1995 GMC SIERRA check engine

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 down.
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 part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
I I
I NOTICE: I
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.
I I
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.
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To remove the air cleaner filter on a 6.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine,
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 your
GM dealer 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.
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 parts, starting a fire. Be \
sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid.
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Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if you
have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic - especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading. the fluid should be at normal operating
temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
To check transmission fluid hot: Get the vehicle warmed up by driving
about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C).
If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), drive the vehicle in DRIVE (3) until the
engine temperature gage moves and then remains steady for ten minutes.
Then follow the hot check procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold: A cold check is made after the vehicle
has been sitting for eight hours or more
with the engine off and is used only
as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for five minutes if outside
temperatures are 50°F
(10°C) or more. If it's colder than 50°F (IOOC), you
may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low during a
cold check, you
must perform a hot check before adding fluid. This will
give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.
To check the fluid hot or cold
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each
gear range, pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then,
position the shift lever
in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
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Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
,
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out
clean rag
or paper towel.
again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid
level must be in the
COLD area for a cold check or in the HOT area or
cross-hatched area for a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all
the way; then
flip the handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
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How 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.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
HOT. (A COLD check
is used
only as a reference.) If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the
proper fluid to bring the level up
to the HOT area for a hot check. It doesn’t
take much fluid, generally less than a
int. Don ’t overfill. We recommend
you use only fluid labeled DEXRON
-111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission. Damage caused by fluid
other than DEXRON@-I11 is not covered by your
new vehicle warranty.
8
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to
Check.”
0 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 your
GM dealer 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 parts, 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.
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NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine could overheat
and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Some conditions. such as air trapped
in the cooling system. can affect the
coolant level
in thc radiator. Check the coolant level when the engine is cold
and
follow the steps under “Adding Coolant“ for the proper way to add
coolant.
If you have to add coolant more than lour timcs a ycar, have your dealer
check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
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.
Adding Coolant - Gasoline Engine
The coolant reco\wy
tank is located on the
passenger side
at the
rear comer
of the
engine compartment.
To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD mark, or
a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should be up to the
HOT mark, or a little higher.
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To Check Coolant
A CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the engine and
radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure cap
-
even a little - when the engine and radiator are hot.
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD mark, or
a little higher.
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 ut the surge tmk, but only
when the engine is cool. If the surge tank is empty, see “Engine
Overheating”
in the Index for the proper fill procedure.
A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and
it will burn if the engine
parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is tight.
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NOTICE:
Your surge tank pressure cap is a unique 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap for use with surge tank cooling systems only.
It must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible
engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the top tube of the coolant surge tank.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat in the engine
coolant system. The thermostat stops the flow
of coolant through the
radiator until the coolant reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, 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 dips\
tick.
The level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. Add enough fluid to bring
the level
up to the mark.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired.
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