1996 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN oil change

DIESEL ENGINES
I RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY 6RADE ENGINE OILS
SELECT THE SAE ORADE OIL BASED ON
THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE
BEFORE NEXT 011 CHANGE
HOT
WEATHER
/OF c
+ 100
+BO - -
+32 --
0 -9
-20 -
+ 38
+ 18
SAE 15W-40
PREFERRED
above 0°F (- 1 8°C)
SA€ 1 OW-30
- SA€ I 30
COLD
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
SAE 15W-40
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 15W-40 is best for your vehicle.
However, you can use
SAE 1OW-30 if it's going to be colder than
32°F (0OC) before your next oil change. When it's very cold, below
0°F (-1 8OC), you should use SAE 1 OW-30 to improve cold starting.
Also, SAE 30 may be used at temperatures above freezing, 32°F (OOC).
These numbers on the oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do
not use other viscosity oils such as SAE IOW-40 or SAE 2OW-50.
6-23
ProCarManuals.com

This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is used on most oil containers to help
you select the correct oil.
You should
look for this on the oil container, and use only those oils that
display the logo.
GM Goodwrench@
oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil) meets all the
requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your GM dealer is ready to advise if you
think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 5 to I0 miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly
important when outside temperatures are below freezing.
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop and
go traffic).
You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or off-road frequently.
0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle.
If any of
these is true for your vehicle, then you need to change your oil and
filter every
2,500 miles (4 000 km) or 3 months - whichever comes first.
If
none of them is true, change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles (8 000
km) or I2 months - whichever comes first.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay
on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wdsh or properly throw away clothing or rags
containing used engine
oil. (See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use
and disposal
of oil products.)
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.
ProCarManuals.com

To remove the air cleaner filter on a gasoline engine or a 6.5 liter naturally
aspirated diesel engine, 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 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 Nuid
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.
6-26
ProCarManuals.com

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 7 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@-111
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
8
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 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.
I 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.
6-29
ProCarManuals.com

Crankcase Capacity
ENGINE
5.7L
6.5L
6.5L
7.4L
VIN
K
S
F
N
QUANTITY 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 Models - Standard
Suburban
- Standard
QUANTITY
30 Gallons ( I 1 3 Liters)
42 Gallons
( I59 Liters)
All quantities are for a completely dry tank and are approximate.
Service Replacement Part and Filter
Recommendations
- Gasoline Engines
Engine
VIN
Oil Filter
Air Cleaner Filter
PCV Valve
Spark Plugs”
Fuel Filter
Radiator Cap
5.7L
K
PF1218T A348C
cv774c
CR43TS
GF48 1
RC36
?Four Wheel Drive Vehicle
- use a PF52 oil filter
*Use AC copper-cored resistor type spark plugs
7.4L
N
PF1218
A348C
cv774c
.CR43TS GF48
1
RC36
ProCarManuals.com

Scheduled Maintenance Services
IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVELAND CHANGE
AS RECOMMENDED
Section
7
This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle
needs these services
to retain its safety, dependability and emission control
performance.
GM -
lo
Protection
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plun? The Plun supplements your
new vehicle warranties. See your GM dealer for detui1.s.
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good
working condition, but also helps
the environment. All recommended
maintenance procedures are important. Improper vehicle maintenance or the
removal
of important components can significantly affect the quality of the
air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or even
the wrong tire inflation can
increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and
to help keep your vehicle in good condition, please
maintain your vehicle properly.
7- 1
ProCarManuals.com

If your engine has more than one emissions classification, the classification
is determined by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your vehicle
as shown on the Certification Label. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the
Index.
Once you’ve determined your engine type and,
if necessary, emissions
classification, you’ll need
to decide which of the two schedules is right for
your vehicle. See Definitions for Maintenance Schedule I and Maintenance
Schedule I1 following.
Schedule I Definition - Gasoline Engines With Light Duty
Emissions
Follow Maintenance Schedule I if any one of these is true for your vehicle:
0 Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly
important when outside temperatures are below freezing.
stop-and-go traffic).
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in
0 You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or off-road frequently.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle.
Schedule
I should also be followed if the vehicle is used for delivery
service, police, taxi, or other commercial application.
Schedule I Intervals - Gasoline Engines With Light Duty
Emissions
Every
3,000 Miles (5 000 km) or 3 Months
Engine Oil and Filter Change
Chassis Lubrication
Drive Axle Service
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) - Then Every 12,000 Miles (25 000 km)
Tire Rotation
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
Air Cleaner Filter Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions
Front Wheel Bearing Repack (or at each brake relining)
(2WD Only)
7-4
ProCarManuals.com

Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement
Spark Plug Replacement
Fuel Filter Replacement
Cooling System Service (or every
24 months, whichever occurs first)
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
Automatic Transmission Service (severe conditions only)
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection
Spark Plug Wire Inspection
Engine Timing Check Fuel Tdnk, Cap and Lines Inspection
I
Schedule lI Definition - Gasoline Engines With Light Duty
Emissions
Follow Schedule 11 orzly if none of the conditions from Schedule I is true.
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
Engine Oil and Filter Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first)
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first)
Drive
Axle Service
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) - Then Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
Tire Rotation
7-S
ProCarManuals.com