Oil Pressure Gauge
United StatesCanada
For vehicles with an engine oil pressure gauge, it shows
the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per square inch)
when the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure in kPa (kilopascals).
Oil pressure can vary with engine speed, outside
temperature and oil viscosity, but if readings are outside
the normal operating range, the oil pressure light comes
on. See Oil Pressure Light
on page 4‑45for more
information. A reading outside the normal operating range can be
caused by a dangerously low oil level or some other
problem causing low oil pressure. Check the vehicle's
oil as soon as possible. See
“OIL PRESSURE LOW”
under DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑63and
Engine Oil on page 6‑18.
{WARNING:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. The
engine can become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
4-44
SeeEngine Compartment
Overviewon page 6‑16for the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper
operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in
when through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for three things:
.GM6094M
Use only an oil that meets GM Standard
GM6094M.
.SAE 5W-30
SAE 5W-30 is best for the vehicle. These numbers
on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness.
Do not use other viscosity oils such as
SAE 20W-50.
.American Petroleum Institute (API) starburst
symbol
Oils meeting these
requirements should have
the starburst symbol on
the container. This symbol
indicates that the oil has
been certified by the
American Petroleum
Institute (API).
Notice: Use only engine oil identified as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended
oil can result in engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Cold Temperature Operation
If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature
falls below −29°C (−20°F), use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 engine oil. Both provide
easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low
temperatures. Always use an oil that meets the required
specification, GM6094M. See “What Kind of Engine Oil
to Use” for more information.
6-19
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine and/
or an Allison Transmission, see the maintenance
schedule section in the DURAMAX
®Diesel manual.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number, or specification can be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil which meets GM Standard
GM6094M and displays the American
Petroleum Institute Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
To determine the proper viscosity for
your vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil
on page 6‑18.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
coolant. See
Engine Coolanton
page 6‑31.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377967, in
Canada 89021320).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage
Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
System GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184, in
Canada 89021186).
Automatic
Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
Key Lock
Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Floor Shift Linkage Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293, in
Canada 992723) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2 Category LB
or GC-LB.
Chassis
Lubrication Chassis 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) ‐Four‐
Wheel Drive SAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021671, in
Canada 89021672).
Front Axle
(1500, 2500 HD, and 3500 HD
Series) SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021677, in
Canada 89021678).
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