1999 CHEVROLET SILVERADO checking oil

6-
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6-1
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 Service
6
-3 Fuel (Gasoline Engine)
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline Engines)
6
-6 Filling Your Tank (Gasoline Engine)
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-19 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-22 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-24 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-25 Rear Axle
6
-25 Four-Wheel Drive
6
-28 Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
(Gasoline Engine)
6
-28 Thermostat
6
-29 Engine Coolant
6
-32 Power Steering Fluid6
-33 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-34 Brakes
6
-37 Battery
6
-38 Bulb Replacement
6
-44 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-45 Tires
6
-54 Appearance Care
6
-54 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-58 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-62 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-63 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-64 Electrical System
6
-73 Replacement Bulbs
6
-74 Capacities and Specifications
6
-76 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-77 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:

Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.

Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.

Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.

Don't smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
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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6-13 Checking 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, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you'll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and Specificationsº
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross
-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
The engine oil fill cap for
the VORTEC 4300 V6
engine is located on the
driver's side engine
valve cover.
The engine oil fill cap for the VORTEC 4800, 5300 and
6000 V8 engines is located on the passenger's side
engine valve cover.
Be sure to 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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6-22 How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
while it is 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 one pint (0.5 L). Don't overfill.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON
-III is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.

After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º

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. See your maintenance schedule to find out
when to change your transmission fluid.

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9-2
Before Leaving on a Long Trip 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard, Driving In 4-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-34, 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Shift Interlock Check 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Camper Type Mirror 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Camper Wiring Harness 4-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-39, 2-40, 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo
Lamp 2
-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamp On Message 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-11, 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cassette Tape Player Care 3
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette/Compact Disc Storage 2-63, 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cellular Telephone 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-41 . . . .
Center Overhead Console 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire Label 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Engine Oil Message 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Coolant Temp Message 2-84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Eng Oil Level Message 2-85, 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Eng Oil Pressure Message 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Transmission Fluid 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-54 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Seat Position 1-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-58 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-50, 1-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome Wheels, Cleaning 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels 6
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass Surfaces 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-4
Driving (Continued)
Through Water 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Easy Entry Seat 1-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-17, 3-26, 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-56 . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-29, 6-75, 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System Capacity 6-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-16, 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underhood Electrical Center 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Fan Noise 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-12, 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Life Monitor 6
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Gage 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Overheated Message 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Control, Climate Control System 3-2, 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner 6
-16, 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air 3-5, 6-18, 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-Wheel Drive 2-27, 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Axle 6
-27, 7-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Axle Locking Feature 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Axle Reserve Capacity 4-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Towing 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-40 . . . . . . . . . .

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9-5
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tank Capacity 6-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Temperature 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garage Door Opener 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Manual Transmission 2-24, 2-25 . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 8-5 . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Headlamps 2
-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Front Seats 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Outside Rearview Mirrors 2-59, 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hour Meter Display 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid 6-24, 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Clutch System Check 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 7-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive Axle 7-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .