2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO engine coolant

4. 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. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Engine Fan Noise
If your vehicle is equipped with 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 fan is spinning
slower and 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 as the clutch
more fully 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 partially
disengages.
If your vehicle is equipped with electric cooling fans, you
may hear the fans spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling is
required. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
and/or high outside temperatures, or if you are operating
your air conditioning system, the fans change to high
speed and you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and indicates that the cooling system is
functioning properly. The fans will change to low
speed when additional cooling is no longer required.
5-45

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.
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.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-14for reservoir
location.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.
5-47

ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
VORTEC™ 8100 V8 HD Automatic* 25.0 qt 23.7 L
VORTEC™ 8100 V8 HD Automatic** — —
VORTEC™ 8100 V8 Automatic* 26.9 qt 25.5 L
VORTEC™ 8100 V8 Automatic** — —
VORTEC™ 8100 V8 Manual* 27.1 qt 25.6 L
VORTEC™ 8100 V8 Manual** — —
* Engine Fan Driven cooling system
** Electric Cooling Fan system
Engine Oil with Filter
4300 V6 4.5 qt 4.3 L
4800 V8; 5300 V8; 6000 V8 6.0 qt 5.7 L
8100 V8 6.5 qt 6.1 L
Fuel Tank
Short Bed and 2500 LD 26.0 gal 98.0 L
Long Bed and Chassis Cab (Pickup Box Delete) 34.0 gal 128.7 L
Chassis Cab 3500 and 3500HD — front 27.0 gal 102.0 L
Chassis Cab 3500 and 3500HD — rear 23.0 gal 87.0 L
Wheel Nut Torque 140 ft lb 190Y
After rell, the level must be rechecked. Add enough engine coolant so that the uid is within the proper operating
range.
5-134

Scheduled Maintenance (cont’d)
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
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.•
Inspect shields, vehicles with diesel engine or with GVWR above 10,000 lbs
(4 536 kg) only.See footnote (n).•
6-6

(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, body door hinges,
hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, tailgate hinges, tailgate linkage,
tailgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel 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)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (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. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-35 for
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.
(n)Vehicles with diesel engine or with GVWR above
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) only: Inspect shields for damage or
looseness. Adjust or replace as required. This is a
Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable to vehicles
sold in the United States and recommended for
vehicles sold in Canada.
(p)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter or change indicator (if equipped) at each
engine oil change.
(q)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
6-10

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 in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants (Gasoline Engine)
on page 6-14.
At the First 100, 1,000 and 6,000 Miles
(160, 1 600 and 10 000 km)
Check dual wheel nut torque. For proper torque,
seeCapacities and Specications on page 5-133.
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 (Gasoline Engine) 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 uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they
are inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-73for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-91.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-82.
6-11

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants (Gasoline Engine)
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine,
see the maintenance schedule section in the
DURAMAX
®Diesel Engine Supplement.
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 (Gasoline
Engine) 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
WasherGM 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, Super 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.
Manual
Transmission
(5-Speed
without
Low Gear,
RPO MG5)Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345349,
in Canada 10953465).
6-14

Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-42
Heater, Engine............................................2-25
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-38
Cooling System..............................................5-40
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-47
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-75
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
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking.............................................2-10Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-18
Dome Lamps .................................................3-17
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Rear Doors.................................................2-14
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-15
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-50
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-51
DIC Vehicle Customization............................3-63
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-54
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-35
City ...........................................................4-38
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-39
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-42
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-36
Off-Road ....................................................4-20
Recovery Hooks..........................................4-49
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-48
Winter........................................................4-44
4