2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN steering

Level Control
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension is available
on C/K 1500 vehicles and comes as a part of the
Autoride™ suspension, if equipped.
This type of level control is fully automatic and will
provide a better leveled riding position as well as better
handling under a variety of passenger and loading
conditions. An air compressor connected to the rear
shocks will raise or lower the rear of the vehicle
to maintain proper vehicle height. The system is
activated when the ignition key is turned to RUN and
will automatically adjust vehicle height thereafter.
The system may exhaust (lower vehicle height) for up to
ten minutes after the ignition key has been turned off.
You may hear the air compressor operating when
the height is being adjusted.
If a self-equalizing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to inate, thereby
leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the hitch.
Autoride™
If equipped, the Autoride™ feature will provide a
superior vehicle ride and handling under a variety of
passenger and loading conditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computer
controller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheel
to body position, lift/dive and steering position of the
vehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shock
absorber to independently adjust the damping level to
provide the optimum vehicle ride.
Autoride™ also interacts with the tow/haul switch that,
when engaged, will provide additional control of the
shock absorbers. This additional control results in better
ride and handling characteristics when the vehicle is
loaded or towing a trailer. SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on
page 3-54for more information.
4-64

Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
If your vehicle is equipped with four-wheel steering and
if you use it while backing your trailer the same rules
apply. However, with four-wheel steering your rig
will respond more quickly and it may take additional
practice to get used to backing up with four-wheel
steering.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also ash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
4-75

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuel E-85 (85% Ethanol).................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling Your Tank............................................5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-17
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-22
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-24
Engine Coolant.............................................5-26
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-29Engine Overheating.......................................5-29
Cooling System............................................5-32
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-37
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-40
Battery........................................................5-44
Jump Starting...............................................5-44
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-50
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-52
Front Axle......................................................5-53
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-54
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-54
Headlamps..................................................5-54
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps.........................................5-56
Side Identication Marker Lamps.....................5-57
Roof Marker Lamps......................................5-57
Taillamps.....................................................5-59
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-60
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
To open the hood do the following:
1. Pull the handle inside
the vehicle located
under and to the left of
the steering wheel.
5-12

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-32.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-24.
F. Engine Oil Fill. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
G. Fan. SeeCooling System on page 5-32.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). SeeJump
Starting on page 5-44.I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-38.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-44.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. SeeBrakes on
page 5-40.
L. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-110.
M. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-44.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-39.
5-15

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-32.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-24.
F. Engine Oil Fill. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
G. Fan. SeeCooling System on page 5-32.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). SeeJump
Starting on page 5-44.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-44.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-38.
K. Brake Master Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrakes on
page 5-40.
L. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-110.
M. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-44.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-39.Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL message appears on the
instrument cluster, it means you need to check
your engine oil level right away.
For more information, see “CHECK OIL LEVEL” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-68.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-17

Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-14for reservoir location. 8100 Engines
All Other Engines
5-38

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean
rag. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
Then remove the cap again and look at the uid
level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough uid to bring the
level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a uid that has sufficient
protection against freezing. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for reservoir location.
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.
5-39