2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO cooling

2-106
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
United States Canada
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
It also provides an indicator of how hard your vehicle is
working. During a majority of the operation, the gage
will read 210
F (100
C) or less. If you are pulling a
load or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to
fluctuate and approach the 250
F (122
C) mark. If the
gage reaches the 260
F (125
C) mark, it indicates that
the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
Transmission Temperature Gage
(If Equipped)
United States Canada
Your vehicle may be equipped with a transmission
temperature gage.
When your ignition is on, the gage shows the temperature
of the transmission fluid. The normal operating range is
from 100
F (38
C) to about 265
F (130
C).

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Low Coolant
This message is displayed
when the cooling system is
low on coolant.
The engine may overheat. See ªEngine Coolantº in the
Index and have your vehicle serviced as soon as you can.
Check Coolant Temp
This message is displayed
when the cooling system
temperature gets hot.
Check the coolant temperature gage and the coolant
level. See ªEngine Coolantº and ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº in the Index. See ªEngine
Overheatingº in the Index for further information.
Engine Overheated
This message is displayed
when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot.
This message will be displayed after the air conditioning
system has automatically turned off for the engine
coolant protection mode. See ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index for further information.

2-119
Reduced Engine Power
(V8 Gasoline Engines Only)
This message is displayed
when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot
and the engine further
enters the engine coolant
protection mode.
If your vehicle is equipped with the 8.1L engine, this
light may come on because of an electronic throttle
control system fault. See ªEngine Overheatingº in the
Index for further information.
Check Eng Oil Pressure
This message is displayed
when the engine oil pressure
is low.
See ªOil Pressure Gageº in the Index for
more information.
Check Eng Oil Level (Gasoline Engine)
This message is displayed
when the engine oil
level is low.
Once oil is added, it may need time to drain and settle in
the engine before this message will turn off. It is best to
let the engine cool down (if it is hot) or warm up (if it is
cold) and cycle the ignition to be sure this message turns
off. Refer to the dipstick for the correct level.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index on how to check the oil
level and for what type of oil to add.

3-6
AUTO: If the knob is in AUTO, the fan speed will vary
as the system maintains the selected temperature.
When both the fan control and mode knobs are in the
AUTO position, the system will then automatically
maintain the last selected temperature setting. Manual
control of functions is also available.
Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the
desired air temperature in your vehicle. This knob will
allow you to adjust the interior air temperature setting.
Move the knob clockwise toward 82
F (28
C) for
warmer air. Move the knob counterclockwise toward
66
F (19
C) for cooler air. When the system is set for
automatic operation, sensors will control the fan speed.
Full Hot: If you turn the temperature knob past 82
F
(28
C), the system will go into the ªfull hotº mode.
The system will remain at that maximum heating setting
and the fan will blow at the speed the fan knob is set to.
If the fan is in AUTO, it will run at full speed.Full Cold: If you turn the temperature knob past 66
F
(19
C), the system will go into the ªfull coldº mode.
The system will remain at that maximum cooling setting
and the fan will blow at the speed the fan knob is set to.
If the fan is in AUTO, it will run at full speed.
Mode Knob
-- Manual Operation
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery.
You can choose to set the climate control system
yourself, or let the system work for you by placing the
system in AUTO mode. See ªMode Knob
-- Automatic
Operationº later in this section.
(Vent): This setting directs most of the air through
the instrument panel outlets and a small amount through
the floor outlets.
(Bi-Level): Air is delivered through the floor
outlets as well as the instrument panel outlets.
(Floor): This setting directs most of the air
through the floor outlets and some air through the
windshield defroster outlets.

