Page 273 of 339
6-11
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick has a yellow ring handle and is
located on the passenger's side of the engine.Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
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.
Page 279 of 339

6-17
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the engine air cleaner/filter. See ªOwner Checks
and Servicesº in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.
CAUTION:
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:
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.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
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
Maintenance Schedule booklet.
Page 286 of 339

6-24 What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Page 294 of 339

6-32 Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you've come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Fluid Leak Check
After the vehicle has been parked for awhile, inspect the
surface under the vehicle for water, oil, fuel or other
fluids. Water dripping from the air conditioning system
after it has been used is normal. If you notice fuel leaks
or fumes, the causes should be found and corrected
at once.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco battery. When it's time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the original
battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco battery.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more,
remove the black, negative (
-) cable from the battery. This
will help keep your battery from running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.
Page 325 of 339
6-63
Capacities and Specifications
Please refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Maintenance Schedule booklet for more information.
Engine Identification
EngineªVORTECº 5700
Type V8
RPO Code L31
VIN Code R
Fuel System SFI*
*Sequential Fuel Injection
Wheels and Tires
MODEL DESCRIPTION TORQUE
K 1500 6 bolts (14 mm)
140 lb
-ft (190 N´m)
Tire Pressure See the Certification/Tire label on
the rear edge of the driver's door.
Cooling System Capacity (Approximate)
After refill, the level must be rechecked. See ªCooling Systemº in the Index.
ENGINE VIN QTY
ªVORTECº 5700 V8 R 17.5 Quarts (16.5 L)
Crankcase Capacity (Approximate)
After refill, the level must be rechecked. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
ENGINE VIN
QUANTITY WITH FILTER
ªVORTECº 5700 V8 R 5.0 Quarts (4.8 L)
Oil filter should be changed at every oil change.