1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN fluid

Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 Ibs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes -- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for
the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.
Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system only if:
The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s
master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems
won’t work well. You could even lose your brakes.
The trailer’s brake system will use less than
If everything checks out this far, make the brake tap at
the
port on the master cylinder that sends the fluid to the
rear brakes. But don’t use copper tubing for this. If you
do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel
brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull
a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide
(CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can’t see
or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness or
death. (See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.)
To
maximize your safety when towing a trailer:
0
0
0
Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting
on your trip.
Keep the rear-most windows closed.
If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through
a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle.
Do not use the
recirculation button
or MAX because it
only recirculates the air inside your vehicle.
(See “Comfort Controls”
in the Index.)
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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;
0 Shift into a gear; and
0 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 Wiring Harness
A seven-wire harness is stored under the rear of your
vehicle, between the frame rails. An electrical connector
will need to be added at the trailer end
of the harness, by
a qualified electrical technician. For additional trailer
wiring and towing information, please consult your
dealer. Securely attach the harness to the trailer, then
tape or strap it to your vehicle’s frame rail. Be sure you
leave it loose enough
so the wiring won’t bind or break
when turning with the trailer, but not
so loose that it
drags on the ground. Store the harness in its original
position. Wrap the harness together and tie it neatly
so it
won’t be damaged. If you tow a trailer, your Center
High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) may not be
properly visible from behind. You should select a trailer
with a CHMSL
on it or, if one is not available, have one
installed. See your GM dealer about how to connect
your vehicle’s wiring to
a trailer CHMSL.
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3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or accessory power outlets. Turn
off all lamps
that aren’t needed, and radios. This will avoid sparks
and help save both batteries. And
it could save
your radio!
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive
(+> and negative (-) terminals on each battery.
~ If your vehicle has air conditioning, the auxiliary
electric fan under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from
any underhood electric fan.
I
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use
a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the batteries have enough water.
You
don’t need to add water to the Delco Freedom@
battery (or batteries) installed in every new
GM
vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure
the right amount
of fluid is there. If it is low, add
water to take care of that first.
If you don’t,
explosive gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don’t get it on you.
If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2
6-3
6-5
6-6
6-8
6- 14
6-18
6-20
6-24 6-24
6-26
6-29
6-29
6-30
6-30
6-32 Service
Fuel (Gasoline Engine)
Fuels
in Foreign Countries -- Gasoline
Engines
Filling Your Tank
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
Air Cleaner (Gasoline Engines)
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear Axle
Four-wheel Drive
Engine Coolant
Radiator Pressure Cap
Thermostat
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
6-36
6-37
6-44
6-44
6-52
6-53
6-56
6-57
6-59
6-60 6-6 1
6-62
6-67
6-69
6-70
6-72 Battery
Bulb Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Tires Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside
of Your Vehicle
Care of the Safety Belts
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Underbody Maintenance
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Normal Replacement Parts
Air Conditioning Specifications
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When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound.
Make sure
you fully install the cap.
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.
Checking Things Under the Hood
'
A CAUTION:
If your vehicle has air conditioning, the auxiliary
engine fan under
the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from any
underhood electric fan.
A CAUTION:
I I
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline or
diesel fuel, oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield
washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber.
You or others could be burned. Be careful not to
drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot
engine.
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A. Battery
B. Air Cleaner
C. Radiator Cap
D. Coolant Recovery Tank
E. Air Filter Restriction Indicator
F. Engine Oil Dipstick
G. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
H. Fan
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Oil Fill
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
M. Fusemelay Center
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A. Battery
B. Coolant Recovery Tank
C.
Air Cleaner
D. Radiator Cap
E. Air Filter Restriction Indicator
F. Engine Oil Dipstick
G. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
H. Engine Oil Fill
I. Fan
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
M. FuseRelay Center
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Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the
air filter. See “Owner Checks and Services”
in the Index.
A CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can
cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine
backfhes.
If it isn’t there, and the engine
backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with
it
off, and be careful working on the engine with
the
air cleaner off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage
it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
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.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more
of these conditions:
0 In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90°F (32 “C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
0 Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
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 dealership
Service Department.
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