2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO transmission

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter (Gasoline Engines) on page 507.
B. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped).
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter (Gasoline
Engines) on page 507.
C. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System on page 521andCoolant
Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 517.
D. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 534.
E. Battery. SeeBattery on page 533.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 502.
G. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 510.H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View).
SeeJump Starting on page 534.
I. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See
“Checking Engine Oil” underEngine Oil
(Gasoline Engine) on page 502.
J. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 521.
K. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 526.
L. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 529.
M. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse
Block on page 615.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 527.
501

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the
transmission uid level. The only reason for uid
loss is a transmission leak or overheating the
transmission. If you suspect a small leak, then use
the following checking procedures to check the
uid level. However, if there is a large leak, then it
may be necessary to have the vehicle towed to
a dealership service department and have it
repaired before driving the vehicle further.
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 on page 639.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
the Maintenance Schedule. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 627.Be
sure to use the transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 639.
How to Check Automatic 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 parts 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.
Before checking the uid level, prepare your
vehicle as follows:
1. Start the engine and park your vehicle on a
level surface. Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift
lever in PARK (P).
510

3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the
shift lever through each gear range, pausing
for about three seconds in each range.
Then, move the shift lever back to PARK (P).
4. Allow the engine to idle (500 – 800 rpm) for at
least one minute. Slowly release the brake
pedal.
5. Keep the engine running and press the
Trip/Fuel button or trip odometer reset
stem until TRANS TEMP (Transmission
Temperature) displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
6. Using the TRANS TEMP reading, determine
and perform the appropriate check procedure.
If the TRANS TEMP reading is not within
the required temperature ranges, allow
the vehicle to cool, or operate the vehicle until
the appropriate transmission uid temperature
is reached.Cold Check Procedure
Use this procedure only as a reference to
determine if the transmission has enough uid to
be operated safely until a hot check procedure
can be made. The hot check procedure is the most
accurate method to check the uid level. Perform
the hot check procedure at the rst opportunity.
Use this cold check procedure to check uid level
when the transmission temperature is between
80°F and 90°F (27°C and 32°C).
1. Locate the transmission dipstick at the rear of
the engine compartment, on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
The dipstick handle has
this graphic. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 500for
more information.
2. Flip the handle up, and then pull out the
dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
511

3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the
way, wait three seconds, and then pull it back
out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the
lower level. Repeat the check procedure to
verify the reading.
5. If the uid level is below the COLD check
band, add only enough uid as necessary
to bring the level into the COLD band. It does
not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5L). Do not overll.6. Perform a hot check at the rst opportunity
after the transmission reaches a normal
operating temperature between 160°F to
200°F (71°C to 93°C).
7. If the uid level is in the acceptable range,
push the dipstick back in all the way, then
ip the handle down to lock the dipstick
in place.
Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check the transmission uid
level when the transmission uid temperature is
between 160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C).
The hot check is the most accurate method to
check the uid level. The hot check should be
performed at the rst opportunity in order to verify
the cold check. The uid level rises as uid
temperature increases, so it is important to ensure
the transmission temperature is within range.
1. Locate the transmission dipstick at the rear of
the engine compartment, on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
512

The dipstick handle has
this graphic. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 500for
more information.
2. Flip the handle up, and then pull out the
dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the
way, wait three seconds, and then pull it back
out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the
lower level. Repeat the check procedure to
verify the reading.5. Safe operating level is within the HOT
crosshatch band on the dipstick. If the
uid level is not within the HOT band, and the
transmission temperature is between 160°F
and 200°F (71°C and 93°C), add or drain uid
as necessary to bring the level into the
HOT band. If the uid level is low, add only
enough uid to bring the level into the
HOT band. It does not take much uid,
generally less than one pint (0.5L). Do not
overll.
6. If the uid level is in the acceptable range,
push the dipstick back in all the way, then
ip the handle down to lock the dipstick
in place.
513

Consistency of Readings
Always check the uid level at least twice using
the procedures described. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper uid
level. If uid is added, it may take 15 minutes
or longer to obtain an accurate reading because of
residual uid draining down the dipstick tube. If
inconsistent readings persist, check the
transmission breather to be sure it is clean and
not clogged. If readings are still inconsistent,
contact your dealer.
Engine Coolant
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine,
see the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more
information.
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL
®engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for ve years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs
rst, if you add only DEX-COOL
®extended
life coolant.The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with engine overheating, seeEngine
Overheating on page 517.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®
may cause premature engine, heater core, or
radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at the
rst maintenance service after each
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle.
514

Engine Fan Noise
If your vehicle has 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 has 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
may 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 500for
reservoir location.
526

3. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper
cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are
not touching each other. If they are, it could
cause an unwanted ground connection.
You would not be able to start your vehicle,
and the bad grounding could damage the
electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling,
set the parking brake rmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start procedure. Put
the automatic transmission in PARK (P) or a
manual transmission in NEUTRAL before
setting the parking brake. If you have a
four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear, not in NEUTRAL.
Notice:If you leave your radio or other
accessories on during the jump starting
procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Always turn off your radio and other
accessories when jump starting your vehicle.4. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the
cigarette lighter or the accessory power
outlets. Turn off the radio and all the lamps
that are not needed. This will avoid sparks and
help save both batteries. And it could save
the radio!
5. Open the hood on the other vehicle and
locate the positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on that vehicle.
The positive (+) terminal, is located under a
red plastic cover at the positive battery
post. To uncover the positive (+) terminal,
open the red plastic cover.
535