1999 GMC C-SERIES transmission oil

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2-10
Starting Your Diesel Engine
If you have a Caterpillar diesel engine, also refer to
your Caterpillar
Operation & Maintenance Manual for
starting procedure.
To make starting easier in cold weather (below 32F or
0C), the proper viscosity engine oil should be used. It's
also best to heat the engine oil first. You can do this by
using an engine coolant heater. A GM Automatic Ether
Injection System aids cold weather starting.
NOTICE:
Your diesel engine has an electric air intake
heater system which reduces white smoke and
helps start the engine in cold weather. Do not
spray starting fluid into the air intake where it
can contact the heater elements.
If you don't have the GM Automatic Ether
Injection System, don't use starting fluid or
you could damage your engine. If you have the
GM system, use only GM approved starting fluid
that has been tested to establish compatibility
with the air inlet heater system.
NOTICE:
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Restarting the Diesel Engine While Moving
(Automatic Transmission)
If you have to restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, you'll first have to shift the automatic transmission
to NEUTRAL (N). This safety feature prevents starting
the engine when the transmission is in a drive gear.
Stopping the Diesel Engine
If you have a Caterpillar diesel engine, see your
Caterpillar
Operation & Maintenance Manual.
1. Set the parking brake and shift to NEUTRAL (N) or
PARK (P).
2. Turn the ignition switch key to OFF.
If your vehicle has a two
-speed axle, see ªRear Axle,
Tw o
-Speed Electric Shift Controlº or ªRear Axle,
Tw o
-Speed Airshift Controlº in the Index.
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2-11 Cold Weather Starting (Caterpillar

Diesel)
Because the diesel engine uses compression ignition, it
is harder to start in cold weather than a gasoline engine.
The air intake heater and use of the proper engine oil,
optional engine coolant heaters and optional ether
injection systems help cold weather starting. See the
Caterpillar

Operation & Maintenance Manual for
more information.
Diesel Engine Warm-Up
Several factors affect how quickly your diesel engine
warms up. These can include outside temperature,
engine load, idle time and your vehicle's option content.
Your vehicle may be equipped with some features that
can help the engine reach operating temperature sooner.
Some of these features are discussed below.
Also, remember that an automatic transmission adds
heat to the cooling system through the heat exchanger in
the radiator. Because of this, vehicles equipped with
automatic transmissions are often able to retain engine
coolant heat better than manual transmission vehicles.
See your Caterpillar

