2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO Transmission fluid

Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Allison Transmission
ž)
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission ¯uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the ¯uid and ®lter every 25,000 miles
(41 500 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
·In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
·In hilly or mountainous terrain.
·When doing frequent trailer towing.
·Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the ¯uid and ®lter every
50,000 miles (83 000 km).
See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little ¯uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the ¯uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a ®re.
Too little ¯uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission ¯uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission ¯uid level if you have been driving:
·When outside temperatures are above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
·At high speed for quite a while.
·In heavy traffic ± especially in hot weather.
·While pulling a trailer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
·Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
·With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
5-26

Consistency of Readings
Always check the ¯uid level at least twice using the
procedures described previously. Consistency
(repeatable readings) is important to maintaining proper
¯uid 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 ¯uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-19.
Add ¯uid only after checking the transmission ¯uid while
it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.) If
the ¯uid level is low, add only enough of the proper ¯uid
to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
It doesn't take much ¯uid, generally less than one
pint (0.5 L).
Don't over®ll.
Notice:
We recommend you use only ¯uid labeled
DEXRONž-III, because ¯uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by ¯uid other than DEXRON
ž-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
·After adding ¯uid, recheck the ¯uid level as
described under
How to Check.
·When the correct ¯uid 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 ®nd out
when to change your transmission ¯uid.
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 ¯uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the ¯uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a ®re.
Too little ¯uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission ¯uid.
Check the ¯uid 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 ®ngers on the
transmission case.
5-28

Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the ®ller plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the ®ller plug hole.
3. If the ¯uid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the ¯uid level is low, add more
¯uid as described in the next steps.How to Add Fluid
Here's how to add ¯uid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of ¯uid to use. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-19.
1. Remove the ®ller plug.
2. Add ¯uid at the ®ller plug hole. Add only enough
¯uid to bring the ¯uid level up to the bottom of the
®ller plug hole.
3. Install the ®ller plug. Be sure the plug is fully
seated.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is
®lled with hydraulic clutch ¯uid.
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch ¯uid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system. Adding
¯uid won't correct a leak.
A ¯uid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired. 5±speed for VORTECŸ 4300 V6 and
4800 V8 Engines Shown, Other Manual
Transmissions Similar
5-29

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-103.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly in¯ation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is in¯ated to
the correct tire in¯ation pressure, make sure that
the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try
to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel
wrench/ratchet to tighten the cable. See
Changing a Flat
Tire on page 5-80.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-19.
Manual Transmission Check
Check the transmission ¯uid level; add if needed. SeeManual Transmission Fluid on page 5-28. Check
for leaks. A ¯uid leak is the only reason for ¯uid loss.
Have the system inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission ¯uid level; add if needed. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid (Except Allison
Transmissionž) on page 5-23orAutomatic Transmission
Fluid (Allison Transmissionž) on page 5-26. A ¯uid
loss may indicate a problem. Check the system
and repair if needed.
6-13

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identi®ed below by name, part
number or speci®cation may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certi®ed for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil on
page 5-16.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
žCoolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-30.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake ¯uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
žWasher Solvent or
equivalent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic
Clutch System
(5±Speed
Trans.)Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12345347, in Canada
10953517, or equivalent DOT-3
brake ¯uid).
Hydraulic
Clutch System
(6±Speed
Trans.)Hydraulic Clutch Fluid. Use only GM
Part No. U.S. 88958860, in Canada
88901244.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 1052884, in Canada
993294, or equivalent).
Manual
Transmission
(5±Speed with
Low Gear,
RPO MW3)GM Goodwrench Synthetic Manual
Transmission Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12346190, in Canada
10953477) or equivalent SAE
75W-85 GL-4 gear oil.
Manual
Transmission
(5±Speed
without Low
Gear, RPO
MG5)Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345349, in
Canada 10953465, or equivalent).
6-19

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Manual
Transmission
(6±Speed)TranSyndŸ Synthetic Transmission
Fluid (GM Part No. U.S. 12378515,
in Canada 88900701).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Floor Shift
LinkageLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2
Category LB or GC-LB.
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 AxleSAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant (GM
Part No. U.S. 1052271, in Canada
10950849 or equivalent).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S.
12378261, in Canada 10953455) or
equivalent meeting GM Speci®cation
9986115.
Rear Axle
(Steerable)Synthetic Axle Lubricant; use only
GM Part No. U.S. 12378557, in
Canada 88901362.
Do not add
friction modi®er.
Manual
Transfer CaseDEXRONž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
Transfer Case
(Four-Wheel
Drive)AUTO-TRAK II Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12378508, in Canada
10953626).
Transfer Case
(All-Wheel
Drive)DEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
6-20

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Radio with CD............................................3-75
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-98
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-120
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-72
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-72
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-121
Understanding Radio Reception...................3-123
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-125
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transfer Case..................................2-37
Automatic Transmission Check..........................6-13
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-15
Automatic Transmission...................................2-22
Fluid..................................................5-23, 5-26
Operation...................................................2-25
Auxiliary Battery..............................................4-94
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch.................3-17
B
Backing Up....................................................4-86
BATTERY NOT CHARGING.............................3-65
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-19
Battery Warning Light......................................3-42Battery..........................................................5-47
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-44
Before You Drive...........................................3-111
Before You Go Off-Roading..............................4-24
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-14
Brake Adjustment............................................5-47
Brake Fluid....................................................5-44
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-47
Brake Wear...................................................5-46
Brake............................................................2-44
Parking......................................................2-44
System Inspection.......................................6-18
System Warning Light..................................3-44
Brakes..........................................................5-44
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-20
BUCKLE PASSENGER....................................3-65
BUCKLE SEATBELT.......................................3-65
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-59
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp............................................5-63
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-61
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-59
Headlamps.................................................5-59
Pickup Box Identi®cation and Fender Marker
Lamps....................................................5-65
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-67
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-62
2

Flash-To-Pass Feature....................................... 3-9
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-80
Flat Tire........................................................5-79
Fluid.............................................................5-23
Automatic Transmission........................5-23, 5-26
Manual Transmission....................................5-28
Power Steering...........................................5-42
Windshield Washer......................................5-43
FM Stereo....................................................3-123
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Folding the Rear Seat....................................... 1-8
Following Distance..........................................4-86
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-33, 5-56
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-52
Front Axle Locking Feature...............................2-33
Front Axle......................................................5-57
Front Reading Lamps (If Equipped)...................3-18
Front Storage Area.........................................2-65
Fuel Information Button....................................3-57
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-66
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-5
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-8
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6Fuel (cont.)
Gage.........................................................3-53
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-54
System Inspection.......................................6-17
Fuses..........................................................5-110
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-110
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-109
G
Gage............................................................3-47
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-47
Fuel..........................................................3-53
Oil Pressure...............................................3-51
Speedometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Transmission Temperature.............................3-47
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-42
Gasoline......................................................... 5-4
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-26
Glove Box.....................................................2-64
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
7