2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN heating

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 6-18.
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; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is ®lled with
DEX-COOLžengine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs ®rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
žextended 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
Engine Overheating on
page 5-33.
5-29

Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOLž
coolant mixtureat 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.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for
more information on
location.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank.
Notice:Your pressure cap is a pressure-type cap
and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss
and possible engine damage from overheating.
See ªCapacities and Speci®cationsº for more
information.
5-32

Engine Overheating
You will ®nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle's instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-45. In addition, you will
®nd an ENGINE OVERHEATED, and a REDUCED
ENGINE POWER message in the DIC on the instrument
panel. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on
page 3-53.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only)
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates ®ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In
this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See ªEngine Oilº in the
Index.
5-33

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your Chevrolet Warranty booklet for details.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
·Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much
friction. You could have an air-out and a
serious accident. See ªLoading Your
Vehicleº in the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
·
Underin¯ated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
·Overin¯ated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact Ð such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
·Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If your tread is badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged, replace them.
5-67

After re®ll, the level must be rechecked. SeeCooling System on page 5-36.
Cooling System Capacity
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Cooling System
VORTECŸ 4800 V8 Automatic with front A/C 14.4 quarts 13.6 L
VORTECŸ 4800 V8 Automatic with front and rear A/C 15.8 quarts 15.0 L
VORTECŸ 5300 V8 Automatic with front A/C 14.4 quarts 13.6 L
VORTECŸ 5300 V8* Automatic with front and rear A/C 15.8 quarts 15.0 L
VORTECŸ 6000 V8 Automatic 15.8 quarts 15.0 L
VORTECŸ 6000 V8** Automatic with engine oil cooler 15.4 quarts 14.6 L
VORTECŸ 8100 V8 Automatic 20.7 quarts 19.6 L
*Vehicles equipped with the optional air conditioner.
**Vehicles equipped with the optional engine oil cooler.
Add one liter if equipped with rear heating for all engines.
After re®ll, the level must be rechecked. Add enough engine oil so that the ¯uid is within the proper operating range.
See
Engine Oil on page 5-18.
5-119

Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-105
Child Restraints..............................................1-53
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-53
Infants and Young Children...........................1-49
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-62
Older Children.............................................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-64
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Rear Seat Position...................................1-66
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-64
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position...................................1-68
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-69
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-59
Top Strap...................................................1-57
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-56
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-129
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels . . . 5-104
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses......................5-103
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-99
Cleaning Glass Surfaces................................5-101
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components...............5-101Cleaning Leather...........................................5-101
Cleaning the Mirror.........................................2-48
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel.........5-101
Cleaning the Windshield, Backglass
and Wiper Blades......................................5-103
Cleaning Tires..............................................5-104
Cleaning Vinyl..............................................5-101
Cleaning........................................................5-99
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-99
Outside of Your Vehicle..............................5-102
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-105
Video Screen............................................3-129
Weatherstrips............................................5-102
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Dual Automatic............................................3-25
Dual..........................................................3-21
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System,
Electronic................................................3-34
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System......3-32
Rear Air Conditioning System........................3-31
Compact Disc Messages..............3-86, 3-100, 3-113
Compass Calibration...............................2-48, 2-50
Compass Operation.........................................2-49
Compass Variance..................................2-47, 2-50
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-64
4

Engine (cont.)
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-45
Coolant......................................................5-29
Cooling System Inspection............................6-17
Exhaust.....................................................2-43
Fan Noise..................................................5-42
Oil .............................................................5-18
Overheating................................................5-33
Starting......................................................2-23
Entering or Exiting the Third Row Seats.............. 1-9
Entertainment System....................................3-129
Cleaning the Video Screen..........................3-129
DVD Distortion..........................................3-126
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Environmental Concerns..................................4-27
Erasing HomeLink
žButtons..............................2-60
Exit Lighting...................................................3-17
Express-Down Windows...................................2-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-46
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter.............................................................5-23
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-23
Finding a PTY Station
(RDS and XMŸ).......................3-80, 3-91, 3-104Finding a Station..................3-74, 3-78, 3-89, 3-102
Finish Care..................................................5-103
Finish Damage.............................................5-104
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-129
Flash-To-Pass.................................................. 3-8
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-77
Flat Tire........................................................5-76
Fluid.............................................................5-26
Automatic Transmission................................5-26
Power Steering...........................................5-43
Windshield Washer......................................5-44
FM Stereo....................................................3-127
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Folding the Seatback.......................................1-16
Folding the Seatbacks.....................1-10, 1-12, 1-21
Following Distance..........................................4-74
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-29, 5-57
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-51
Front Axle Locking Feature...............................2-30
Front Axle......................................................5-58
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-18
Front Storage Area.........................................2-61
Frontal Air Bags.............................................1-79
Fuel Information Button....................................3-57
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-67
7

Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
E-85 (85% Ethanol)....................................... 5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-11
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-9
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-8
Gage.........................................................3-52
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-53
System Inspection.......................................6-16
Fuses..........................................................5-109
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-109
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-108
G
Gage............................................................3-45
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-45
Fuel..........................................................3-52
Oil Pressure...............................................3-50
Speedometer..............................................3-38
Tachometer.................................................3-38
Transmission Temperature.............................3-46
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-42Garage Door Opener.......................................2-57
Gasoline......................................................... 5-5
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-60
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-28
Glove Box.....................................................2-61
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-8
Headlamps....................................................5-60
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-59
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-61
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-59
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-62
Side Identi®cation Marker Lamps...................5-62
Headphones.................................................3-119
Heated Seats................................................... 1-5
Heating.........................................................3-29
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-48
8