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 268orEngine Oil
(Gasoline Engine) on page 268orEngine Oil
(DURAMAX
®/Isuzu Diesel Engine) on page 272.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. See
Engine Coolant (Gas and DURAMAX®/Isuzu
Engines) on page 284orEngine Coolant
(Caterpillar
®Diesel Engines) on page 287.
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 296.
Tire In ation Check
Check tire inflation cold. Make sure the tires are
inflated to the correct pressures. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 238andIn ation - Tire Pressure
on page 322.
391
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.
393
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.
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 to
Engine Exhaust on page 131andRunning
the Engine While Parked on page 132.
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.
394
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.
396
Care of
Safety Belts............................................. 334
Your Cassette Tape Player....................... 202
Your CD Player........................................ 204
Your CDs ................................................. 203
Center Console Storage Area...................... 135
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts........ 37
Charging System Light................................ 167
Check
Engine Light............................................ 174
Gages Warning Light............................... 180
Checking Things Under the Hood................ 266
Chemical Paint Spotting.............................. 338
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems............................. 49
Infants and Young Children........................ 45
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..... 57
Older Children........................................... 42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position............................. 58
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Rear Seat Position (Crew Cab) or
Center Front Position.............................. 60
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position................................. 63
Where to Put the Restraint................. 54, 55
Chime Level Adjustment.............................. 204Cigarette Lighter.......................................... 157
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels........ 337
Exterior Lamps/Lenses............................. 335
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 333
Finish Care.............................................. 335
Inside of Your Vehicle .............................. 331
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.................................... 334
Tires........................................................ 337
Underbody Maintenance........................... 338
Washing Your Vehicle .............................. 335
Weatherstrips........................................... 334
Windshield and Wiper Blades................... 336
Climate Control System............................... 157
Outlet Adjustment..................................... 160
Rear Heating System............................... 161
Collision Damage Repair............................. 410
Control of a Vehicle..................................... 210
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage........................ 173
Heater, Engine......................................... 111
Low Warning Light................................... 173
Surge Tank Pressure Cap........................ 288
Cooling System........................................... 290
Cruise Control............................................. 146
419
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment................................... 340
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...................... 341
Fusible Links............................................ 341
Headlamp Wiring..................................... 341
Instrument Panel Fuse Block................... 342
Power Windows and Other Power
Options................................................. 341
Underhood Fuse Block............................. 344
Windshield Wiper Fuses........................... 341
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...................................... 280
Alarm and Automatic Shutdown................ 104
Battery..................................................... 304
Change Engine Oil Light.......................... 176
Check and Service Engine Soon Light..... 174
Checks Before Operating......................... 109
Coolant...........................................284, 287
Coolant Heater......................................... 111
Coolant Temperature Gage...................... 173
Diesel Engine Exhaust Brake................... 112
Drive Belt Routing.................................... 355
Exhaust................................................... 131
Exhaust Restrictor.................................... 108
Fan Breakage.......................................... 250Engine (cont.)
Fan Noise................................................ 294
High Idle System..................................... 106
Oil ...................................................268, 272
Oil Life System.......................276, 278, 279
Overheating............................................. 288
Overspeed Warning Light......................... 177
Reduced Power Light............................... 179
Shutdown Warning Light.......................... 177
Speed Limiter.......................................... 164
Starter Over-Crank Protection.................... 97
Starting Your Diesel................................. 100
Starting Your Gasoline............................... 97
Entry Lighting.............................................. 154
Event Data Recorders (EDR)...................... 409
Exhaust Brake Indicator Light...................... 178
Exhaust Restrictor....................................... 108
Extender, Safety Belt..................................... 41
Exterior Lamps............................................ 150
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner................................... 280
Filter Minder Gage...................................... 182
Finish Damage............................................ 338
Fixed Mast Antenna.................................... 204
421
Flashers, Hazard Warning........................... 142
Flat Tire...................................................... 330
Fluid
Automatic Transmission............................ 282
Manual Transmission................................ 283
Power Steering........................................ 295
Windshield Washer.................................. 296
Four-Wheel Drive...............................119, 312
Front Axle................................................... 313
Front Wheel Bearings with Oil-Filled Hubs ... 319
Fuel............................................................ 251
Additives.................................................. 252
Diesel Engine Fuel................................... 253
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.............. 266
Filling Your Tank...................................... 264
Filter........................................................ 317
Filter Replacement................................... 263
Fuels in Foreign Countries....................... 264
Gage....................................................... 181
Gasoline Octane...................................... 251
Gasoline Specifications............................ 251
Primary Filter and Water Separator.......... 317
Running Out of Fuel................................ 262
Secondary Filter and Water Separator/
Heater.................................................. 318
Very Cold Weather Operation................... 256
Water in Fuel........................................... 256Fuel (cont.)
Water in Warning Light............................ 182
What Fuel to Use.................................... 253
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...................... 341
Instrument Panel Fuse Block................... 342
Underhood Fuse Block............................. 344
Windshield Wiper..................................... 341
G
Gage
Air Pressure............................................. 183
Check Gages Warning Light..................... 180
Engine Coolant Temperature.................... 173
Filter Minder............................................ 182
Fuel......................................................... 181
Hourmeter................................................ 183
Oil Pressure............................................. 175
Speedometer........................................... 163
Tachometer.............................................. 163
Transmission Temperature........................ 178
Voltmeter Gage........................................ 168
Gasoline
Octane..................................................... 251
Specifications........................................... 251
Gasoline Engine, Starting.............................. 97
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.......... 407
422
L
Lamps
Dome....................................................... 153
Exterior.................................................... 150
Marker..................................................... 152
Reading................................................... 154
LATCH System
Child Restraints......................................... 57
Light
Airbag Off................................................ 166
Airbag Readiness..................................... 165
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning............. 172
Brake System Warning............................. 169
Change Engine Oil................................... 176
Charging System..................................... 167
Check Gages Warning............................. 180
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator............ 179
Differential Lock Indicator......................... 178
Engine Overspeed Warning...................... 177
Engine Shutdown Warning....................... 177
Exhaust Brake Indicator........................... 178
Highbeam On.......................................... 179
Low Coolant Warning............................... 173
Low Oil Level........................................... 176
Low Washer Fluid Warning...................... 180
Malfunction Indicator................................ 174Light (cont.)
Range Inhibit Warning Indicator................ 169
Reduced Engine Power............................ 179
Safety Belt Reminder............................... 164
Safety Belt Reminder Tone...................... 164
Service Transmission Warning.................. 168
Trailer Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ... 172
Wait to Start Indicator.............................. 174
Water in Fuel Warning............................. 182
Lighting
Entry........................................................ 154
Loading Your Vehicle................................... 238
Locks
Door.......................................................... 91
Power Door............................................... 92
Loss of Control........................................... 221
Low Coolant Warning Light.......................... 173
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light................. 180
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts.... 352
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill...................................... 391
At Least Once a Year.............................. 396
At Least Twice a Year.............................. 392
How This Section is Organized................ 360
424