2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO coolant

4. Then ll the coolant surge tank with the proper
mixture, to the FULL COLD mark.5. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.
5-45

Adding Washer Fluid
Your vehicle has a low washer uid message that
comes on when the washer uid is low. The message is
displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition
cycle. When the CHECK WASHER FLUID message is
displayed, you will need to add washer uid to the
windshield washer uid reservoir.
The windshield washer
uid reservoir is located in
the engine compartment
toward the front of the
vehicle on the driver’s side.
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer
uid until the tank is full.Notice:When using concentrated washer uid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-48

(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter
R means radial ply construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter B means
belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:The service description
indicates the load range and speed rating of a tire. The
load index can range from 1 to 279. Speed ratings
range from A to Z. The light truck tire size example
above shows dual or single tire congurations.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats,
andair conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-82.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
5-79

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-20.An Emission Control Service.••
Allison transmission only: Replace external control-main lter only at the rst
maintenance service performed on the vehicle.
Lubricate chassis components.See footnote #.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter or change indicator (if equipped). If necessary,
replace lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.An Emission Control
Service. See footnote †.••
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 5-74.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid
as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
6-5

(g)Add uid as needed. A uid loss could indicate a
problem; repair as needed. Check vent hose at transfer
case for kinks and proper installation.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle GVWR is over 8600 lbs. 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.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-35for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing and condition.
Check that the purge valve works properly (if equipped).
Replace as needed.(l)Change clutch uid (or every 24 months, whichever
occurs rst).
(m)Change automatic transmission uid and lter 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.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
6-9

At the First 100, 1,000 and 6,000
Miles (160, 1 600 and 10 000km)
Check dual wheel nut torque. For proper torque, see
Capacities and Specications on page 5-132.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-20for
further details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-35for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper uid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
your spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-74for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. Push, pull and then try to rotate or turn
the spare tire. If it moves, tighten it. SeeChanging a
Flat Tire on page 5-93.
6-10

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name,
part number or specication may be obtained from
your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. GM Goodwrench
oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-20.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-35.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic
Brake SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
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, DOT-4
brake uid.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184, in
Canada 89021186).
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.
6-13

C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specications..........................5-132
Car Washes for QUADRASTEER™
Equipped Vehicles.......................................4-17
Carbon Monoxide...................2-15, 2-53, 4-46, 4-70
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-117
Your Cassette Tape Player..........................3-129
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-130
Your CDs and DVDs..................................3-130
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-17
CARGO LAMP ON.........................................3-65
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-97
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-97
CD Messages...............................3-86, 3-99, 3-113
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-68
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp...............................................5-68
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block................5-126
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-24
Chains, Tires..................................................5-91
CHANGE ENGINE OIL....................................3-66
Check Engine Light.........................................3-48
CHECK OIL LEVEL.........................................3-65CHECK WASHER FLUID.................................3-65
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-50
Checking Coolant............................................5-36
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-20
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-120
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-38
Infants and Young Children...........................1-34
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-47
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System................................1-48, 1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-56
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-53
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front
Seat Position...........................................1-58
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position (Crew Cab)..........................1-58
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position (Regular and
Extended Cab).........................................1-61
Top Strap...................................................1-42
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-43
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-41
3