2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN steering

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services
be performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, steering linkage, and
parking brake cable guides. Control arm ball joints on
2500 series vehicles require lubrication but should not be
lubricated unless their temperature is 10°F (−12°C) or
higher, or they could be damaged. Control arm ball joints
on 1500 series vehicles are maintenance-free.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including
calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts,
signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots, and axle seals for leaks.(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, fittings, and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn
or damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-64 and Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper
Blades on page 5-114 for more information.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety
belts replaced. Also see Checking the Restraint Systems
on page 1-92.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl,
rear compartment hinges, outer liftgate handle pivot
points, rear door detent link, roller mechanism, liftgate
handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge, cargo
door hinge, locks, and folding seat hardware.
6-8

Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
Check the sealant expiration date printed on the
instruction label of the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit (if equipped) at least once a year. See your
dealer/retailer for a replacement canister.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine
the proper viscosity for your
vehicle’s engine, seeEngine
Oil on page 5-17.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-31.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Front Axle
(1500 Series
Vehicles with
Four-Wheel
Drive)SAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021671,
in Canada 89021672).
6-13

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins’ give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service General
Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains
instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available
for current and past model GM vehicles. To request
an order form, specify year and model name of
the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-16

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-20
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.........4-41
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-90
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-119
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal..................2-28
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-22
Air Conditioning......................................3-22, 3-24
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-38
Readiness Light..........................................3-37
Airbag System................................................1-76
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-90
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-83
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-85
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-90
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-83
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-84
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-81
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-78
Antenna, Rear Side Window...........................3-118
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . 3-118
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Anti-lock Brake, System Warning Light...............3-42Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-114
Care of Safety Belts...................................5-112
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-116
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses..................5-113
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-110
Finish Care...............................................5-113
Finish Damage..........................................5-116
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.....................................5-111
Interior Cleaning........................................5-109
Leather....................................................5-111
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-115
Tires........................................................5-115
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-116
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...............5-117
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-112
Weatherstrips............................................5-112
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades......5-114
Appointments, Scheduling Service.....................7-10
Ashtray.........................................................3-21
Audio System.................................................3-75
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-116
Navigation/Radio System, see
Navigation Manual..................................3-105
Radio Reception........................................3-117
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)...............................3-114
Setting the Clock.........................................3-76
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-116
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-118
1

Entry Lighting.................................................3-19
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Exit Lighting...................................................3-19
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-50
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finish Damage.............................................5-116
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-89
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-90
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-105
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-24, 5-27
Power Steering...........................................5-42
Windshield Washer......................................5-43
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-17
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-48
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-36, 5-55
Front Axle......................................................5-56
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-8Fuel (cont.)
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-13
Filling the Tank...........................................5-10
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-9
Gage .........................................................3-49
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-6
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light.......................................3-50
Running Out of...........................................2-46
Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-121
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-119
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-120
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-122
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-119
GGage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-43
Fuel..........................................................3-49
Oil Pressure...............................................3-47
Speedometer..............................................3-36
Tachometer.................................................3-36
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-40
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-62
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-6
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-70
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-7
5

Older Children, Restraints................................1-50
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-18
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-59
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-63
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-30
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-20
Outside
Automatic Dimming Mirror.............................2-55
Convex Mirror.............................................2-55
Heated Mirrors............................................2-56
Manual Mirrors............................................2-52
Power Foldaway Mirrors...............................2-54
Power Mirrors.............................................2-53
Towing Mirrors............................................2-52
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode.....5-36
Owner Checks and Services.............................6-10
Owners, Canadian.............................................. iii
P
Paint, Damage..............................................5-116
Park
Shifting Into................................................2-43
Shifting Out of............................................2-45Park Aid........................................................2-56
Park Brake....................................................2-42
Park Tilt Mirrors..............................................2-55
Parking
Assist........................................................2-56
Over Things That Burn.................................2-45
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-38
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-85
Passing.........................................................4-11
PASS-KEY
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer...............2-22
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation . . . 2-23
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California...... 5-4
Power
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Electrical System.......................................5-119
Liftgate......................................................2-14
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-4
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-26
Running Boards..........................................2-17
Seat............................................................ 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-42
Windows....................................................2-19
Privacy..........................................................7-17
Event Data Recorders..................................7-17
Navigation System.......................................7-18
OnStar.......................................................7-18
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-18
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-11
9

Start Vehicle, Remote....................................... 2-8
Starting the Engine.........................................2-26
Steering.......................................................... 4-9
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.......................3-116
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-70
Cupholders.................................................2-70
Glove Box..................................................2-70
Luggage Carrier..........................................2-71
Rear Seat Armrest.......................................2-72
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-72
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-33
Sun Visors.....................................................2-20
Sunroof.........................................................2-73
T
Tachometer....................................................3-36
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps....5-61
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-116
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-20
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-21
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer............2-22
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation................................................2-23
Third Row Seat..............................................1-25Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Time, Setting..................................................3-76
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-44
Tires.............................................................5-66
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning...............................................5-114
Buying New Tires........................................5-82
Chains.......................................................5-88
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-90
Cleaning...................................................5-115
Different Size..............................................5-84
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-89
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-74
Inspection and Rotation................................5-80
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-95
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-77
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-75
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-95
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-91
Secondary Latch System............................5-102
Spare Tire................................................5-108
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools..........5-105
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-67
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-71
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-84
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-86
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-86
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-81
12