1996 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN Owners Manual

While refueling, hang the cap inside the fuel
door.
To take off the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise).
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from painted surfaces as
soon as possible. See “Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle” in the Index.
When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right until
you hear a clicking
noise.
1 NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer
can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not fit or
have proper venting, and your fuel tank and emissions system
might be damaged.
6-12
ProCarManuals.com

Checking Things Under the Hood
Hood Release
To open the hood, first
pull the handle inside
the vehicle.
Then go to the front
of
the vehicle and pull up
on the secondary hood
release, located just
to
the passenger side of
the center
of the grill.
Lift the hood.
Your vehicle, if it has
air conditioning, may
have
a auxiliary
engine fan in addition
to the belt driven fan.
6-13
ProCarManuals.com

Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly. Pull down
the hood and close it firmly.
Cleaning Your Diesel Engine
NOTICE:
If you spray or pour water or any other liquid on your engine
when it is warm or hot, or when
it is running, you could cause
serious damage
to it. If you ever clean the engine, clean it only
when it
is cold.
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engines)
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil 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.
6-14
ProCarManuals.com

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 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 mark, 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.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the
oil level gets above the upper mark that shows the proper
operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
6-15
ProCarManuals.com

The engine oil filler cap is located on the driver’s side engine valve cover.
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.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils of the proper quality for your vehicle can be identified by looking for
the “Starburst” symbol. The “Starburst” symbol indicates that the oil has
been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and is preferred
for use in your gasoline engine.
If you change your own oil, be sure
you use oil that has the “Starburst”
symbol
on the front of the oil container. If you have your oil changed for
you, be sure the oil put into your engine is American Petroleum Institute
certified
for gasoline engines.
6-16
ProCarManuals.com

You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your vehicle, as shown in
the following chart:
LIGHT DUTY EMISSIONS - GASOLINE ENGINES
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
011 FOR THE EXPECTEO TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
7
'F
t 100
+ 80
+ 60
+ 40
+ 20
0
7
c
+38
- +27
- +16
- +4
--7
--18
WEATHER
-- ....-
SAE 5W-30
PREFERRED
LOOK
FOR THIS
SYMBOL
-
SAE 1OW-30
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you
can use SAE 1 OW-30 if it's going to be 0°F (- 1 SOC) or above. These
numbers on
an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50.
6-1 7
ProCarManuals.com

HEAVY DUTY EMISSIONS - GASOLINE ENGINES
- RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAL
VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
- ~~
HOT
WEATHER
/ v
"F
+lo0 c - +38
t8Q - - +27
+60 - +16
+4Q - - +4
+20 ---7
0 ---18
-
-
SAE 1OW-30
PREFERRED
SAE 5W-30
cola
WEATHER
LOOK
FOR THIS
SYMBOL
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown in the chart, SAE IOW-30 is best for your vehicle. nowever, you
can use
SAE 5W-30 if it's going to be colder than 60°F (I 6°C) before your
next oil change. When
it's very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30. These
numbers
on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity
oils, such as SAE 20W-50.
6-1 8
ProCarManuals.com

NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute
Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol. Failure \
to
use the proper oil can result in engine damage not covered by
your warranty.
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 10 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).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
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 one of these
is true for your vehicle, then you need to change your oil
and filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months - whichever comes
first.
Light Duty Emissions:
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every 7,500 miles (1 2 500
km) or 12 months - whichever comes first.
Heavy Duty Emissions:
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every 6,000 miles (10 000
km) or 12 months - whichever comes first.
Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in
very cold weather, 0°F (- 18OC) or colder. If your vehicle has this option,
see “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.
ProCarManuals.com