▫ Operating Precautions ..................263
▫ Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission 263
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped .........265
Diesel Exhaust Brake (Engine Braking) – If
Equipped ............................265
Automatic Transmission ..................266
▫ Automatic Transmission With Overdrive (5 Speed
545RFE) — If Equipped .................267
▫ Automatic Transmission (6 Speed AS68RC) — If
Equipped ...........................273
Manual Transmission ....................279
▫ Manual Transmission — 6 Speed (G56) ......280
▫ Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds ........280
▫ Downshifting – Gas Engine ..............281 ▫ Downshifting – Diesel Engine ............282
Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 283
▫ Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ................283
▫ Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case ..............................286
▫ Transfer Case Reminder Light ............287
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch)—If
Equipped ...........................288
▫ Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted Transfer
Case ..............................292
Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped .......295
Power Take Off Operation – If Equipped ......296
▫ Stationary Mode ......................296244 STARTING AND OPERATING
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when
there is a difference between the traction characteristics
of the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slip-
pery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of
the driving effort to the rear wheel having the better
traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator
will supply maximum traction. When starting with only
one rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight
momentary application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction. WARNING!On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground, since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could
cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to
slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a
turn. STARTING AND OPERATING 295
5
wheel. The nuts should then be tightened to recom-
mended torque. Tighten the nuts to final torque in
increments. Progress around the bolt circle, tightening
the nut opposite to the nut just previously tightened until
final torque is achieved. Recommended torques are
shown in the following chart.
Disc
Wheels Type Nut Stud Size Torque
Ft. Lbs. Torque
Newton
Meters
Cone 9/16-18 120-150 160-200
Flanged 9/16-18 130-160 190-220
To Stow The Flat Or Spare (If equipped)
Refer to Upfitters Body Builders Guide for information
on stowing your spare tire (If equipped). HOISTING
A conventional floor jack may be used at the jacking
locations, refer to the graphics that show jacking loca-
tions. However, a floor jack or frame hoist must never be
used on any other parts or the underbody.
CAUTION!Never use a floor jack directly under the differential
housing of a loaded truck or damage to your vehicle
may result. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 381
6
When checking the fluid level, the vehicle should be in a
level position. The fluid level should be 1/4” ± 1/4” (6.4
mm ± 6.4 mm) below the fill hole on the 9.25” Front Axle.
The fluid level should be 3/4” ± 1/4” (19 mm ± 6.4 mm)
below the fill hole on 11.5” Rear Axles.
Drain And Refill
Vehicles operated in normal service do not have regularly
scheduled oil changes. If fluid has become contaminated
with water or subjected to severe service, follow the
recommended change intervals in Maintenance Schedule
“B” in Section 8 of this manual.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
NOTE: The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials in vehicles equipped with
11.5” Axles DO NOT REQUIRE any limited slip oil
additive (friction modifiers).
Transfer Case — If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for the
correct lubricant type.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level can be checked by removing the filler
plug. The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the
filler plug hole with the vehicle in a level position. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
7
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......... 428,469
Temperature Gauge ..................... 174
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 132
CupHolder ............................ 152
Customer Assistance ..................... 504
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights ................... 124
Dealer Service .......................... 395
Defroster, Rear Window ................. 86,160
Defroster, Windshield ................ 76, 232,234
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 128
Diesel Exhaust Brake ..................... 265
Diesel Fuel ............................ 331
Diesel Fuel Requirements .................. 331
Bulk Storage of ........................ 336
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 295
Dipsticks .............................. 398
Power Steering ........................ 421 Disc Brakes ............................ 434
Disposal .............................. 405
Engine Oil ........................... 405
Used Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 430
Door Ajar ............................. 180
Door Locks ............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 145
Downshifting ........................ 281,282
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter .......... 410
DriveBelts ............................ 406
Dual Rear Wheels ..................... 326,378
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System) ...... 222
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............. 86,160
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 149
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 132
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 142
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........... 288
Emergency Brake ........................ 299 INDEX 517
10
Filters
Air Cleaner .......................... 406
Engine Fuel ..................... 410,413,469
Engine Oil ..................... 398,403,469
Flashers
Turn Signal .......................... 125
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 381
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 249
Fluid, Brake ........................... 471
Fluid Capacities ......................... 468
Fluid Level Checks
Brake ............................... 435
Manual Transmission ................. 437,438
Power Steering ........................ 421
Transfer Case ......................... 437
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 469
Fog Lights ....................... 125,178,465
Fold Flat Load Floor ..................... 161
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 283 Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 370
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 385
FrontAxle(Differential) ................ 423,436
Front Wheel Bearings ..................... 444
Fuel ............................ 327,331,335
Adding .......................... 333,335
Diesel ......................... 331,335,469
Filter ......................... 410,413,469
Gauge .............................. 179
Hoses .............................. 433
Light ............................... 180
Octane Rating ........................ 327
Requirements ...................... 327,331
Specifications ......................... 332
System Hoses ......................... 433
Tank Capacity ........................ 468
Fuses ................................ 457
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............... 334,394 INDEX 519
10
Brake Warning ........................ 177
Bulb Replacement ................... 461,462
Cap Top Clearance ..................... 466
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ........ 176
Cruise .............................. 180
Daytime Running ...................... 124
Dome .............................. 141
Fog .......................... 125,178,465
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............... 287
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 370
Headlights ........................... 124
High Beam ........................ 127,173
High Beam Indicator .................... 173
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............. 127
Illuminated Entry ....................... 19
Instrument Cluster ..................... 172
Intensity Control ....................... 122
Interior ............................. 122
Lights On Reminder .................... 125 Passing ............................. 126
Reading ............................. 141
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 173
Service ........................... 461,462
Transfer Case ......................... 287
Transmission Warning ................... 179
Turn Signal ..................... 125,173,462
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 172
Limited-Slip Differential ................ 295,437
Loading Vehicle ......................... 338
Tires ............................... 310
Locks ................................. 26
Child Protection ........................ 30
Door ................................ 26
Keys ................................ 12
Power Door ........................... 27
Steering Wheel ......................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 64
Lubrication, Body ....................... 423522 INDEX
Seats ............................... 116
Sliding Rear Window ................. 33,160
Steering .......................... 304,421
Take-Off Adapter ...................... 296
Take-Off Operation ..................... 296
Windows ............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 471
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 47
Pretensioners
Seat Belts ............................. 45
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 145
PTO (Power Take-Off) .................... 296
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 317
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 429
Radio Broadcast Signals ................... 181
Radio, Navigation ....................... 218
Radio Operation ................... 182,190,204
Radio Remote Controls .................... 226 Radio, Satellite ....................... 219,222
Radio (Sound Systems) .............. 182,190,204
Rear Axle (Differential) ................. 436,437
Rear Wheel Bearings ..................... 445
Rear Window Features .................... 160
Rear Window, Sliding ................... 34,161
Reclining Front Seats ..................... 114
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 57
Recreational Towing ...................... 360
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N) .... 361,363
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . . 362,365
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 328
Refrigerant ............................ 421
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 46
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 226
Remote Starting System .................... 25
Replacement Tires ....................... 321
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 507 INDEX 525
10