2006 GMC SIERRA check transmission fluid

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

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-123
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-126
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-123
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-124
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-123
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-127
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-123
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-25
Battery.......................................................5-51
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-46
Coolant......................................................5-35
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-43
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-19
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-57
Fan Noise..................................................5-45
Oil .............................................................5-20
Oil Life System...........................................5-23
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-39
Overheating................................................5-37
Starting......................................................2-23Entry Lighting.................................................3-19
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-19
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-30
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-25
Finish Damage.............................................5-120
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-132
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-90
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-91
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-108
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-28, 5-30
Manual Transmission....................................5-33
Power Steering...........................................5-45
Windshield Washer......................................5-46
Fog Lamps....................................................3-17
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-38, 5-59
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-50
Front Axle......................................................5-60
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-19
Front Storage Area.........................................2-79
5

Light (cont.)
Tow/Haul Mode...........................................3-50
Traction Off................................................3-43
Up-Shift.....................................................3-41
Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-19
Exit...........................................................3-19
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-48
Locking Rear Axle...........................................4-11
Lockout Protection..........................................2-13
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door........................................................... 2-8
Lockout Protection.......................................2-13
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
Loss of Control...............................................4-15
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-51
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-7
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-11
At Least Once a Month................................6-12
At Least Once a Year..................................6-12Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
At the First 100, 1,000 and 6,000 Miles
(160, 1 600 and 10 000km).......................6-11
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-9
Maintenance Record....................................6-20
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-18
Owner Checks and Services.........................6-11
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-14
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-46
Manual Seats................................................... 1-3
Manual Selectable Ride...................................4-10
Manual Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-33
Operation...................................................2-34
Manual Windows............................................2-16
Memory Seat.................................................2-83
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-55
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass....2-63
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
and Temperature Display...........................2-65
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®
and Compass..........................................2-59
8