Cold Weather Starting
(Caterpillar®Diesel)
Because the diesel engine uses compression ignition,
it is harder to start in cold weather than a gasoline
engine. The air intake heater and use of the proper
engine oil, optional engine coolant heaters and optional
ether injection systems help cold weather starting.
See the Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine Operation &
Maintenance Manual for more information.
Restarting the Diesel Engine While
Moving (Automatic Transmission)
If you have to restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, you will first have to shift to NEUTRAL (N).
This safety feature prevents starting the engine when
the transmission is in a drive gear for more information.
Stopping the Diesel Engine
1. Set the parking brake and shift to NEUTRAL (N)
or PARK (P).
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
If your vehicle has a two-speed axle, see
Two-Speed Rear Axle Electric Shift Control on
page 2-26.
If you have a Caterpillar
®diesel engine, see your
Caterpillar®Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual for additional information.
Diesel Engine Warm-Up
Several factors affect how quickly your diesel engine
warms up. These can include outside temperature,
engine load, idle time and your vehicle’s option content.
Your vehicle may be equipped with some features
that can help the engine reach operating temperature
sooner. Some of these features are discussed below.
Also, remember that an automatic transmission
adds heat to the cooling system through the heat
exchanger in the radiator. Because of this, vehicles
equipped with automatic transmissions are often able to
retain engine coolant heat better than manual
transmission vehicles.
See your Caterpillar
®Operation & Maintenance manual
for additional diesel engine warm-up information.
2-17
If Your Diesel Engine Will Not Start
If you have run out of fuel, seeRunning Out of Fuel on
page 5-15.
If you are not out of fuel, and your engine will not start,
do this:
Turn your ignition key to RUN. Immediately after the wait
to start light goes off, turn the ignition key to START.
If the light does not go off, wait a few seconds, then try
starting your engine again. And, see your dealer as
soon as you can for a starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes off and you know
your batteries are charged, but your engine still will not
start, your vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when the engine is cold,
your vehicle needs service.
If your batteries do not have enough charge to start
your engine, seeBattery on page 5-55.
Be sure you have the right oil for your engine, and that
you have changed the oil at the proper times. If you
use the wrong oil, your engine may be harder to start.Be sure you are using the proper fuel for existing
weather conditions. SeeWhat Fuel to Use on page 5-8.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then stops,
your vehicle needs service.
{CAUTION:
Do not use gasoline or starting aids, such as
ether, in the air intake. They could damage
your engine. There could also be a re, which
could cause serious personal injury.
Engine Alarm and Automatic
Shutdown
Your check gages warning light will come on if the
system senses high engine temperature or low engine
oil pressure. If high engine temperature or low engine oil
pressure is detected, you will also hear a tone alarm
at two beats per second. The alarm and the light
will remain on until the condition is fixed. If the engine
temperature or oil pressure condition worsens, the
tone alarm will go to five beats per second.
2-18
Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Marker Lamps..............................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamps...............................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Reading Lamps............................................3-17
Instrument Panel Switchbank..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-19
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-20
Climate Controls............................................3-20
Climate Control System.................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-23
Rear Heating System....................................3-24Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-24
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-25
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-26
Trip Odometer..............................................3-26
Tachometer.................................................3-26
Engine Speed Limiter....................................3-26
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-27
Safety Belt Reminder Tone............................3-27
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Airbag Off Light............................................3-28
Charging System Light..................................3-30
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-30
Service Transmission Warning Light................3-31
Range Inhibit Warning Indicator......................3-31
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-31
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-34
Trailer Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.....3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-35
Low Coolant Warning Light............................3-35
Wait to Start Indicator (Diesel Engine).............3-36
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-36
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-37
Low Oil Level Light.......................................3-38
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-38
Engine Overspeed Warning Light....................3-39
Engine Shutdown Warning Light.....................3-39
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1
Low Oil Level Light
This light should come on
as a check, when you start
your engine. If the light
fails to come on, have it
repaired as soon as
possible so you will be
aware when the oil level
is low.
If this light comes on and stays on, it means your
engine is low on oil. You need to check the oil level
right away. SeeEngine Oil (Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine)
on page 5-22orEngine Oil (DURAMAX®Diesel) on
page 5-22orEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-26
for further information.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
Change Engine Oil Light
The change engine oil light
should come on briefly as
a bulb check when you
start the engine. If the light
does not come on, have
it serviced.
If the change engine oil light comes on and stays on
after you start the engine, have the oil changed.
