2006 CHEVROLET DURAMAX Owners Manual

What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do
not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warning about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in
the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer,
a service station, or a local recycling center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Pickup Models
The air cleaner/filter
assembly may have an
air cleaner/filter restriction
indicator that lets you
know when the engine air
cleaner/filter is dirty and
needs to be serviced.
The air cleaner/filter restriction indicator is located on
the air cleaner cover.
When to Inspect
Inspect the air cleaner/filter every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km) and replace the filter if necessary.
How to Inspect
When the restriction indicator turns black, or is in
the red/orange “change” zone, replace the filter and
reset the restriction indicator.
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To inspect and replace the filter and reset the restriction
indicator, do the following:
The air cleaner/filter assembly is located on the front
corner of the engine compartment on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
1. Loosen the screw on the cover of the housing and
lift up the cover.
2. Remove the air cleaner/filter from the housing. Care
should be taken to dislodge as little dirt as possible.
3. Clean the filter sealing surface and the housing.4. Install the new engine air cleaner/filter.
5. Reinstall the cover and tighten the screw.
6. Reset the air cleaner/filter restriction indicator,
if equipped, by pressing the top button on the
indicator.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4to determine
when to replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to
stop ames if the engine backres. If it is not
there and the engine backres, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful
working on the engine with the air cleaner/
lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/lter in place when you are driving.
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Van Models
The air cleaner/filter
assembly may have an
air cleaner/filter restriction
indicator that lets you
know when the engine air
cleaner/filter is dirty and
needs to be serviced.
The air cleaner/filter restriction indicator is located on
the air cleaner resonator.
When to Inspect
Inspect the air cleaner/filter every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km) and replace the filter if necessary.
How to Inspect
When the restriction indicator is in the red/orange
“change” zone, replace the filter and reset the
restriction indicator.
To inspect and replace the filter and reset the restriction
indicator, do the following:
The air cleaner/filter assembly is located at the front of
the engine compartment.
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1. Loosen the screws on the cover of the housing and
lift up the cover.
2. Remove the air cleaner/filter from the housing. Care
should be taken to dislodge as little dirt as possible.
3. Clean the filter sealing surface and the housing.
4. Install the new engine air cleaner/filter.
5. Reinstall the cover and tighten the screws.
6. Reset the air cleaner/filter restriction indicator,
if equipped, by pressing the top button on the
indicator.SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4to determine
when to replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop ames if the engine backres.
If it is not there and the engine backres, you
could be burned. Do not drive with it off, and
be careful working on the engine with the
air cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/lter in place when you are driving.
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Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
(Pickup Models)
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 25,000 miles
(41 500 km) 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.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, change the fluid and filter
every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of the
uid could come out and fall on hot engine part or
exhaust system parts, starting a re. Too little uid
could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
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Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
•Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
•With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
•With your foot on the brake pedal, run the engine
for at least one minute and shift to DRIVE (D).
Then shift to NEUTRAL (N) and then REVERSE (R)
to fill the hydraulic system. Then, put the shift
lever in PARK (P).
•Allow the engine to run at idle (500 – 800 rpm).
Slowly release the brake pedal.Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
Cold Check Procedure
The purpose of the cold check is to determine if the
transmission has enough fluid to be operated safely until
a hot check can be made. The fluid level rises as fluid
temperature increases. DO NOT fill above the COLD
CHECK band if the transmission fluid is below normal
operating temperatures.
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel. The transmission dipstick is located
near the center of the engine compartment. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-18for
more information on location.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. Check the fluid level reading. Repeat the check
procedure to verify the reading.
4. If the fluid level is within the COLD CHECK band, the
transmission may be operated until the fluid is hot
enough to perform a hot check. If the fluid level is not
within the COLD CHECK band, add or drain fluid as
necessary to bring the level into the middle of the
COLD CHECK band.
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5. Perform a hot check at the first opportunity after the
normal operating temperature of 160°F (71°C) to
200°F (93°C) is reached.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Hot Check Procedure
The fluid must be hot to ensure an accurate check.
The fluid level rises as temperature increases.
1. Operate the transmission in DRIVE (D) until the
normal operating temperature of 160°F (71°C) to
200°F (93°C) is reached.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
3. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds
and then pull it back out again. Repeat the check
procedure to verify the reading.
4. Safe operating level is within the HOT RUN band
on the dipstick. The width of the HOT RUN band
represents approximately 1.06 quart (1.0 liter)
of fluid at normal operating temperature.
5. If the fluid level is not within the HOT RUN band,
add or drain fluid as necessary to bring the fluid
level to within the HOT RUN band.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least twice using the
procedures described previously. Consistency
(repeatable readings) is important to maintaining proper
fluid level. If inconsistent readings persist, check the
transmission breather to be sure it is clean and
unclogged. If readings are still inconsistent, contact
your dealer.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid while
it is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If the
fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to
bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check. It
doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than one pint
(0.5 L).Don’t overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by your warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
•After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described
under “How to Check.”
•When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
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When to Check and Change
(Van Models)
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
“Additional Required Services”. SeeAdditional
Required Services on page 6-7.
And be sure to use the transmission fluid listed
in “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15
for more information.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of the
uid could come out and fall on hot engine part or
exhaust system parts, starting a re. Too little uid
could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission uid.Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32° C).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C). Get the vehicle warmed up by driving
about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), drive
the vehicle until the engine temperature gage moves and
then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold check can be made after the vehicle has been
sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off, but this
is used only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for
five minutes if outside temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or
more. If it is colder than 50°F (10 C), you may have to idle
the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low during this
cold check, you must check the fluid hot before adding
fluid. Checking the fluid hot will give you a more accurate
reading of the fluid level.
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