1999 GMC C-SERIES heating

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5-18
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature warning gage on
your vehicle's instrument panel, as well as a LOW
COOLANT warning light. Your vehicle also has a
CHECK GAGES warning light on the instrument panel.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
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6-21
Radiator Pressure Cap
(Gasoline Engines)
The radiator pressure cap
must be tightly installed
with the arrows on the cap
lined up with the top of the
overflow tube. This will
prevent coolant loss and
possible engine damage
from overheating.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an
ACDelco

cap is recommended.
NOTICE:
Your radiator pressure cap is a 9 psi (62kPa)
pressure
-type cap for use with medium duty
cooling systems only. It must be tightly installed
to prevent coolant loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on
the cap line up with the top of the overflow tube.
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6-22
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
(Diesel Engines)
The surge tank pressure cap
must be tightly installed
with the arrows on the cap
lined up with the top tube of
the coolant surge tank.
When you replace your surge tank pressure cap, an
ACDelco

cap is recommended.
NOTICE:
Your surge tank pressure cap is a 9 psi (62kPa)
pressure
-type cap for use with medium duty
cooling systems only. It must be tightly installed
to prevent coolant loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on
the cap line up with the top tube of the coolant
surge tank.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by one or more
thermostats in the engine cooling system. The
thermostat stops the flow of coolant through the radiator
until the coolant reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an ACDelco


thermostat is recommended for gasoline engines.
Caterpillar
parts are recommended for diesel engines.
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6-23
Engine Coolant (Gasoline Engine)
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL
extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 252F (122C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
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6-27
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap (on a gasoline
engine) or the surge tank cap (on a diesel engine)
when the engine and radiator are hot can allow
steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn
you badly. With the coolant recovery system, you
will almost never have to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure cap
or the surge tank pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank or the surge
tank, but be careful not to spill it.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
Some conditions, such as trapped air in the cooling
system, can affect the coolant level in the radiator. If you
need to add coolant to the radiator, follow the steps
listed under ªHow to Add Coolant to the Radiator.º
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
Engine Coolant
(Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)
If your vehicle has a Caterpillar diesel engine, see the
Caterpillar
Operation & Maintenance Manual provided
with your vehicle to find out what to add, also when and
how to service your cooling system.
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6-48 Muffler/Catalytic Converter Assemblies
(Diesel Engines)
Some vehicles equipped with a Caterpillar
diesel engine
utilize a catalytic converter
-muffler assembly. If your
vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter
-muffler,
some special procedures may need to be followed when
servicing your vehicle. Consult your GM Truck dealer
who is an authorized Caterpillar

engine dealer
for service.
To determine your vehicle's muffler type, examine the
muffler outer housing. If your system is a catalytic
converter
-muffler type, the housing will be stamped
with the CAT logo.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your GM Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut,
punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
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9-4
Engine (Continued)
Fuse Blocks 6-69, 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil 6-13, 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Filters and PCV Valves 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Road Speed Governor 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starter Over-Crank Protection 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting 2-7, 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-13, 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel Engines 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filters 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Life Monitor 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Gage 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind to Use 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Add 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ether Injection System 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust
Brake 2
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 2-29, 2-30, 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Check 7-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter
Air Cleaner 6
-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Compressor 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filterminder Gage 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Leaks Check 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Footnotes 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Towing 5
-10, 5-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Wheel Bearings with Oil-Filled Hubs 6-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
Diesel Engine 6
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter 6-44, 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gasoline Engine 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tank Capacity 6-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Water in Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuels in Foreign Countries -- Gasoline 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fusible Links 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-5
Gages
Air Pressure 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filterminder 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hourmeter 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Temperature 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flasher Switch 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Access Panels 6
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Things Under 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latches Check 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hourmeter Gage 2
-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Brake Warning Light 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections
Engine Cover Check 7
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breaker Block 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intake Heater Indicator Light 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inter-Axle Differential Lock Control 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification/Tire 4-28, 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamp and Bulb Data 6-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamp Check 7-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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