2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO Owners Manual

6-28
Hot Check Procedure
The fluid must be hot to ensure an accurate check.
The fluid level rises as temperature increases.
1. Operate the transmission in DRIVE (D) range until
the normal operating temperature of 160
F (71
C)
to 200
F (93
C) is reached.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
3. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again. Repeat the check
procedure to verify the reading.
4. Safe operating level is within the HOT RUN band on
the dipstick. The width of the HOT RUN band
represents approximately 1.06 quart (1.0 liter) of
fluid at normal operating temperature.
5. If the fluid level is not within the HOT RUN band,
add or drain fluid as necessary to bring the fluid
level to within the HOT RUN band.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least twice using the
procedures described previously. Consistency
(repeatable readings) is important to maintaining proper
fluid level. If inconsistent readings persist, check the
transmission breather to be sure it is clean and
unclogged. If readings are still inconsistent, contact
your dealer.
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.

6-29
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.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. See your maintenance schedule to find out
when to change your transmission fluid.
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.
Too little fluid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.

6-30
Then, follow these steps:
5-Speed for VORTEC 4300 V6 and 4800 V8 Engines
Shown, Other Manual Transmissions Similar
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.

6-31
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self
-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid.
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system. Adding fluid
won't correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
The clutch master cylinder
reservoir is located in the
rear of the engine
compartment on the
driver's side of the vehicle.
See ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index
for more information
on location.Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the fluid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. See
ªOwner Checks and Servicesº and ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper fluid should be added if the level does not
reach the bottom of the diaphragm when it's in place in
the reservoir. See the instructions on the reservoir cap.

6-32
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. See ªScheduled
Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
1500 Series Shown, 2500 Series Similar
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.The proper level for the 1500 Series is from 5/8 inch to
1 5/8 inch (15 mm to 40 mm) below the bottom of the
filler plug hole. The proper level for the 2500 Series is
from 0 to 3/8 inch (0 to 10 mm) below the bottom of the
filler plug hole. The proper level for the 2500 HD and
3500 Series is just below the bottom of the filler plug
hole. Add only enough fluid to reach the proper level.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.
Four-Wheel Drive
Lubricant checks in this section also apply to these
vehicles. However, there are two additional systems that
need lubrication.
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Index.

6-33
How to Check Lubricant
Manual Transfer Case
Automatic Transfer Case
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
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.
Use care not to overtighten the plug.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.

6-34 Front Axle
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. See ªScheduled
Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
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.

6-35
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.
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 265F (129C).

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.