getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan(s).
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck m\
ay be
lower.
If the level is lower, add more of the proper mix through the f\
iller
neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
K2515
8. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on the pressure cap
line up like this.
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1 CAUTION
4 Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous.
Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before th(
)per coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mix. With plain water or the wrong mix\
, your
engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a
50/50 mix of clean water and a proper antifreeze.
NOTICE
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine could overheat an\
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badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. 1
much water in the mix can freeze and xk +?e t line radiator, heater
core and other parts.
Some conditions, such as air trapped in the cooling system, can affect the
coolant level in the radiator. Check the coolant level when the engine is cold
and follow the steps under “Adding Coolant” for the prope\
r way to add
coolant.
If you have the low coolant warning system, refer to the General Motors
Service Manual or see your dealer for the proper coolant
fill procedure. (To
purchase a Service Manual, see “Service Publications’’ in the Index.) Using
the wrong
fill procedure can cause a low coolant warning indication.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year, have your dealer
check your cooling system.
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to add extra inhibitors or
additives which claim to improve
the system. These can be harmful.
-
NOTICE .I
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Service & Amearance Care
Adding Coolant
r
PO206
To Check Coolant: When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should be up
to HOT, or a little higher.
LOW
COOLANT
K2327
If this light comes on, it means you're low on engine coolant.
To Add Coolant: If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
coolant recovery tank.
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Service & Appearance Cam
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat in the engine coolant
system. The thermostat stops the flow of coolant through the r\
adiator until the
coolant reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
K2630
How To Check Power Steering Fluid:
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid
level on the dipstick.
K2693
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Scheduled Maintenance Services
Explanation Of Scheduled Maintenance Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in the maintenance charts.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in this section. Make sure
whoever services your vehicle uses these. All parts should be \
replaced and
all necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives the ve\
hicle.
1.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER CHANGE* -ALWAYS USE SG OR
SGKE QUALITY, ENERGY CONSERVING II OILS OF THE PROPER
VISCOSITY. To determine the preferred viscosity oil for your vehicle’s
engine (e.g. SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in the Index.
2. CHASSIS LUBRICATION -Lubricate the front suspension, king pin
bushings, steering linkage, transmission, and transfer case shift\
linkage,
parking brake cable guides, propshaft splines (2 wheel drive), brake
pedal springs, and clutch pedal springs at the intervals specified.
If you have a 3500 HD, lubricate the king pins and king pin bushings
every 1,500 miles
(2500 km) for Maintenance Schedule 1, or every 3,000
(5000 km) for Maintenance Schedule 2.
Ball joints and king pin bushings should not be lubricated unless their
temperature is
10°F (-12”C), or higher. When the weather is cold, let
them warm up before lubrication or they could be damaged.
Also, be sure to check
all the vehicle fluid levels at this time.
3.
CLUTCH FORK BALL STUD LUBRICATION -Lubricate the clutch fork
ball stud through the fitting on the clutch housing. Lubricant must be
added “sparingly” to the fitting, as only.
0066 Ib. (.003 kg) is required to
lubricate the ball stud surface.
Do not add lubricant more often than the
intervals in the Maintenance Charts.
Too much lubricant will damage
the clutch assembly.
4. ENGINE IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT (DIESEL ENGINES)* -Adjust to
the specifications shown on the underhood label. You must use
calibrated test equipment.
5. COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE* -Drain, flush and refill system with new
coolant. See “Engine Coolant’’ in the Index for the proper coolant and
mixture to use in your vehicle.
Also inspect the hoses and replace them
if they are cracked, swollen, or
deteriorated. Tighten all hose clamps (except constant tension \
clamps).
Remove debris and clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning
condenser. Wash the radiator neck.
To ensure proper operation, pressure
test the radiator and cap.
* An Emission Control Service
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Scheduled Maintenance Services
Service Station Checks
It is important for you or a service station attendant to perform these
under-hood checks at each fuel
fill.
Check the engine oil level and add if necessary.
Check the engine coolant level in the recovery bottle and add if
necessary.
Check the windshield washer fluid level and add if necessary.
See these items in the Index
for information on how to check them.
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