1995 GMC SIERRA check oil

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer
depends on the weather,
the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
Follow this chart.
Viscosity/
Oil Grade
SAE
1 OW-30
SAE
15W-40
32°F to 0°F
(0°C to -18°C)
Not
Required
Not
Required
0°F to -10°F
(-18OC
to
-23 O C)
Two
Hours:!:
Two
Hours‘%
Below -10°F
Below -23”
C
Eight Hours’>
or Overnight
Eight Hours* or Overnight
’%The times listed are minimum times.
It will not harm either the coolant
heater or the vehicle to leave
the coolant heater plugged in longer than the
times stated.
See “Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System’’
in the Index for
information
on what fuel to use in cold weather.
If Your Diesel Engine Won’t Start
If you‘ve run out of fuel, look at “Running Out of Fuel” (see “Diesel Fuel
Requirements and Fuel System”
in the Index).
If you‘re not out of fuel, and your engine won’t start, do this:
Turn your ignition key to RUN. Make sure that the GLOW PLUGS light is
out. Then IMMEDIATELY turn the ignition key to START.
If the light doesn’t go off, wait a few seconds, then try starting your engine
again. And, see your dealer as soon as
you can for a starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes off and you know your batteries are
charged, but your engine still won’t start, your vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when the engine is cold, your vehicle needs
service.
If your batteries don‘t have enough charge to start your engine, see
“Battery”
in the Index.
Be sure you have the right oil for your engine, and that you’ve changed the
oil at the proper times. If you use the wrong
oil, your engine may be harder
to start.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then stops, your vehicle needs service.
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NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while
the emission controls
won’t work as well, your fuel economy
won’t
be as good, and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead
to costly repairs not covered by your warranty.
Check Gages Light
This orange light will come on briefly when you are starting the engine. If
the light comes on and stays on while you are driving, it could indicate a
problem with your vehicle.
It could be a problem with your oil pressure.
coolant temperature, or some other problem. Check your various gages
to
see if they are in the warning zones. If they are, have your vehicle serviced
right away.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light
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Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per
square inch) when the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure
in kPa (kilopascals). Oil pressure may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above the
low pressure
zone indicate the norn~al opcrating ranse.
A reading in the low pressure zone may bc caused by a dangemusly low oil
level or other problem causing low oil pressure. Check your oil as soon as
possible.
A CAUTION:
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your
engine can become
so hot that it catches fire. You or others could
be burned. Check your oil
as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be
costly and is not covered by your warranty.
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display an error and eject the cartridge. This is normal and is the result of an
added feature
in the tape player that detects broken tapes. If an e.rror occurs,
you
will need to insert the cleaning cassette at least 3 times to thoroughly
clean the tape player.
You may prefer to use
a non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner. This type
of cleaner uses
a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaner
cassette will
not cause an error, but it may not clean the tape player as
thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.
A scrubbing action cleaner cassette is available through your retailer (SPO
# 12344600).
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time.
Always verify that the cassette tape is
in good condition and the tape player
is clean before obtaining service on your tape player.
NOTICE:
Cassette tape adapter kits for portable CD players will not work
in your cassette player. These adapters
will cause the radio to
display an error and the adapter cassette
will be ejected.
Care of Compact Discs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective
cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface
of a disc is
soiled, dampen
a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean
it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs
by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without be.ing
damaged.
If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten it
out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should
rep1 ace it.
Check every once
in a while to be sure the mast is still tightened to the
fender.
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When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in
advance. If
you miss your exit do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on
to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The
exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of
motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to
think you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re
not fresh
- such as after a day’s work - don’t plan to make too many
miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive
in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip‘? If you keep it serviced and maintained,
it’s ready to go.
If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of
course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts
in GM dealers all
across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
0
0
0
0
0
a
0
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean
inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
FueZ, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread
good enough for long-distance driving? Are
the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook along your route?
Should
you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain
falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There
is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery,
along with the
hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush
of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it
happen
to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
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When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you:
Start your engine:
Shift into a gear; and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See
the Maintenance Schedule
for more on this. Things that are especially
important
in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system, and brake
adjustment. Each of these is covered
in this manual, and the Index will help
you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s
a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch
nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Lighting Systems Wiring
See “Trailer Wiring Harness” in the Index.
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Fuel Requirements
NOTICE:
Diesel fuel or fuel additives not recommended in this manual
could damage your fuel system and engine. Your warranty
wouldn’t cover this damage. And:
Diesel fuel that has been mixed with engine oil could damage
your engine and emission controls. Always check with your
service station operator to make sure his diesel fuel has not \
been mixed with engine oil.
If you ever run out of diesel fuel, it can be difficult to restart
your engine. “Running Out of Fuel,” later in this section, tells
you how to get it started again.
To avoid all this, try never to
let your tank get empty.
What Fuel to Use
For best results, use Number 2-D diesel fuel year-round (above and below
freezing conditionsj as oil companies blend Number
2-D fuel to address
climate differences. Number
1-D diesel fuel may be used in very cold
temperatures (when
it stays below 0°F or -18°C); however, it will produce
a power and fuel economy loss. The use of Number I-D diesel fuel in warm
or hot climates may result in stalling, poor starting when the engine is hot
and
may damage the fuel injection system.
Diesel fuel may foam when you
fill your tank. This can cause the automatic
pump nozzle to shut off, even though your tank isn’t
full. If this happens,
just wait for the foaming to stop and then continue to
fill your tank.
A CAUTION:
Heat coming from the engine may cause the fuel to expand and \
force the fuel out of your tank.
If something ignites the fuel, a
fire could start and people could be burned. To help avoid this,
fill your fuel tank only until the automatic nozzle shuts
off.
Don’t try to “top it off.”
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Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline Engines)
If you plan on driving in another country outside the U.S. or Canada,
unleaded fuel may be hard to find.
Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use
even one tankful, your emission controls won’t work well or at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system can corrode,
and your engine
oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor
will be damaged.
All of that means costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered
by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write
us at the following address for advice. Just tell us where
you’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation,
North American Export Sales (NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
LlH 8P7
Filling Your Tank
The fuel cap is behind
a hinged door on
the
left side of your
vehicle.
A CAUTION:
Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that
can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke
if you’re near gasoline
or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from gasoline.
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