2003 CHEVROLET C/K automatic transmission fluid

2-20 Cold Weather Starting
(Caterpillar

Diesel)
Because the diesel engine uses compression ignition, it
is harder to start in cold weather than a gasoline engine.
The air intake heater and use of the proper engine oil,
optional engine coolant heaters and optional ether
injection systems help cold weather starting. See the
Caterpillar

Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual for more information.
NOTICE:
Your diesel engine has an electric air intake
heater system which reduces white smoke and
helps start the engine in cold weather. Do not
spray starting fluid into the air intake where it
can contact the heater elements.
If you don't have the GM Automatic Ether
Injection System, don't use starting fluid or you
could damage your engine. If you have the GM
system, use only GM approved starting fluid that
has been tested to establish compatibility with the
air inlet heater system.
Diesel Engine Warm-Up
Several factors affect how quickly your diesel engine
warms up. These can include outside temperature,
engine load, idle time and your vehicle's option content.
Your vehicle may be equipped with some features that
can help the engine reach operating temperature sooner.
Some of these features are discussed below.
Also, remember that an automatic transmission adds
heat to the cooling system through the heat exchanger in
the radiator. Because of this, vehicles equipped with
automatic transmissions are often able to retain engine
coolant heat better than manual transmission vehicles.
See your Caterpillar

Operation & Maintenance manual
for additional diesel engine warm
-up information.

2-80 Range Inhibited Warning Indicator
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with an Allison
1000/2000/2400 series automatic transmission, a lighted
bar under the current gear selected will flash.
If your vehicle is equipped with an Allison MD
automatic transmission, the current gear selected on
the pushbutton display will flash.
The flashing bar or gear selection indicates that
transmission range shifts may not occur.
For detailed information on shift inhibit limitations, see
the Allison Automatic Transmission Operator's Manual
in your vehicle for further information.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle has either hydraulic or air brakes.
Each system has different warning lights.
Hydraulic Brake System Warning Lights
Vehicles with hydraulic systems have two brake system
warning lights on the instrument panel.
If the BRAKE warning light
comes on, it means that the
fluid level in the master
cylinder reservoir is low or
there is another problem
with your hydraulic brakes.
When it comes on, you will also hear a warning tone.
The BRAKE warning light may come on, and the
warning tone may sound, when you're turning and
braking at the same time. This is normal. See ªHydraulic
Brake Systemsº in the Index.

6-
6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-4 Fuel (Gasoline Engine)
6
-5 Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System
6
-15 Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline Engines)
6
-15 Filling Your Tank
6
-17 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-18 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-20 Noise Control System
6
-21 Engine Oil (Gasoline Engines)
6
-27 Engine Oil (Caterpillar
Diesel Engines)
6
-27 Engine Oil (DURAMAX Diesel)
6
-30 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-32 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-32 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-34 Rear Axle
6
-34 Rear Axle Shift Motor (Option)
6
-35 Engine Coolant
6
-38 Engine Coolant (Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)6
-38 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-39 Power Steering Fluid
6
-40 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-41 Brakes
6
-52 Battery
6
-54 Other Service Items
6
-58 Tires
6
-67 Appearance Care
6
-68 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-71 Cleaning the Outside Your Vehicle
6
-75 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-76 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-76 Service Statement
6
-77 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-77 Electrical System
6
-86 Capacities and Specifications
6
-90 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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.

