1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE 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
-5 Filling Your Tank (Gasoline Engine)
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter (Gasoline Engines)
6
-19 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-22 Rear Axle
6
-22 Four-Wheel Drive
6
-24 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-25 Thermostat
6
-25 Engine Coolant
6
-28 Power Steering Fluid
6
-29 Windshield Washer Fluid6
-30 Brakes
6
-34 Battery
6
-35 Bulb Replacement
6
-42 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-43 Tires
6
-51 Appearance Care
6
-51 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-54 Care of Safety Belts
6
-55 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-58 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-59 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-60 Electrical System
6
-65 Replacement Bulbs
6
-67 Capacities and Specifications
6
-68 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-69 Normal Replacement Parts--Gasoline Engines

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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:
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.
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 upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
The engine oil fill cap on the ªVORTECº 5700 V8
engine is located on the driver's side engine valve cover.
The engine oil fill cap on the ªVORTECº 7400 V8
engine is located on the front of the engine, near
the radiator.
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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6-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see ªAutomatic
Transmission Fluidº in the Diesel Supplement.
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:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions,
change the fluid and filter every 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
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.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:

When outside temperatures are above 90F (32C).

At high speed for quite a while.

In heavy traffic
-- especially in hot weather.

While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180F to 200F
(82C to 93C).

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9-4
Easy Entry Seat (2-Door Utility) 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric Tailgate Glass Release 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-14, 3-27, 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview
Mirror with Compass 2
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview
Mirror with Compass/Temperature Display 2
-47 . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Outside Rearview Mirrors 2-52, 3-9 . . . . . . .
Electronic Compass 2-43, 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-25, 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-29, 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-12, 6-69, 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Gage 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Entry to the Rear Seat (Suburban Second Seat) 1
-11 . . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-29, 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-16, 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Engine Oil 6-15, 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transmission 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Leak Check 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding the Rear Seat (2-Door Utility) 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding the Rear Seat (4-Door Models) 1-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-Wheel Drive 2-19, 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Axle 6
-24, 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Axle Locking Feature 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Park/Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6-38, 6-39 . . . . . .
Front Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Towing 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-5
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Capacity 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garage Door Opener 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Headlamps 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-35, 6-36, 6-37, 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Front Seats 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-4, 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood, Checking Things Under 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Rearview Mirror 2-43, 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive Axle 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust System 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case (Four-Wheel Drive) 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .