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Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
This light is located
above the climate
controls in the center of
the instrument panel.
This light will come on when your vehicle is low on
windshield washer fluid.
For more information, seeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 296.
Check Gages Warning Light
This light will come on
as you’re starting the
engine, just as a check.
If this light comes on and stays on while you are
driving. It means that either your engine coolant
temperature gage or your engine oil pressure gage
may be showing a reading in the warning zone.
When the check gages light comes on, you
will also hear a warning tone. The tone and the
light will stay activated until the problem is
corrected.
This light may also come on if your vehicle is
equipped with the optional automatic engine
shutdown system and engine shutdown has
begun. SeeEngine Alarm and Automatic
ShutdownunderStarting the Diesel Engine on
page 100.
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Diesel Engine Fuel
For the Caterpillar®diesel, see the Caterpillar®
Operation & Maintenance Manual for information
concerning fuel usage.
Notice:Diesel fuel or fuel additives not
recommended in this manual could damage
your fuel system and engine. Your warranty
would not cover this damage. And:
Diesel fuel that has been mixed with engine
oil or automatic transmission uid could
damage your engine and emission controls.
Aftermarket diesel fuel additives are not
tested by General Motors. Some additives,
particularly those which contain alcohol or
water emulsi ers, may damage your fuel
system. If you believe that unique
circumstances call for a fuel additive to be
used, consult your dealer for advice.
If you ever run out of diesel fuel, it can be
difficult to restart your engine. To avoid this,
never let your tank get empty.
If gasoline is ever accidentally added to the fuel
tank, to avoid severe engine damage, do not run
the engine until the fuel tank can be drained.
If you run out of fuel,Running Out of Fuel on
page 262tells you how to restart your engine.
What Fuel to Use
In the United States, for best results use
No. 2-D diesel fuel year-round (above and below
freezing conditions) as oil companies blend
No. 2-D fuel to address climate differences.
No. 1-D diesel fuel may be used in very cold
temperatures (when it stays below 0°F or−18°C);
however, it will produce a power and fuel
economy loss. Avoid the use of No. 1-D diesel
fuel in warm or hot climates. It may result in
stalling, poor starting when the engine is hot, and
may damage the fuel injection system.
It is important that diesel-powered trucks are
refueled only with ultra low-sulfur fuel. The
emission control system requires the use of diesel
fuel with ultra low-sulfur (0.0015% by weight, or
15 ppm, maximum) content. Both ultra low-sulfur
and higher sulfur diesel fuels are available in
the United States and ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel is
available in Canada. However, only higher
sulfur diesel fuel is available in Mexico. Use of
fuels with higher-sulfur content will affect the
function of the emission components and may
cause reduced performance, excessive smoke,
and unpleasant odor.
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What Fuel to Use in Canada
Canadian fuels are blended for seasonal changes.
Diesel Type “A” fuel is blended for better cold
weather starting (below 0°F or−18°C); however,
you may notice some power and fuel economy
loss. If Type “A” fuel is used in warmer
temperatures, stalling and hard starting may
occur. Diesel Type “B” fuel is blended for
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
It is important that diesel-powered trucks are
refueled only with ultra low-sulfur fuel. The
emission control system requires the use of diesel
fuel with ultra low-sulfur (0.0015% by weight, or
15 ppm, maximum) content. Both ultra low-sulfur
and higher sulfur diesel fuels are available in
the United States. Use of fuels with higher-sulfur
content will affect the function of the emission
components and may cause reduced performance,
excessive smoke, and unpleasant odor.
At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should
meet the latest version of specification
CAN/CGSB-3.517 (Low Sulfur Diesel) in Canada.
In addition, the Engine Manufacturers Association
(EMA) has identified properties of an improved
diesel fuel for better engine performance and
durability (FQP-1A). Diesel fuels corresponding tothe EMA description could provide better starting,
less noise, and better vehicle performance. If
there are questions about the fuel you are using,
contact your fuel supplier.
If your vehicle has the 6.6L engine, it is acceptable
to use diesel fuel containing up to 5% biodiesel
(B5), but the final blended fuel must meet the same
specification, CAN/CGSB-3.517 (Low Sulfur Diesel)
in Canada, as other fuels used in your vehicle, and
the biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet
the latest version of ASTM specification D 6751.
Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils or animal
fat that have been chemically modified to reduce
the possibility of damage to your fuel system and
engine. Higher concentration (i.e., greater than B5)
biodiesel-containing fuels or the use of unmodified
bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any concentration
is not recommended and could damage your fuel
system and engine. Such damage would not be
covered by your warranty. If there are questions
about the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using,
contact your fuel supplier.
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When you tilt the hood far enough, the cables will
support it. When you close the hood, make
sure both latches are secured.
Engine Oil (Caterpillar®Diesel
Engine)
See your Caterpillar®Operation & Maintenance
Manual for information on oil quality and viscosities
as well as the temperature range chart.
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
If the low oil light
appears on the
instrument cluster, it
means you need
to check the engine oil
level right away.
For more information, seeLow Oil Level Light on
page 176.
You should check the engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder.
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•SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is
best for your vehicle.
These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other
viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50.
Oils meeting these
requirements should
also have the starburst
symbol on the
container. This symbol
indicates that the oil
has been certified by the
American Petroleum
Institute (API).
You should look for this information on the oil
container, and use only those oils that are
identified as meeting GM Standard GM6094M and
have the starburst symbol on the front of the oil
container.Notice:Use only engine oil identi ed as
meeting GM Standard GM6094M and showing
the American Petroleum Institute Certi ed
For Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure
to use the recommended oil can result in
engine damage not covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench
®oil meets all the requirements
for your vehicle.
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will
provide easier cold starting and better protection
for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the API service symbol are all you will
need for good performance and engine protection.
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Engine Oil (DURAMAX®/Isuzu Diesel
Engine)
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level
every time you get fuel.
The engine oil dipstick
is located in the engine
compartment on the
driver’s side of the
vehicle.In order to get an accurate reading, the engine
should be at normal operating temperature, so
that the oil is warm, and the vehicle must be
on level ground.
1. If the engine is at normal operating
temperature and the oil is warm, turn off the
engine and allow at least five minutes for
the oil to drain back into the oil pan. If you do
not do this, the oil dipstick might not show
the actual level.
If the engine has not been run long enough to
bring it up to normal operating temperature
and the oil is cool, turn off the engine and allow
30 minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan. If you do not do this, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a
paper towel or a cloth, then push it back
in all the way.
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•SAE 15W-40
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 15W-40
is best for your vehicle. However, you can
use SAE 10W-30 at temperatures above 0°F
(−18°C). When it is very cold, below 0°F
(−18°C), you should use SAE 5W-40 to
improve cold starting. 5W-40 is not
recommended for use at high temperatures,
above 100°F (38°C).
These numbers on the oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other
viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-40 or
SAE 20W-50.
This doughnut-shaped
logo (symbol) is used on
most oil containers to
help you select the
correct oil. It means that
the oil has been certified
by the American
Petroleum Institute.
You should look for this on the oil container, and
use only those oils that display this logo.
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GM Goodwrench®oil of the recommended
viscosity grades meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the API service symbol are all you will
need for good performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil (Vehicles
Without the Engine Oil Life System)
If you have the 6.6L V8 DURAMAX®Engine:
Change engine oil and filter every 15,000 miles
(24 000 km), or every 12 months, or every
750 hours of engine operation, whichever occurs
first. If you have the Isuzu 6H Engine: Change
engine oil and filter every 12,000 miles
(20 000 km), or every 12 months, or every
600 hours of engine operation, whichever occurs
first. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 363.
Engine Oil Life System
(Gasoline Engine)
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you
know when to change the engine oil and filter.
This is based on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving
conditions, the mileage at which an oil change
will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil
life system to work properly, you must reset the
system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has
been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A change engine oil light will come on.
SeeChange Engine Oil Light on page 176. Change
your oil as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for
over a year. However, your engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and at this
time the system must be reset. Your dealer has
GM-trained service people who will perform this
work using genuine GM parts and reset the system.
It is also important to check your oil regularly and
keep it at the proper level.
276