Operation & Maintenance manual
for additional diesel engine warm
-up information.
Engine Automatic Shutdown (If Equipped)
Your CHECK GAGES light will come on if the system
senses high engine temperature or low engine oil
pressure. If high engine temperature is detected, you
will also hear a tone alarm at two beats per second. The
alarm and the light will remain on until the condition is
fixed. If the engine temperature condition worsens, the
tone alarm will go to five beats per second. When a low
oil pressure condition is detected, the five beat per
second alarm will come on immediately.
If the system senses low engine coolant, the five beat
per second alarm and the LOW COOLANT warning
light will come on.
The five beats per second tone alarm means that your
engine will shut down in 25 seconds. Pull off the road
and shut off the engine. Don't start it until the reason for
the problem is known, and the problem is fixed. If the
engine shuts down when you are still in traffic, you can
restart the engine and get another 25 seconds of
operation. Do this only if you have to, since there is a
problem that can harm the engine if it isn't fixed.
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2-69 Transmission Temperature Gage
(If Equipped)
If you have an automatic
transmission and this gage,
it is to the right of the dash
mounted shift lever, just to
the right of your
floor
-mounted shift lever or
on the lower portion of the
instrument panel to the right
of the steering wheel.
When your ignition is on, the gage shows the
temperature of the transmission oil. A reading in the
warning zone means you must stop driving and check
into the cause. One possible cause is a low oil level in
the transmission.
NOTICE:
If you drive when the transmission temperature
gage is in the warning zone, you can badly
damage the transmission.
Air Pressure Gage (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has air
brakes, this gage at the
center of your instrument
cluster shows the air
pressure for both your front
and rear brake systems.
If the needle on the gage indicates that the air pressure is
below 60 psi (415 kPa), the LOW AIR warning light
will come on. An alarm will also sound if this happens.
The yellow pointer shows the pressure available for the
front system, while the green pointer shows pressure for
the rear. There should be no more than 4 psi (28 kPa)
difference showing between the systems.
Don't drive until both pointers are showing at least
120 psi (830 kPa), so you'll have enough air if you need
to apply your brakes.
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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
-4 Fuel (Gasoline Engine)
6
-5 Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System
6
-6 Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline Engines)
6
-7 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Noise Control System
6
-13 Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
6
-17 Engine Oil (Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)
6
-17 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-19 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-20 Rear Axle
6
-20 Rear Axle Shift Motor (Option)
6
-21 Radiator Pressure Cap (Gasoline Engines)
6
-22 Surge Tank Pressure Cap (Diesel Engines)
6
-22 Thermostat6
-23 Engine Coolant (Gasoline Engine)
6
-27 Engine Coolant (Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)
6
-28 Power Steering Fluid
6
-29 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-30 Brakes
6
-36 Electric/Hydraulic Parking Brake Fluid
6
-42 Battery
6
-44 Other Service Items
6
-48 Tires
6
-59 Appearance Care
6
-59 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-63 Cleaning the Outside Your Vehicle
6
-66 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-67 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-67 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-68 Electrical System
6
-74 Capacities and Specifications
6
-77 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
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6-18
CAUTION:
Gasoline Engines Only: Operating the engine
with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner not only
cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine
backfires. 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/filter off.
NOTICE:
Gasoline Engines Only: If the air cleaner/filter 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/filter
in place when you're driving.
Your vehicle may also be equipped with an optional
Filterminder gage. See ªWarning Lights, Gages and
Indicatorsº in the Index.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
checked. See your Allison Automatic Transmission
Operator's Manual to find out when to change your
transmission fluid and filters.
How to Check and What to Use
The Allison Automatic Transmission Operator's Manual
that came with the vehicle shows how to check the
automatic transmission fluid and what fluid to use.
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.
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6-19 Automatic Transmission External Filter
Your automatic transmission spin-on type filter requires
periodic replacement. It is mounted just behind the
radiator on the outside of the passenger's side frame rail.
Consult the Allison Automatic Transmission Operator's
Manual that came with the vehicle for proper
change intervals.
Automatic Transmission External Filter
With Service Trans Filter Indicator Light
(Option)
This automatic transmission spin-on type filter is
mounted to the left of the transmission. It requires
replacement when the SERVICE TRANS FILTER
indicator light on the instrument panel comes on or
every three years, whichever occurs first.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
checked. See your Maintenance Schedule to find out
when to change your transmission fluid and filters.
How to Check and What to Use
The Eaton Fuller Transmission Operator's Manual that
came with the vehicle shows how to check the manual
tranmsmission fluid and what fluid to use.
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.
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6-74
Replacement Bulbs
It is recommended that you use an AC
type bulb
whenever you need to replace one.
Before you replace any bulbs, be sure that all lamps are
off and the engine isn't running.
Capacities and Specifications
Replacement part numbers listed in this section are
based on the latest information available at the time of
printing. They are subject to later change. If a part listed
here isn't the same as the part in your vehicle when it
was built, or if you have any questions, please contact
your GM Truck dealer.
Engine Identification and Data
Engine RPO LG5 LP4/L21
Engine Type 7.2L L6 7.4L V8
Fuel System HEUI SPFI
Firing Order
1
-5-3-6-2-41-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Wheel Nut Torque
Refer to ªTightening the Wheel Nutsº in this section for
wheel nut torque information.
Cooling System Capacity
Model Quarts (Liters)
7.2L 32.0 (30.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
with automatic transmission 30.0 (28.4). . . . . . . . . .
7.4L 25.0 (23.7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
with automatic transmission 23.0 (22.7). . . . . . . . . .
Above capacities (volumes) are approximate.
Crankcase Capacity
Capacities (volumes) shown are for normal refill. Add
oil as indicated when the oil filter element is changed.
Capacities given are approximate
-- keep level within
the operating range. Do not operate with fluid level
below the ADD line.
Engine
Capacity
-- Quarts (Liters)
7.2L 21 (19.0)*
7.4L 8 (7.5)
*Additional oil is required with auxiliary oil filter
systems. Make sure to add enough extra oil to fill the
auxiliary oil filter system. For vehicles equipped with
the LUBERFINER 750
-C, add 14 quarts (13.25 L).
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6-75
Extending the recommended oil change interval requires
the use of an infrared oil analysis program which shows
the condition of the oil and its additives. For more
information, consult your GM Truck dealer, who is an
authorized Caterpillar

engine dealer.
Transmission Capacity
Capacities (volumes) shown are approximate. For
manual transmissions, the correct oil level is to the
bottom of the fluid fill plug opening. The oil capacity
will vary, due to the angle of the transmission, with the
vehicle. For automatic transmissions, see the Allison
Automatic Transmission Operator's Manual for oil
check and maintenance information.
Manual Transmission Pints (Liters)
RT6609 12.0 (5.7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RT6610 12.0 (5.8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RTO6610 12.0 (5.8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RT6613 16.0 (7.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RT7608LL 19.5 (9.3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RT8609 15.0 (7.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS4205A, FS4205B, FS4205C 12.5 (5.9). . . . . . . . . .
5205A, FS5205C 12.5 (5.9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS5306 18.0 (8.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS6305A, FS6305B 19.0 (9.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS6306 19.5 (9.2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS7206 20.0 (9.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
T8607B 36.0 (17.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission Pints (Liters)
AT542 (for oil pan filter change) 30.0 (14.0)*. . . . . . .
AT545 (for oil pan filter change) 40.0 (19.0)*. . . . . . .
MT643 (for oil pan filter change) 13.0 (24.5)*. . . . . .
MT653 (for oil pan filter change) 36.0 (17.0)*. . . . . .
*Add two pints (one liter) when changing spin
-on filter.
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