For additional information on when to change engine oil
for gasoline engines or DURAMAX
®diesel engines,
seeEngine Oil (Caterpillar®Diesel Engine) on page 5-22
orEngine Oil (DURAMAX®Diesel) on page 5-22or
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-26and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-5. To reset the
change engine oil light, seeEngine Oil Life System
(Gasoline Engine) on page 5-29orEngine Oil Life
System (DURAMAX
®Diesel) on page 5-31orEngine
Oil Life System (Caterpillar®Diesel Engine) on
page 5-32.
3-38
Care of Your CDs
Handle CDs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct
sunlight and dust. If the surface of a CD is soiled,
dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent
solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Be sure never to touch the side without writing when
handling CDs. Pick up CDs by grasping the outer edges
or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
Care of the CD Player
The use of CD lens cleaners for CD players is not
advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the
CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged. If the mast should ever
become slightly bent, straighten it out by hand. If the
mast is badly bent, replace it.
Check occasionally to make sure the mast is still
tightened to the fender. If tightening is required, tighten
by hand, then with a wrench one quarter turn.
Chime Level Adjustment
The radio is the vehicle chime producer. The chime is
produced from the driver’s side front door speakers.
To change the volume level, press and hold
pushbutton 6 with the ignition on and the radio power
off. The chime volume level will change from the normal
level to loud, and HI will be displayed on the radio.
To change back to the default or normal setting, press
and hold pushbutton 6 again. The chime level will
change from the loud level to normal, and LO will be
displayed. Each time the chime volume is changed,
three chimes will sound as an example of the new
volume selected. Removing the radio and not replacing
it with a factory radio or chime module will disable
vehicle chimes.
3-59
What Fuel to Use in Canada
Canadian fuels are blended for seasonal changes.
Diesel Type “A” fuel is blended for better cold weather
starting (below 0°F or−18°C); however, you may
notice some power and fuel economy loss. If Type “A”
fuel is used in warmer temperatures, stalling and
hard starting may occur. Diesel Type “B” fuel is blended
for temperatures above 0°F (−18°C). The emission
control system requires the use of diesel fuel with
low-sulfur (.05% by weight) content. Both low- and
higher-sulfur fuels will be available in Canada. Only
low-sulfur diesel fuels are available in the United States.
It is important that diesel-powered trucks are refueled
only with low-sulfur fuel. Use of fuels with higher-sulfur
content will affect the function of the emission
components and may cause reduced performance,
excessive smoke and unpleasant odor.
At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should meet
specifications CAN/CGSB-3.517-2000 (Low Sulfur
Diesel) in Canada. In addition, the Engine Manufacturers
Association (EMA) has identified properties of an
improved diesel fuel for better engine performance and
durability (FQP-1A). Diesel fuels corresponding to
the EMA description could provide better starting, less
noise and better vehicle performance. If there are
questions about the fuel you are using, contact your
fuel supplier.If your vehicle has the 6.6L engine, it is acceptable to
use diesel fuel containing up to 5% biodiesel (B5),
but the final blended fuel must meet the same
specification, CAN/CGSB-3.517-2000 (Low Sulfur
Diesel) in Canada, as other fuels used in your vehicle,
and the biodiesel used for making this fuel must
meet the ASTM D6751-03 specification. Biodiesel is
produced from vegetable oils or animal fat that
have been chemically modified to reduce the
possibility of damage to your fuel system and
engine. Higher concentration (i.e., greater than B5)
biodiesel-containing fuels or the use of unmodified
bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any concentration is
not recommended and could damage your fuel
system and engine. Such damage would not be covered
by your warranty. If there are questions about the
biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your
fuel supplier.
5-9
•SAE 15W-40
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 15W-40 is
best for your vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 10W-30 at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
When it is very cold, below 0°F (−18°C), you should
use SAE 5W-40 to improve cold starting.
These numbers on the oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity
oils such as SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50.
This doughnut-shaped
logo (symbol) is used on
most oil containers to
help you select the correct
oil. It means that the oil
has been certified by
the American Petroleum
Institute.
You should look for this on the oil container, and use
onlythose oils that display this logo.
GM Goodwrench
®oil of the recommended viscosity
grades meets all the requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the API service symbol are all you will need for
good performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil (Vehicles
Without the Engine Oil Life System)
If you have the 6.6L V8 (LLY) Engine: Change engine
oil and filter every 15,000 miles (24 000 km), or
every 12 months, or every 750 hours of engine
operation, whichever occurs first. If you have the
7.8L V6 (LG4) Engine: Change engine oil and filter
every 12,000 miles (20 000 km), or every 12 months,
or every 600 hours of engine operation, whichever
occurs first. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-5.
5-25
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 API service symbol are all you will need for
good performance and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
(Gasoline Engine)
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and filter. 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 light will come on.
SeeChange Engine Oil Light on page 3-38.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the
next 600 miles (1 000 km). 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 filter 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.
5-29