2003 CHEVROLET C/K oil change

6-30 Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the API service symbol are all you will need for
good performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
Change engine oil and filter every 10,000 miles
(16 000 km) or every 12 months, whichever occurs first.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Don't let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or
into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your
dealer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the engine air cleaner/filter. See ªScheduled
Maintenanceº in the Index.
The engine air cleaner/filter
is located in the center of
the engine compartment.
Your gasoline or diesel engine has a restriction indicator
that lets you know when the engine air cleaner/filter
needs to be serviced.

6-32
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
checked. See your Allison Automatic Transmission
Operator's Manual to find out when to change your
transmission fluid and filters.
How to Check and What to Use
The Allison Automatic Transmission Operator's Manual
that came with the vehicle shows how to check the
automatic transmission fluid and what fluid to use.
Automatic Transmission External Filter
Your automatic transmission filter requires periodic
replacement.
Consult the Allison Automatic Transmission
Operator's Manual that came with the vehicle for
proper change intervals.
Manual Transmission Fluid
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.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
checked. See your Maintenance Schedule to find out
when to change your transmission fluid.

6-34
Rear 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
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.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.
Rear Axle Shift Motor (Option)
When to Check and Change Fluid
If you have an optional air-shift two-speed, controlled
traction, or locking differential type rear axle, a good
time to check the fluid level in the axle shift motor is
when the rear axle lubricant is checked. Use refrigerant
oil (shift motor only).
How to Check Fluid
Remove the plug on the front plate of the axle shift
motor, add enough fluid to raise the level to the bottom
of the filler plug hole, then replace the plug.
What to Use
Refer to your Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.

6-35
Engine Coolant
If your vehicle has a Caterpillar diesel engine, the
Caterpillar Operation & Maintenance Manual provided
with your vehicle has information regarding the proper
coolant to use.
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 252F (122C).

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.

6-56 Automatic Ether Injection System
(If Equipped)
If you have a Caterpillar
diesel engine, you may have
this feature. The ether
cylinder is located in the
engine compartment on the
driver's side of the vehicle.To change an empty ether cylinder, follow these steps.
1. Loosen the screw head on the cylinder
-to-bracket
clamp.
2. Spread the clamp apart.
3. Clean any dirt from the neck of the cylinder and the
top of the valve before you take out the cylinder.
4. Check the inside of the valve for any foreign matter.
Clean the valve as necessary.
5. Cover the valve to protect it from dirt and take out
the cylinder.
6. Install a new gasket whenever you take out the
cylinder. Use only one gasket and spread a light film
of clean oil on it before installation.
7. Put in the new cylinder. Turn it clockwise until it just
starts to contact the gasket.
8. Tighten the cylinder another half turn (180 degrees).
Don't over
-tighten.
9. Retighten the cylinder clamp.

7-5
Scheduled Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated at the same miles (km)
after those intervals for the life of this vehicle.
Gasoline engine vehicles have a computer that lets you
know when to change your engine oil. This is not based
on mileage, but on engine revolutions and engine
operating temperature. When the computer has
calculated that the oil needs changing, the GM Oil Life
System will indicate that a change is necessary.
The ªFootnotesº at the end of this Maintenance
Schedule further explain maintenance services.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Supplementsº earlier in
this section.
100 Miles (160 km)

Wheel stud nut service. (46)
1,000 Miles (1 600 km)

Wheel stud nut service. (46)

Rear axle air shift motor service.(11)

L18/LB7 Engines Only: Clutch pedal free
travel service. (10)
7,500 Miles (12 000 km)

Gasoline Engine Only: Check Oil Life System.
If engine oil and filter are changed, reset system.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Parking brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (8)

L18/LB7 Engines Only: Clutch pedal free
travel service. (10)
10,000 Miles (16 000 km)

DURAMAX Diesel Only: Change engine oil
and filter (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). (2)(3)

7-6
15,000 Miles (24 000 km)

Gasoline Engine Only: Check Oil Life System.
If engine oil and filter are changed, reset system.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index. (3)(9)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(6)

DURAMAX Diesel Only: Replace fuel filter.

Steering system service. (13)

Front and rear suspension service. (14)

Spring
-to-axle U-bolts and shackle bolts
service. (16)

Exhaust system service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (3)(4)(17)

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)(46)

Parking brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (8)

Thermostatically controlled engine cooling fan
service. (4)(20)

Shields and underhood insulation service. (4)(5)(21)

L18/LB7 Engines Only: Clutch pedal free
travel service. (10)
20,000 Miles (32 000 km)

DURAMAX Diesel Only: Change engine oil
and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs
first). (2)(3)

Air compressor dry element pleated paper air strainer
service (or every 2 months or every 800 hours,
whichever occurs first).
22,500 Miles (36 000 km)

Gasoline Engine Only: Check Oil Life System.
If engine oil and filter are changed, reset system.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Inspect door hinge pins and bushings and replace
as necessary.

Cooling system service. Clean the cooling system
filler cap with clean water, clean the core, pressure
test the cap and the system for proper pressure
capability and inspect condition of cooling and
heater hoses and clamps. Replace hoses if cracked,
swollen or damaged.

7-7
Wheel bearing (grease type) service (or every
24 months, whichever occurs first, and whenever
hubs are removed). (23)(46)
Wheels and tires service. (15)
Parking brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (8)
Air intake system service (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). (4)(5)(24)
Evaporative Control System service (if equipped) (or
every 24 months, whichever occurs first). (3)(26)

Rear axle air shift motor service. (11)
Air brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (39)
Air brake automatic slack adjuster service
(or every 500 hours, whichever occurs first). (40)
Check air brake relay valve operation and check
for leaks (or every month, or every 300 hours,
whichever occurs first).
Clean air brake application valve (or every 3 months,
or every 300 hours, whichever occurs first); lubricate
linkage.
Air brake chamber service (or every 2 months,
whichever occurs first). (41)Trailer brake hand control valve service (or every
3 months, or every 900 hours, whichever
occurs first). (42)
L18/LB7 Engines Only: Clutch pedal free
travel service. (10)
30,000 Miles (48 000 km)
Gasoline Engine Only: Check Oil Life System.
If engine oil and filter are changed, reset system.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index. (3)(9)
DURAMAX Diesel Only: Change engine oil
and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs
first). (2)(3)
Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(6)
DURAMAX Diesel Only: Replace fuel filter.
Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)
Replace fuel filter(s) (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). (3)
Steering system service. (13)
Front and rear suspension service. (14)
Spring
-to-axle U-bolts and shackle bolts
service. (16)
Exhaust system service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (3)(4)(17)
(Continued)