2003 CHEVROLET C/K engine coolant

6-36 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 such as 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.

6-37 Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located in the engine
compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle.
CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the surge tank pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD
FILL mark or higher.
If the low coolant light
comes on and stays on,
it means you're low on
engine coolant.
See ªLights, Low Coolant Warning Lightº in the Index
for further information.

6-38
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand
-tight.
Engine Coolant (Caterpillar

Diesel Engine)
If your vehicle has a Caterpillar diesel engine, see the
Caterpillar
Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual provided with your vehicle to find out what to
add, also when and how to service your cooling system.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
The surge tank pressure cap
is located in the engine
compartment, on the
driver's side of the vehicle.
The surge tank pressure cap must be tightly installed.
NOTICE:
Your surge tank pressure cap is a 15 psi (103kPa)
pressure
-type cap for use with medium duty
cooling systems only. It must be tightly installed
to prevent coolant loss and possible engine
damage from overheating.

6-41
NOTICE:

When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.

Don't mix water with ready
-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn't clean as well as washer fluid.

Fill your washer fluid tank only
three
-quarters full when it's very cold.
This allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.

Don't use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
If your vehicle has hydraulic brakes, there's a brake
master cylinder. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine when to check your brake fluid.
CAUTION:
Don't add brake fluid before you check the level.
If you do, you could get too much brake fluid.
Brake fluid could spill on the hot engine and it
can catch fire. You could be burned and your
vehicle could be damaged. See ªChecking Brake
Fluidº in this section.

7-19
(26) = Evaporative Control System Service
(if equipped): Check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses
for proper connections and correct routing (or every
24 months, whichever occurs first). Replace parts
as needed.
(28) = Replace spark plugs. Inspect wires for damage.
Check the wire boot and boot heat shield fit at spark
plugs and coil. Replace parts as needed.
(30) = Check the fuel tank, fuel cap and fuel lines for
damage which could cause leakage. Inspect fuel cap for
correct sealing ability and any indications of damage.
Check fuel cap gasket for even filler neck imprint.
Replace parts as needed.
(31) = Check EGR system as described in the
service manual. See ªService and Owner Publicationsº
in the Index.(32) = Inspect Electronic Vacuum Regulator Valve
(EVRV) filter for excessive contamination or plugging.
If needed, clean filter with solution of soap and water,
let dry and install.
(35) = Drain, flush and refill cooling system. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling system and
pressure cap. For Caterpillar

diesel engines, always
refer to the Caterpillar Diesel Engine Operation &
Maintenance Manual for coolant recommendations and
change intervals.
(37) = Rear axle service: Change the lubricant. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
(38) = Front axle service: Re
-pack upper kingpin
roller bearing.

7-21
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
For your safety and that of others, any of the
safety
-related components that may have been damaged
in an accident should be checked and any needed repairs
made before operating the vehicle.
At the minimum, these routine checks should be made
every 6 months or 6,000 miles (10 000 km), whichever
occurs first. Whenever repairs are needed, have them
completed before operating the vehicle.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
Tire Inflation Check
Check tire inflation cold. Make sure tires are inflated to
the pressures specified on the GVW Rating label. See
ªLoading Your Vehicleº and ªTiresº in the Index for
further details.

7-26
Fluid Leaks Check
Check for fuel, coolant, oil or other fluid leaks by
looking at the surface beneath the vehicle after it has
been parked for awhile.
Underbody Inspection
Corrosive materials used for ice, snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these materials
are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur
on underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan
and exhaust system. At least every spring, flush these
materials from the underbody with plain water. Take
care to clean well any areas where mud and other debris
can collect. Sediment packed in closed areas of the
frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Engine Cover Check
Check that the cab's engine cover and seal (if equipped)
are not torn or damaged. Be sure that the cover is
clamped down firmly to the floor.At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part C.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
Tractor Protection (Breakaway) Valve Check
On air brake models, remove, disassemble, clean and
inspect the tractor protection (breakaway) valve.

7-27
Part C: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine Oil
(Gasoline
Engine)Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Oil
(Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)See the Caterpillar
Operation &
Maintenance Manual for engine
oil recommendations.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine Coolant
(Gasoline
Engine &
DURAMAX
Diesel)50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX
-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
Engine Coolant
(Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)See the Caterpillar
Operation &
Maintenance Manual for engine
coolant recommendations.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
or equivalent DOT
-3 brake fluid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer Solvent
or equivalent.
Clutch Bearing
LubricantClutch Bearing Lubricant
(GM Part No. 12378484 or
equivalent NLGI #3 consistency).