Page 267 of 385

Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you change your own oil,
be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Don't ever
dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of your used
oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.
Engine Oil (Diesel Engines)
It's a good idea to check your engine oil level every time you get fuel. In
order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must
be on level ground.
A
Turn off the engine
and give the oil a few
minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If you
don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the
actual level.
To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or a cloth, then push it
back
in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip lower.
6-22
ProCarManuals.com
Page 268 of 385
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need to add some oil. But
you must use the right kind. This section explains what kind
of oil to use.
For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the
oil level gets above the proper operating range,
your engine
could be damaged.
The engine oil filler
cap
is located on a
filler tube at the front
of the engine.
Just
fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range.
Push
the dipstick all the way back in when you’re through.
6-23
ProCarManuals.com
Page 269 of 385
What Kind of Oil to Use
Look for these two things:
0 CF4SH
CF-4/SH
is the best oil for your vehicle. However, if you can not find
CF-4/SH oil, you may use CF-4/SG or CE/SH or CE/SG oil.
These may be listed as shown or in reverse order, for example
SWCF-4. Other letters may also be listed, such as SH/CD, CE, CF-4.
These letters show American Petroleum Institute (API) levels of
quality.
NOTICE:
If you use oils that don’t have these designations, you can cause
~gine damage which is not covered
by your warranty.
6-24
ProCarManuals.com
Page 273 of 385
To remove the air
cleaner filter
on a gas
engine or
a 6.5 liter
naturally aspirated
diesel, turn the wing
nuts
to the left.
Remove the cover and
change the filter.
To remove the air cleaner filter on a 6.5 liter turbocharged diesel, first
remove the rubber elbow. Remember to observe the caution about
turbocharger blades on the rubber elbow,
Then, unhook the
cover retaining clips
and push the rear
of
the cover toward the
engine.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the
engine
oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
when to change your fluid.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the
Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this
done at a
GM dealership Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could
get
a false reading on the dipstick.
6-28
ProCarManuals.com
Page 276 of 385

WOW to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission
fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants’’ in the Index.
If the fluid level
is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the
level up to the
COLD area for a cold check or the HOT area for a hot check.
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally
less than a pint. Don’t overfill. We
recommend you use
only fluid labeled DEXRON@-I11 or DEXRON@-IIE,
because fluids with that label are made especially for your automatic
transmission. Damage caused
by fluid other than DEXRON@-I11 or
DEXRON@-IIE is not covered
by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to
Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way; then flip the handle down to lock the dipstick
in place.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is changed. However,
the fluid
in your manual transmission doesn’t require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this
done at a
GM dealership Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could
get
a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be sure to get
an accurate reading if
you check your transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the vehicle is parked on
a level place and the transmission is cool enough for you to rest your fingers
on the transmission case.
6-31 ProCarManuals.com
Page 280 of 385

Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change
it. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below
the bottom of the filler
plug hole, you’ll need
to add some lubricant.
If the differential is at
operating temperature
(warm), add enough
lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
If the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise the level to
1/2 inch
(12 mm) below the filler plug hole.
What to use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when it
is low. If you have a problem with engine overheating, see “Engine
Overheating”
in the Index.
The proper coolant for your vehicle will:
Give freezing protection down to -20°F (-29”C), or -34°F (-37°C) in
Give boiling protection up to 258°F (1 25°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Canada
and for vehicles with the cold climate option.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
6-35 ProCarManuals.com
Page 289 of 385

To Check Brake Fluid
m You can check the
brake fluid without
taking off the cap. Just
look at the windows
on the brake fluid
reservoir. The fluid
levels should be above
“MIN.” If they aren’t,
have your brake
system checked to see
if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make sure the levels are
above
‘“IN‘’ and below the top of each window.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid - such as
Delco Supreme
ll@ (GM Part No.1052535). Use new brake fluid from a
sealed container only, and always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap before
removing it.
0 Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid. For
example, just
a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts
so
badly that they’li have to be replaced.
Brake fluid can damage paint, so be careful not to spill brake
fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care”
in the Index.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 327 of 385

Cooling System Capacity
ENGINE VIN
5.7L K
6.5L S
6.5L F
7.4L N
QTY Without AfC* QTY With A/C*
17.5 Quarts (1 6.5 Liters)
18 Quarts ( I7 Liters)
25 Quarts
(23.5 Liters) 25 Quarts (23.5 Liters)
26.5 Quarts (25 Liters)
26.5 Quarts (25 Liters)
23 Quarts (22 Liters)
25 Quarts (23.5 Liters)
After refill, the level MUST be checked as outlined under “Engine Cooling
System”
in Section 5.
*All quantities are approximate.
Crankcase Capacity
ENGINE
5.7L
6.5L
6.5L
7.4L
VIN
K
ST
F?
N
QTY Without Filter“
4 Quarts (3.8 Liters)
6 Quarts (5.7 Liters)
QTY With Filter:$
5 Quarts (4.8 Liters)
7 Quarts (6.5 Liters)
7 Quarts
(6.5 Liters)
7 Quarts (6.5 Liters)
After refill, the level MUST be checked
as outlined under “Engine Oil And
Filter Recommendations”
in Section 5.
*All quantities are approximate.
?Oil filter should be changed at
EVERY oil change.
Fuel Tank Capacity
TYPE
Gasoline/Diesel
Utility Model -Standard
Wagon Model-S tandard
QUANTITY
30 Gallons (I 13 Liters)
42 Gallons (I 59 Liters)
All quantities are for a completely dry tank and are approximate.
6-82
ProCarManuals.com