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The 1999 GMC C-Series Owner's Manual
1-1 Seats and Restraint SystemsThis section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly.
2-1 Features and ControlsThis section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
3-1 Comfort Controls and Audio SystemsThis section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
4-1 Your Driving and the RoadHere you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
5-1 Problems on the RoadThis section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.
6-1 Service and Appearance CareHere the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.
7-1 Maintenance ScheduleThis section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
8-1 Customer Assistance InformationThis section tells you how to contact GMC for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on ªReporting Safety Defectsº on page 8-6.
9-1 IndexHere's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read.
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6-17
Engine Oil
(Caterpillar Diesel Engines)
See your Caterpillar Operation & Maintenance Manual
for information on oil quality and viscosities as well as
the temperature range chart.
Air Filter Restriction Indicator
Your engine has an indicator that lets you know when
the air filter is dirty and needs to be serviced. It is in the
air intake tube below the air cleaner on the passenger's
side of the engine.
When the yellow indicator
reaches the red ring in the
sight glass, it's time to
service the air filter.After the air filter is properly serviced, the indicator can
be reset by pushing the button on top of the indicator.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Your GM Maintenance Schedule says when to replace
the air filter.
Gasoline Engine Caterpillar Diesel
Engine
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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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6-20
Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the
Maintenance Schedule.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Maintenance Schedule.
Rear Axle Shift Motor (Option)
When to Check and Change Fluid
If you have an optional air-shift two-speed, controlled
traction, or locking differential type rear axle, a good
time to check the fluid level in the axle shift motor is
when the rear axle lubricant is checked. Use refrigerant
oil (shift motor only).
How to Check Fluid
Remove the plug on the front plate of the axle shift
motor, add enough fluid to raise the level to the bottom
of the filler plug hole, then replace the plug.
What to Use
Refer to your Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use.
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6-37 Clutch Pedal Free Travel
If you have a manual transmission, your clutch will need
adjustment when pedal free travel gets down to about
1 1/4 inch (32 mm), as measured at the clutch pedal pad.
You should have 1 1/2 to 2 inches (38 to 51 mm) of
clutch pedal free travel. Your Maintenance Schedule has
more on this.
If your clutch ever needs service, be sure to use only
genuine GM clutch replacement parts.
Chassis Lubrication
Your Maintenance Schedule provides all of the required
chassis lubrication intervals and identifies proper
lubricants to use. Be sure to see your Maintenance
Schedule before performing any chassis lubrication
service. To determine location of chassis lubrication
items, use the following charts.
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6-44
Other Service Items
Component Box
Your vehicle has a component box along the left frame rail.
What is in the box depends on what options are on your
vehicle. Normally, the fuel filter, air dryer, Luberfiner oil
filter, emission canister or other components are in there.
To get into the box, you first have to remove the top
cover. To do that, remove the two 8 mm bolts on top and
the single 8 mm bolt at the top front. Then, pull the
cover toward you and lift it off.You can then remove the front cover if you need to, by
removing the two 8 mm bolts and pulling it off.
When you're through, be sure to put the front cover on,
before you put on the top cover.
Fuel Filter (Gasoline Engines)
The steel fuel filter is located inside the component box
at the rear. See your Maintenance Schedule for
recommended service intervals.
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional Davco
spin
-on type filter, it is also located in the component box.
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6-45 Fuel Filter (Diesel Engines)
The ACDelco fuel filter is located in the component
box. See your Maintenance Schedule for recommended
service intervals.
Primary Fuel Filter and Water Separator
(Option)
If you have a Caterpillar
diesel engine, you may
have this spin
-on filter.
It is in the component box
on the driver's side behind
the fender.
It has a clear plastic drain bowl at the bottom. Check the
drain bowl occasionally for any water or particles. To
drain the bowl, shut off the engine. Then partially open
the drain valve at the bottom of the filter. See ªEngine
Oilº in the Index for proper disposal procedures.
Secondary Fuel Filter and Water
Separator/Heater (Option)
If you have a Caterpillar
diesel engine, you may have
this spin
-on filter and fuel
separator/heater. It is
mounted on the passenger's
side of the engine.
It has a metal drain bowl at the bottom. Occasionally, check
the bowl for any water or particles. To check or drain the
bowl, shut off the engine. Then push up on the spring loaded
drain valve until clear fuel is flowing from the valve. The
particles or water will drain out first. See ªEngine Oilº in the
Index for proper disposal procedures.
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6-47 Front Wheel Bearings with Oil-Filled Hubs
If your vehicle has oil-filled
hubs, occasionally check to
see if they have enough oil.
You can tell by looking into
the sight glass to see if there
is oil there.
If there isn't, clean the rubber fill plug in the center of
the glass, and then remove it. Be careful not to allow
any dirt or water to get into the oil. Add enough of the
recommended oil to bring it up to the level mark that
you'll see on the glass.
Refer to your Maintenance Schedule for the proper oil
to use.
When you fill the hub, check the glass again after
driving a short distance. It takes a while for the oil to
flow through the system, and you may find that you
have to add a little more to fill it to the proper level.
Air Conditioning System
Every now and then, have your dealership check your
air conditioning system to be sure it has not lost any
cooling ability. If you think the system is not working
properly, have your GM Truck dealer check it out as
soon as possible.
The air conditioning won't work when the temperature
outside is below 40F (4C).
NOTICE:
If your vehicle is equipped with factory air
conditioning, the system is charged with the
R
-134a refrigerant. Servicing of the air
conditioning system should be performed by a
trained service technician.
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