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6-21 Front 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 Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you may need to add some lubricant.When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant
to raise the level to 1/2 inch (12 mm) below the filler
plug hole.
When the differential is at operating temperature (warm),
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 Index.
Engine Coolant
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.
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6-27
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled with
DOT
-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes
down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear.
When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake
system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed,
since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won't
work well, or won't work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check your brake fluid. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Index.
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6-30
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a
brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
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.
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6-31
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.
Bulb Replacement
Before you replace any bulbs, be sure that all the lamps
are off and the engine isn't running. See ªReplacement
Bulbsº in the Index.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your GMC dealer's service department.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting
CAUTION:
The low beam High Intensity Discharge lighting
system operates at a very high voltage. If you try
to service any of the system components, you
could be seriously injured. Have your dealer or
a qualified technician service them.
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6-35
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in Section 7 of this manual under Part B
ªOwner Checks and Servicesº for more information.
See ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in the
Index for the proper type of replacement blade.
NOTICE:
Use care when removing or installing a blade
assembly. Accidental bumping can cause the
arm to fall back and strike the windshield.
1. To remove the old wiper blades, lift the wiper arm
until it locks into a vertical position.
A. Blade Assembly
B. Arm Assembly
C. Locking TabD. Blade Pivot
E. Hook Slot
F. Arm Hook
2. Press down on the blade assembly pivot locking tab.
Pull down on the blade assembly to release it from
the wiper arm hook.
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6-39 Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
See ªWhen It's Time for New Tiresº and ªWheel
Replacementº later in this section for more information.
Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull,
and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the
wheel wrench to tighten the cable. See ªStoring a Flat or
Spare Tire and Toolsº in the Index.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more uniform
wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation is the
most important. See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº
in the Index for scheduled rotation intervals.
When rotating your tires, always use one of the correct
rotation patterns shown here.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the
Certification/Tire label. Make certain that all wheel
nuts are properly tightened. See ªWheel Nut Torqueº
in the Index.
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6-52
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch
-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer's body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are
not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur
on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame,
floor pan and exhaust system even though they have
corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create
a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This
damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet
-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, GMC
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.
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6-61 Capacities (Approximate)
Please refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index for more information.
Cooling System* 11.7 quarts (11.1 L). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Crankcase* 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
(Drain and Refill)* 5.0 quarts (4.7 L). . . . . . . . . . .
Differential Fluid
Front 2.6 pints (1.2 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 4.0 pints (1.9 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank 18.0 gallons (68.0 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A/C Refrigerant See refrigerant charge label. . . . . .
under the hood.
*After refill, the level must be checked.
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Replacement part numbers listed in this section are based
on the latest information available at the time of printing,
and are subject to change. If a part listed in this manual is
not the same as the part used in your vehicle when it was
built, or if you have any questions, please contact your
GMC dealer.Thermostat 12559051. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Filter PF52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner Filter A1163C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve CV769C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
Filter Kit 24200796. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs 41
-932 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter GF481. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Windshield
Wiper Blade Trico (20 inches/50.8 cm). . . . . . . . . .
Backglass Wiper Blade Trico (14 inches/35.6 cm) . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase 107.0 inches (271.8 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 181.5 inches (460.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 67.0 inches (170.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 67.8 inches (172.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 57.3 inches (145.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 55.1 inches (139.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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