6-87 Cooling System Capacity
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions.
Please refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index for more information.
C4/C5 Models Quarts (Liters). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.1L with manual transmission 30.1 (28.5). . . . . . . .
8.1L with automatic transmission 29.8 (28.2). . . . . .
6.6L with manual transmission 27.6 (26.1). . . . . . . .
6.6L with automatic transmission 27.3 (25.8). . . . . .
C6/C7/C8 Models Quarts (Liters). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.1L with manual transmission 33.3 (31.5). . . . . . . .
8.1L with manual transmission,
air conditioning and increased
cooling 34.9 (33.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.1L with automatic transmission 32.5 (30.8). . . . . .
7.8L 200
-230 hp engine with
manual transmission 31.6 (29.9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.8L 200
-230 hp engine with manual
transmission, air conditioning and
increased cooling 35.3 (33.4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C6/C7/C8 Models Quarts (Liters). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.8L 200
-215 hp engine with
automatic transmission 33.7 (31.9). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2L 175
-230 hp engine with
manual transmission 29.3 (27.7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2L 175
-230 hp engine with
manual transmission, air conditioning
and increased cooling 33.0 (31.2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2L 175
-210 hp engine with
automatic transmission 31.4 (29.7). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.8L 250
-275 hp engine with
manual transmission 34.9 (33.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.8L 250
-275 hp engine with
manual transmission, air conditioning
and increased cooling 35.4 (33.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.8L 230
-275 hp engine with automatic
transmission 33.3 (31.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2L 250
-300 hp engine with manual
transmission 32.8 (31.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2L 250
-300 hp engine with manual
transmission, air conditioning and
increased cooling 33.3 (31.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2L 250
-300 hp engine with automatic
transmission 31.2 (29.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6-89 Transmission Capacity
For manual transmissions, the correct oil level is to the
bottom of the fluid fill plug opening. The oil capacity
will vary, due to the angle of the transmission, with the
vehicle. For automatic transmissions, see the Allison
Automatic Transmission Operator's Manual for oil
check and maintenance information.
Manual Transmission Pints (Liters). . . . . . . . . . . .
ZF S6
-650 12.7 (6.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RT6609 12.5 (5.9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RT8709B 25.1 (11.8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS4205A, FS4205B, FS4205C 11.1 (5.3). . . . . . . . .
FS5205A, FS5205C 11.6 (5.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS5406 18.4 (8.7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS6305A, FS6305B 18.4 (8.7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS6406 18.4 (8.7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS8406 18.5 (8.8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RT8908LL 29.1 (13.8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Automatic Transmission Pints (Liters). . . . . . . . . .
MD 3060 P 52.0 (24.6)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MD 3560 P 52.0 (24.6)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1000 Series 16.0 (8.9)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2000 Series 35.0 (13.5)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2200 Series 35.0 (13.5)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2400 Series 35.0 (13.5)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*Add two pints (one liter) when changing spin-on or
remote filter.

7-16
Footnotes

= The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
(1) = If your vehicle has an Allison automatic
transmission, your GM owner's manual is supplemented
by an Allison Transmission Operator's Manual. Always
refer to these manuals for related maintenance services.
(2) = Refer to the Caterpillar Diesel Engine Operation
and Maintenance Manual for oil recommendations and
change intervals.
(3) = An Emission Control Service.
(4) = A Noise Emission Control Device.
(5) = Applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.(6) = Check fluid level in brake master cylinder, power
steering pump, axle, transmission and hydraulic spring
parking brake pump (if equipped). A low fluid level in
the brake master cylinder can indicate worn brake
linings and should be checked accordingly.
(7) = Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook
-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect
caliper assemblies. Check brake pedal for excessive free
play or travel (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first)
and have serviced if needed. Check brakes more often if
driving habits and conditions result in frequent braking.
(8) = Inspect parking brake drum and linings for wear or
cracks and check linkage and adjustment.
(9) = This vehicle has the GM Oil Life System. This
system will show you when to change the engine oil and
filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 000 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
Remember to reset the Oil Life System whenever the oil
is changed. For more information, see ªChange Oil
Lightº in the Index.

7-28
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Exhaust Brake
Ball Joint Cap
LubricantHigh-Temperature Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 1051344, in
Canada 903037, or equivalent) or
NLGI #3 consistency.
Power Steering
SystemDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Manual
Transmission
(Except ZF
6
-Speed)
Synthetic Manual
Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345724,
in Canada 10953510).
Manual
Transmission
(ZF 6
-Speed)
TranSynd Synthetic
Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12378515,
in Canada 88900701).
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Automatic
TransmissionSee the Allison Transmission
Operator's Manual for correct
transmission fluid.
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242, or equivalent)
or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC
-LB.
Front Wheel
Bearing Grease
(Except Oil
Filled Hubs)Wheel bearing lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category GC or GC
-LB
(GM Part No. U.S. 1051344, in
Canada 993037, or equivalent).