Page 238 of 374
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
If the low oil light appears
on the instrument cluster, it
means you need to
check your engine oil level
right away. For more
information, seeLow Oil
Level Light on page 3-38.
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 is
located in the engine
compartment on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. 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.
5-26
Page 257 of 374

Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the clutch is not fully engaged. This improves
fuel economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy
vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or high outside
temperatures, the fan speed increases when the clutch
engages. So you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely
the cooling system functioning properly. The fan will
slow down when additional cooling is not required and
the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-5to determine
when to check your power steering fluid.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
Check your power steering fluid only when the engine is
warm. If the engine is not warm, you probably will not
get an accurate reading.
If the fluid level is between the MIN (Minimum) and
MAX (Maximum) marks, you have enough. If you need
fluid, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring it
in between the MIN and MAX marks.
If your power steering fluid level is low, this can cause
the brake or service brakes soon warning lights to come
on. In addition, the steering effort and emergency
brake distance could increase.
If either light remains on after you have added power
steering fluid to the proper level, then shut off the engine
for 10 seconds. This should reset the brake warning
lights. If one or both lights stay on, see “Hydraulic Brake
System Warning Lights” underBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-31for more information.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, seePart C:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-32.
Notice:When adding power steering uid or
making a complete uid change, always use the
proper uid. Failure to use the proper uid can
cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
5-45
Page 278 of 374
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
Other Service Items
Fuel Filter
Fuel Filter (Gasoline Engines)
The steel fuel filter is located near the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
See your Maintenance Schedule for recommended
service intervals.
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional Davco
spin-on type filter, it is located on the driver’s side
frame rail.
5-66
Page 279 of 374
Fuel Filter (Diesel Engines)
If you have a diesel engine, your fuel filter is located in
the engine compartment on the driver’s side of the
vehicle, or along the driver’s side frame rail. SeeFuel
Filter Replacementearlier in this section for further
information.
Also seeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-5for
recommended service intervals.
Primary Fuel Filter and Water
Separator
If you have a diesel
engine, you may have this
spin-on filter. It is located
on the driver’s side
frame rail.It has a clear plastic drain bowl at the bottom. Check
the drain bowl occasionally for any water or particles.
To drain the bowl, do the following:
1. Shut off the engine.
2. Partially open the drain valve at the bottom of
the filter.
SeeEngine Oil (Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine) on
page 5-22orEngine Oil (DURAMAX®Diesel) on
page 5-22orEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-26
for proper disposal procedures.
5-67
Page 280 of 374

Secondary Fuel Filter and Water
Separator/Heater
(Caterpillar
®Diesel)
If you have a Caterpillar®
diesel engine, you may
also have this spin-on filter
and fuel separator/heater.
It will be mounted in
the engine compartment
on the driver’s side of
the vehicle.
It has a metal drain bowl at the bottom. Occasionally,
check the bowl for any water or particles.
To check or drain the bowl, do the following:
•Shut off the engine.
•Push up on the spring loaded drain valve until clear
fuel is flowing from the valve.
The particles or water will drain out first. SeeEngine Oil
(Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine) on page 5-22orEngine
Oil (DURAMAX®Diesel) on page 5-22orEngine
Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-26for proper disposal
procedures.
Automatic Ether Injection System
(Caterpillar
®Diesel)
If you have a Caterpillar®
diesel engine, you may
have this feature. The
ether cylinder is located in
the engine compartment
on the driver’s side of
the vehicle.
To change an empty ether cylinder, follow these steps.
1. Loosen the screw head on the
cylinder-to-bracket clamp.
2. Spread the clamp apart.
3. Clean any dirt from the neck of the cylinder and the
top of the valve before you take out the cylinder.
4. Check the inside of the valve for any foreign matter.
Clean the valve as necessary.
5. Cover the valve to protect it from dirt and take out
the cylinder.
5-68
Page 283 of 374