2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO oil temperature

SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best
for your vehicle. However, if it is going to be 0°F
(–18°C) or above and SAE 5W-30 is not available,
you may use SAE 10W-30.
These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity
oils such as SAE 20W-50.
Oils meeting these
requirements should also
have the starburst
symbol on the container.
This symbol indicates
that the oil has been
certied by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
You should look for this information on the oil container,
and useonlythose oils that are identied as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and have the starburst symbol
on the front of the oil container.Notice:Use only engine oil identied as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American
Petroleum Institute Certied For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended
oil can result in engine damage not covered by
your warranty.
GM Goodwrench
®oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you will need for good performance
and engine protection.
5-23

When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil
Life System)
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary.
A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message will come on. Change
your oil as soon as possible within the next two times you
stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are driving under the
best conditions, the oil life system may not indicate that
an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, your
engine oil and lter must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer
has GM-trained service people who will perform this work
using genuine GM parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check your oil regularly and keep it at the
proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Message
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil and lter based on vehicle use. Anytime
your oil is changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a
CHANGE ENGINE OIL message being turned on, reset
the system.
To reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message, see “GM
Oil Life System” underDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-54for vehicles equipped with the DIC, or do
the following:
1. Turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three
times within ve seconds.
If the OIL LIFE RESET message ashes for
10 seconds, the system is resetting.
3. Turn the key to LOCK.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes back on
when you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system
has not reset. Repeat the procedure. If it still does
not reset, see your dealer for service.
5-24

{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it helps
to stop ame if the engine backres. If it is not
there and the engine backres, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful
working on the engine with the air cleaner/
lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/lter in place when you
are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Except Allison Transmission
®)
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 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle’s GVWR is over 8,600 or if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If your vehicle’s GVWR is not over 8,600 and you do
not use your vehicle under any of these conditions,
change the uid and lter every 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
5-27

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
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 overll.
Notice:We recommend you use only uid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, because uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by uid other than DEXRON
®-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described underHow 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.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Allison Transmission
®)
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 90°F (32°C) 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).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
5-30

When to Check and What to Use
The clutch master cylinder
reservoir is located in the
rear of the engine
compartment on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14
for more information
on location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the uid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper uid. See
Owner Checks and Services on page 6-9and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper uid should be added if the level does not
reach the bottom of the diaphragm when it’s in place in
the reservoir. See the instructions on the reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled 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 rst, 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, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-38.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-35

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14
for more information
on location.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and possible engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-46. In addition, you will
nd a ENGINE OVERHEATED and a REDUCED
ENGINE POWER message in the Driver Information
Center on the instrument panel. SeeDriver 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. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-20.
5-38

E
Easy Exit Seat...............................................2-72
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-123
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-123
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-123
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-123
Electronic Transfer Case..................................2-44
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-50
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-25
Battery.......................................................5-52
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-48
Coolant......................................................5-35
Coolant Heater............................................2-26
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-46
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-18
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-53
Fan Noise..................................................5-46
Oil .............................................................5-20
Overheating................................................5-38
Starting......................................................2-24
ENGINE COOLANT HOT.................................3-66
Engine Hour Meter Display...............................3-35
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-23
ENGINE OVERHEATED..................................3-66Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Environmental Concerns..................................4-25
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-18
Express Down Windows..................................2-18
Extended Cab........................................1-56, 2-14
Extended Cab and Crew Cab...........................1-53
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-31
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailering................4-89
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-25
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station
(RDS and XM™).......................3-79, 3-90, 3-104
Finding a Station..................3-74, 3-77, 3-88, 3-102
Finish Care..................................................5-118
Finish Damage.............................................5-120
Five-Speed (VORTEC™ 4300 V6 and
4800 V8 Engines)........................................2-32
Five-Speed (VORTEC™ 6000 V8 Engine)...........2-31
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-130
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-92
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-93
6

Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-27, 5-30
Manual Transmission....................................5-33
Power Steering...........................................5-46
Windshield Washer......................................5-47
FM Stereo....................................................3-128
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Folding the Rear Seat....................................... 1-9
Following Distance..........................................4-91
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-36, 5-60
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-51
Front Axle Locking Feature...............................2-36
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-18
Front Storage Area.........................................2-68
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
E-85 (85% Ethanol)....................................... 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-11
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-9
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-9
Gage.........................................................3-52
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light.......................................3-53Fuel Information Button....................................3-56
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-66
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-123
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-123
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-46
Fuel..........................................................3-52
Oil Pressure...............................................3-50
Speedometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Transmission Temperature.............................3-46
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-42
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-25
Glove Box.....................................................2-67
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
7