3-7
(Blend): Airflow is divided equally between the
floor outlet and the windshield defroster outlets. The air
conditioning compressor may run to dehumidify the air
to prevent window fogging.
(Defrost): This setting directs most of the air
through the windshield defroster outlets with airflow
also delivered from the side window and the floor
outlets. When in defrost mode, the air conditioning
compressor may run to dehumidify the air and limit
window fogging.
(Outside Air): Press this button to force the
system to use outside air. Press it again to close off the
outside air.
Pressing the outside air button will cancel the
recirculation button.
(Recirculation): Press this button to limit the
amount of outside air entering your vehicle. This is
helpful when you are trying to limit odors entering your
vehicle or attempting to quickly cool down the interior.
In the AUTO mode, the system will use recirculation as
necessary to cool the air. Pressing the recirculation
button will change the operation to a manual mode and
the air will recirculate non
-stop. Press this button again
to turn off the recirculation feature.
Recirculation may be selected with the fan control in
OFF to limit odors, outside air and dust from entering
your vehicle.
Pressing the recirculation button will cancel the outside
air button.
A/C: Press this button to turn the air conditioning
on and off. The system will cool and dehumidify the air
inside the vehicle when the A/C light is on. When in
AUTO, the A/C is automatically engaged when necessary.
Air conditioning will be automatically disabled when
the outside air temperature drops below a level at which
air conditioning is effective.
Remember that in order for the automatic system to perform
well, it needs A/C to provide cooling performance.

3-9 Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
air inside escape. This reduces the time it takes for your
vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.
The recirculation button allows the air inside your
vehicle to be recirculated. This setting helps to
maximize your air conditioner's performance and your
vehicle's fuel economy. This setting also cools air the
fastest and can be used to keep unwanted odors and/or
dust from entering the vehicle. When using the air
conditioner, turn off the recirculation button after the
vehicle reaches a comfortable interior temperature.
When the right knob on the control panel is between
floor and defrost, the recirculation feature will not
function to reduce window fogging.
The A/C button, below the mode knob, allows the air
coming into your vehicle to be cooled. This setting is
useful for normal cooling on hot days.When you use A/C with the recirculation button pushed
in, turn off recirculation as soon as the vehicle reaches a
comfortable interior temperature.
Maximum air conditioning performance is obtained by
pressing the A/C button, the recirculation button and
turning the temperature knob fully counterclockwise to
the blue area. This setting also cools air the fastest. After
the vehicle's interior reaches a comfortable temperature,
press the outside air button to place the air conditioning
system in the normal mode.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has air conditioning, it is equipped with
a passenger compartment air filter, which filters outside
air entering the vehicle. For information on replacing
the filter see ªPassenger Compartment Air Filterº in
the Index.

3-11
The defogger will shut itself off after several minutes.
If you need additional warming time, press the button
again. You can turn the defogger off at any time by
pressing the button.
If your vehicle is equipped with heated outside mirrors,
the rear window defogger button will also activate the
heated outside mirrors.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle license, tape or decals
across the defogger grid on the rear window.
NOTICE:
Don't use a razor blade or something else sharp
on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you
could cut or damage the warming grid, and the
repairs wouldn't be covered by your warranty.
Ventilation System
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use vent to direct outside air through
your vehicle.
Your vehicle's ventilation system supplies outside air to
the inside of your vehicle when it is moving. With the
side windows closed, air will flow into the front air
inlet grilles, through the vehicle, and out the air
exhaust valves.
Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the floor or
the air conditioning fan is running, unless you have the
recirculation button pushed in. For more information on
the recirculation mode, see ªAir Conditioningº earlier in
this section.

4-33
If the water isn't too deep, then drive through it slowly.
At fast speeds, water splashes on your ignition system
and your vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if you
get your tailpipe under water. And, as long as your
tailpipe is under water, you'll never be able to start your
engine. When you go through water, remember that
when your brakes get wet, it may take you longer
to stop.
CAUTION:
Driving through rushing water can be dangerous.
Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers could drown. If it's
only shallow water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires, and you could lose
traction and roll the vehicle over. Don't drive
through rushing water.
See ªDriving Through Waterº in the Index for more
information on driving through water.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the
underbody, chassis or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust system
for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to
off
-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for
additional information.