Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals specified to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
For your safety and that of others, any of the
safety-related components that may have been
damaged in an accident should be checked and any
needed repairs made before operating the vehicle.
At the minimum, these routine checks should be made
every 6 months or 6,000 miles (10 000 km), whichever
occurs first. Whenever repairs are needed, have
them completed before operating the vehicle.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant 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 (Caterpillar®Diesel Engine)
on page 5-24orEngine Oil (DURAMAX®Diesel) on
page 5-24orEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-28
for further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
(Gas and DURAMAX®Engines) on page 5-38orEngine
Coolant (Caterpillar®Diesel Engines) on page 5-40
for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield
washer fluid reservoir and add the proper fluid if
necessary. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-48
for further details.
6-28
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brakes.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only
in PARK (P), if equipped, or NEUTRAL (N). If
the starter works in any other position, your vehicle
needs service. On manual transmission vehicles,
the starter should work only when the clutch pedal is
all the way down.
Automatic Transmission Shift
Indicator Check
Check that the indicator points to the gear chosen.
Steering Check
Be alert for any changes in steering action, abnormal
front tire wear or steering wheel position. An inspection
or service is needed when the steering wheel is
harder to turn or has too much free play, or if there are
strange sounds when turning or parking.
Brake System Check
Be alert to illumination of the low air warning lamp or for
the tone alarm, or changes in braking action, such as
repeated pulling to one side, unusual sounds when
braking or increased brake pedal travel. Make sure air
brake system reservoirs are drained daily with full
system air pressure, and check system for leaks. Any of
these conditions could indicate the need for brake
system inspection and/or service.
Engine Cooling System Service
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings, and clamps; replace as needed. Clean
the outside of the radiator and air conditioning
condenser. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure
test of the cooling system and pressure cap is
recommended at least once a year.
6-30
Exhaust System Check
Be alert for any changes in the sound of the exhaust
system or any smell of fumes. These are signs the
system may be leaking. Have it checked and/or repaired
at once. Refer toEngine Exhaust on page 2-45and
Running the Engine While Parked on page 2-46.
Windshield Wipers and Washers Check
Check operation and condition of the wiper blades.
Check the flow of the washer spray.
Defroster Check
Move the control to the defrost symbol and the fan to
HI or the high symbol. Then check the airflow from
the ducts at the inside base of the windshield.
Mirrors and Sun Visors Check
Check that friction joints hold mirrors and sun visors in
place.
Seat Adjuster Check
When adjusting a manual seat, be sure seat adjusters
latch by attempting to move the seat after latching.
Lamps Check
Check panel lighting, warning lights, indicator lights, and
interior lamps. On the outside, check: license plate
lamps, sidemarker lamps, reflectors or lights on outside
mirrors, headlamps, parking lamps, identification and
clearance lamps, taillamps, brake lamps, turn signals,
backup lamps, and hazard warning flashers. Have
headlamp aim checked at once if beams seem
improperly aimed.
Glass, Mirrors, Lamps and/or
Re ectors Condition Check
Look for broken, scratched, dirty, or damaged glass,
mirrors, lamps, or reflectors that could reduce the view
or visibility or cause injury. Replace, clean or repair
promptly.
Door Latches Check
Check that doors close, latch, and lock tightly. Check for
broken, damaged, or missing parts that might prevent
tight latching.
6-31
Hood Latches Check
Check that the hood closes firmly. Check for broken,
damaged, loose, or missing parts that might prevent
tight latching. Make sure the secondary latch
(if equipped) keeps the hood from opening all the way
when the primary latch is released.
Fluid Leaks Check
Check for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks by
looking at the surface beneath the vehicle after it has
been parked for awhile.
Underbody Inspection
Corrosive materials used for ice, snow removal, and
dust control can collect on the underbody. If these
materials are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust)
can occur on underbody parts such as fuel lines,
frame, floor pan, and exhaust system. At least every
spring, flush these materials from the underbody
with plain water. Take care to clean well any areas
where mud and other debris can collect. Sediment
packed in closed areas of the frame should be loosened
before being flushed.
Engine Cover Check
Check that the cab’s engine cover and seal (if equipped)
are not torn or damaged. Be sure that the cover is
clamped down firmly to the floor.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part C.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
Tractor Protection (Breakaway)
Valve Check
On air brake models, remove, disassemble, clean and
inspect the tractor protection (breakaway) valve.
