1999 GMC SIERRA 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 Noise Control System
6
-13 Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
6
-17 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter (Gasoline Engines)
6
-20 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-23 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-24 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-25 Rear Axle
6
-26 Four-Wheel Drive
6
-27 Radiator Pressure Cap (Gasoline Engine)
6
-28 Thermostat
6
-28 Engine Coolant6
-32 Power Steering Fluid
6
-33 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-34 Brakes
6
-38 Battery
6
-39 Bulb Replacement
6
-49 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-50 Tires
6
-61 Appearance Care
6
-61 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-65 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-68 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-69 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-69 Electrical System
6
-75 Replacement Bulbs
6
-76 Capacities and Specifications
6
-78 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-78 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:
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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6-14 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 for
the ªVORTECº 5000 and
5700 V8 engine is located
on the driver's side engine
valve cover.
The engine oil fill cap for the ªVORTECº 7400
V8 engine is located at the front of the engine.
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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6-20
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's GVWR is over 8,600 or
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 your vehicle's GVWR is not over 8,600 and 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 GM 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.

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6-23 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. However, the fluid in your manual
transmission doesn't require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your GM dealership
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
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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9-4
Easy Entry Seat 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-13, 3-27, 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-45 . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-28, 6-76, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System Capacity 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-31, 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Blocks 6-70, 6-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underhood Fuse/Relay Center 6-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-13, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Gage 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-30, 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Control, Climate Control System 3-2, 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fender Marker Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-17, 6-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-Wheel Drive 2-21, 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Axle 6
-27, 7-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Axle Locking Feature 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Towing 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-41, 6-42 . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tank Capacity 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fusible Links 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-5
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garage Door Opener 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Manual Transmission 2-19, 2-20 . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 8-5 . . . . .
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-39, 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hill and Mountain Roads 4
-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid 6-24, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Clutch System Check 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive Axle 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and Heater Hose 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle Linkage 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case (Four-Wheel Drive) 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intensity Control 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .