2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN coolant temperature

Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear
selection if the transmission shifts too often (e.g.,
under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the
transmission shifts too often. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
earlier in this section for more information.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a
few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get
the overheat warning, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brake, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
5. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear and not in
NEUTRAL.
6. Release the regular brakes.
4-76

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.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which won’t damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use the proper coolant, you do not
have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to improve the system. These can be harmful.
5-27

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: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 3-47. In addition, you will
nd an ENGINE OVERHEATED, and a REDUCED
ENGINE POWER message in the DIC on the instrument
panel. SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on
page 3-56.
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 5-17.
5-29

(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl,
rear compartment hinges, outer liftgate handle pivot
points, rear door detent link, roller mechanism, liftgate
handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge, cargo
door hinge, locks and folding seat hardware. More
frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better and not stick or squeak.
(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 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 5-26for 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.
6-9

Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Center Front Seat Position........................1-69
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-70
Top Strap...................................................1-58
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-59
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-57
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-139
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle.................................5-101
Outside of Your Vehicle..............................5-104
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-107
Weatherstrips............................................5-103
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels . . . 5-106
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses......................5-104
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet...................................5-101
Cleaning Glass Surfaces................................5-103
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components...............5-103
Cleaning Leather...........................................5-102
Cleaning the Mirror.................................2-48, 2-51
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel.........5-103
Cleaning the Video Screen.............................3-133
Cleaning the Windshield, Backglass and
Wiper Blades............................................5-105
Cleaning Tires..............................................5-106
Cleaning Vinyl..............................................5-102Climate Control System...................................3-22
Dual..........................................................3-23
Dual Automatic............................................3-27
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System......3-35
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating
System, Electronic....................................3-37
Rear Air Conditioning System........................3-34
Compass Calibration...............................2-48, 2-50
Compass Operation.........................................2-49
Compass Variance..................................2-47, 2-50
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-65
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-47
Heater, Engine............................................2-24
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-29
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-54
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-63
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users.............................................. 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
4

Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-74
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-27
Dual Climate Control System............................3-23
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System..................3-123
DVD Distortion..............................................3-133
DVD Messages.............................................3-133
DVD Player..................................................3-126
E
Easy Exit Seat...............................................2-68
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-110
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-110
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-110
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-110
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-52
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-22
Battery.......................................................5-44
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-50
Coolant......................................................5-26
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-47
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-17
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14Engine (cont.)
Exhaust.....................................................2-43
Fan Noise..................................................5-37
Oil .............................................................5-17
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting......................................................2-23
ENGINE COOLANT HOT.................................3-70
Engine Hour Meter Display...............................3-41
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-20
ENGINE OVERHEATED..................................3-70
Entering or Exiting the Third Row Seats.............1-10
Entry Lighting.................................................3-19
Environmental Concerns..................................4-27
Erasing HomeLink
®Buttons..............................2-61
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-19
Express-Down Windows...................................2-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-47
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station
(RDS and XM™).......................3-85, 3-97, 3-112
Finding a Station..................3-78, 3-83, 3-95, 3-110
Finish Care..................................................5-104
6

Finish Damage.............................................5-107
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-139
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-80
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-80
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-24
Power Steering...........................................5-38
Windshield Washer......................................5-39
FM Stereo....................................................3-137
Fog Lamps....................................................3-17
Folding the Seatback.......................................1-18
Folding the Seatbacks.....................1-11, 1-13, 1-23
Following Distance..........................................4-75
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-30, 5-52
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-54
Front Axle......................................................5-53
Front Axle Locking Feature...............................2-30
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-19
Front Storage Area.........................................2-63
Frontal Air Bags.............................................1-80
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.........................................................3-55Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-55
Fuel Information Button....................................3-59
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-71
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-110
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-110
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-47
Fuel..........................................................3-55
Oil Pressure...............................................3-53
Speedometer..............................................3-41
Tachometer.................................................3-41
Transmission Temperature.............................3-48
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-44
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-58
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-61
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-28
Glove Box.....................................................2-63
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
7

Tires (cont.)
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-80
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-80
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-69
Inspection and Rotation................................5-72
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-70
Spare Tire................................................5-100
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-76
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-77
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-77
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-74
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-25
Top Strap......................................................1-58
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-59
Torque Lock...................................................2-41
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-72
Tow/Haul Mode...............................................2-29
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-54
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-55
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-65
Your Vehicle...............................................4-55
Traction
Assist System (TAS)...................................... 4-9
Off Light.....................................................3-46
Stabilitrak
®System......................................4-12
TRACTION ACTIVE........................................3-75
Traction Control Operation................................4-13
TRACTION SYS LIMITED................................3-75Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-65
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-73
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-78
Transfer Case........................................5-50, 5-52
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-24
Temperature Gage.......................................3-48
TRANSMISSION HOT.....................................3-75
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-26
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-11
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Traveling to Remote Areas...............................4-27
Trip Information Button....................................3-57
Trip Odometer................................................3-41
Turn and Lane Change Signals.......................... 3-8
TURN SIGNAL ON.........................................3-76
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-75
U
Underhood Fuse Block...................................5-113
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-137
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-76
United States – Customer Assistance.................. 7-4
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-78
Using Cleaner on Fabric................................5-101
16