6-32
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-38
Gages Warning Light...................................3-44
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-22
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-90
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-34
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-41
Older Children.............................................1-28
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Rear Seat Position (Crew Cab) or
Center Front Position................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-46
Where to Put the Restraint...................1-38, 1-40
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-67
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-89
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-87
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-85
Finish Care.................................................5-87
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-83
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-86Cleaning (cont.)
Tires..........................................................5-89
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-90
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-86
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-88
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-24
Rear Heating System...................................3-24
Collision Damage Repair................................... 7-7
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-36
Heater, Engine............................................2-26
Low Warning Light.......................................3-37
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-40
Cooling System..............................................5-42
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Customer Assistance Information
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-3
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
3
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-35
Alarm and Automatic Shutdown.....................2-20
Battery.......................................................5-58
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-40
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-38
Checks Before Operating..............................2-24
Coolant..............................................5-38, 5-40
Coolant Heater............................................2-26
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-36
Diesel Engine Exhaust Brake........................2-27
Exhaust.....................................................2-45
Exhaust Restrictor.......................................2-22
Fan Breakage............................................... 5-5
Fan Noise..................................................5-47
High Idle System.........................................2-21
Oil .....................................................5-24, 5-28
Oil Life System...........................5-31, 5-33, 5-34
Overheating................................................5-40
Overspeed Warning Light..............................3-40
Reduced Power Light...................................3-42
Shutdown Warning Light...............................3-40
Speed Limiter.............................................3-28
Starter Over-Crank Protection........................2-12
Starting Your Diesel.....................................2-15
Starting Your Gasoline..................................2-13Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-6
Exhaust Brake Indicator Light...........................3-41
Exhaust Restrictor...........................................2-22
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-35
Filter Minder Gage..........................................3-46
Finish Damage...............................................5-89
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-67
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flat Tire........................................................5-82
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-36
Manual Transmission....................................5-37
Power Steering...........................................5-47
Windshield Washer......................................5-48
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-35, 5-65
Front Axle......................................................5-66
Front Wheel Bearings with Oil-Filled Hubs..........5-73
5
Fuel............................................................... 5-6
Additives...................................................... 5-6
Diesel Engine Fuel........................................ 5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-21
Filling Your Tank..........................................5-20
Filter..........................................................5-70
Filter Replacement.......................................5-18
Fuels in Foreign Countries............................5-19
Gage .........................................................3-45
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-6
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-6
Primary Filter and Water Separator................5-71
Running Out of Fuel....................................5-17
Secondary Filter and Water Separator/Heater....5-71
Very Cold Weather Operation........................5-10
Water in Fuel..............................................5-10
Water in Warning Light.................................3-46
What Fuel to Use.......................................... 5-8
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-93
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-94
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-96
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-93G
Gage
Air Pressure...............................................3-47
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-44
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-36
Filter Minder...............................................3-46
Fuel..........................................................3-45
Hourmeter..................................................3-47
Oil Pressure...............................................3-38
Speedometer..............................................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Transmission Temperature.............................3-41
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-32
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-6
Specifications............................................... 5-6
Gasoline Engine, Starting.................................2-13
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
6
L
Lamps
Dome ........................................................3-16
Exterior......................................................3-14
Marker.......................................................3-16
Reading.....................................................3-17
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-41
Light
Airbag Off..................................................3-30
Airbag Readiness........................................3-29
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-35
Brake System Warning.................................3-33
Change Engine Oil......................................3-40
Charging System.........................................3-31
Check Gages Warning.................................3-44
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator..................3-43
Differential Lock Indicator..............................3-42
Engine Overspeed Warning...........................3-40
Engine Shutdown Warning............................3-40
Exhaust Brake Indicator................................3-41
Highbeam On.............................................3-43
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-37
Low Oil Level.............................................3-39
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-44
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-38Light (cont.)
Range Inhibit Warning Indicator.....................3-33
Reduced Engine Power................................3-42
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-28
Safety Belt Reminder Tone...........................3-28
Service Transmission Warning.......................3-32
Trailer Anti-Lock Brake System Warning..........3-36
Wait to Start Indicator..................................3-37
Water in Fuel Warning.................................3-46
Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-17
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-34
Locks
Door ........................................................... 2-6
Power Door.................................................. 2-7
Loss of Control...............................................4-17
Low Coolant Warning Light..............................3-37
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.......................3-44
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-104
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-28
At Least Once a Year..................................6-32
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-29
8