2006 GMC SIERRA 1500 transmission fluid

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 uid 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.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
1. Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).3. With your foot on the brake pedal, run the engine for
at least once minute and shift to DRIVE (D). Then
shift to NEUTRAL (N) and then REVERSE (R) to ll
the hydraulic system. Then, position the shift lever in
PARK (P).
4. 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 uid to be operated safely until
a hot check can be made. The uid level rises as uid
temperature increases. Do not ll above the COLD
CHECK band if the transmission uid is below normal
operating temperatures.
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. Check the uid level reading. Repeat the check
procedure to verify the reading.
5-31

How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants (Gasoline Engine) on page 6-14.
Add uid only after checking the transmission uid
while it is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot
check. It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not 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 (Gasoline Engine) on
page 6-14.
After adding uid, recheck the uid level as described
under “How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid,”
earlier in this section.
When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check Manual
Transmission Fluid
A good time to have your manual transmission uid
checked is when the engine oil is changed. See
Additional Required Services (Gasoline Engine)
on page 6-7to nd out when to change your
transmission uid.
How to Check Manual
Transmission Fluid
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.
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.
5-33

Check the uid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place, and the transmission
is cool enough for you to rest your ngers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the ller plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the ller plug hole.
3. If the uid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the uid level is low, add more
uid as described in the next steps.How to Add Manual Transmission Fluid
Here is how to add uid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of uid to use. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants (Gasoline Engine)
on page 6-14.
1. Remove the ller plug.
2. Add uid at the ller plug hole. Add only enough
uid to bring the uid level up to the bottom of the
ller plug hole.
3. Install the ller plug. Be sure the plug is fully
seated.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir
is lled with hydraulic clutch uid.
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch uid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system. Adding uid will
not correct a leak.
A uid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired. 5-speed for VORTEC™ 4300 V6 and 4800 V8 engines
shown, other manual transmissions similar
5-34

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.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you
hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired.
5-45

Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking
brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With the
engine running and transmission in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your GM Goodwrench
®dealer if service is
required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
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.
6-14

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.
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.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
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).
Manual
Transmission
(6–Speed)Synthetic Transmission Fluid
approved to Allison Transmission
®
specication TES-295 (GM Part
No. U.S. 12378515, in Canada
88900701).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
6-15

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Floor Shift
LinkageLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2
Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Front Axle
(1500 Series)SAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 1052271, in
Canada 10950849).
Front Axle
(1500 HD,
2500, 2500 HD,
and 3500
Series)SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S.
12378261, in Canada 10953455)
meeting GM Specication 9986115.
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S.
12378261, in Canada 10953455)
meeting GM Specication 9986115.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Manual
Transfer CaseDEXRON®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specication”
on the label.
Automatic
Transfer CaseAUTO-TRAK II Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 12378508, in Canada
10953626).
Front Axle
Propshaft
Spline or
One-Piece
Propshaft
Spline
(Two-Wheel
Drive with
Auto. Trans.)Spline Lubricant, Special Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345879, in
Canada 10953511) or lubricant
meeting requirements of GM
9985830.
Rear Driveline
Center SplineChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
6-16

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-85
Radio with CD............................................3-75
Radio with Six-Disc CD..............................3-100
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-127
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-71
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-71
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-129
Understanding Radio Reception...................3-130
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-133
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..................................................5-28, 5-30
Operation...................................................2-26
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch.................3-18
B
Battery..........................................................5-51
Battery Warning Light......................................3-40
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-38
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-52
System Warning Light..................................3-41
Brakes..........................................................5-47
Braking........................................................... 4-5Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-21
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-63
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp............................................5-67
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-64
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-63
Headlamps.................................................5-63
Pickup Box Identication and Fender
Marker Lamps.........................................5-68
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-70
Roof Marker Lamps.....................................5-66
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-68
Buying New Tires...........................................5-84
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-7
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-133
Carbon Monoxide...................2-14, 2-57, 4-42, 4-67
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-116
Your Cassette Tape Player..........................3-131
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-132
Your CDs and DVDs..................................3-132
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-19
2