Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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260 Vehicle Care
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
{Warning
Overfilling of the automatic
transmission can cause the fluid
to be "PURGED" out of the
breather hose onto the hot engine
parts and can cause a fire.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Both quality and quantity of fluid are
important factors that have a
significant influence on the
performance and durability of the
automatic transmission. Be sure to use only the dealer recommended
fluid for replenishment, and observe
the specified fluid level.
Too much or too little transmission
oil could damage your transmission.
Too much could cause your
transmission to overheat and fluid to
spill out from the breather hose. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your transmission fluid.
When cleaning around the dipstick
and guide tube, make sure that you
thoroughly wipe away all of the dirt
and dust etc. Failure to do so may
cause a fault in the transmission.
Do not let coolants (ethylene glycol
type), water based substances,
or other fluids etc., mix with the
fluid. Otherwise, degraded
performance and faulty operation of
the system will result.
Checking the Automatic
Transmission Oil level
This operation could be difficult and
you may choose to have this done
at your dealer.
If you choose to do it yourself, then
be sure to follow all the instructions
below or you could get a false
reading on the dipstick.
Position of the Dipstick
For the single cab diesel vehicle,
the dipstick is located to the left side
of the automatic transmission at the
rear of the engine. Tilt the cab up to
inspect it.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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Vehicle Care 261
For the crew cab diesel vehicle, the
dipstick is located beneath the
rear-of-engine inspection panel.
After unlatching the A/T fluid
inspection cover, the dipstick will be
visible.For the single cab gasoline vehicle,
the dipstick is located to the right
side of the automatic transmission
at the rear of the engine. Tilt the cab
up to inspect it.
For the crew cab gasoline vehicle,
the dipstick is located beneath the
rear-of-engine inspection panel.
After unlatching the A/T fluid
inspection cover, the dipstick will be
visible.
Inspection
Wait at least 30 minutes before
checking the transmission fluid if
you have been driving at high speed
for a long period of time, in city/
heavy traffic or while pulling a trailer.1. Start the engine, and drive the vehicle for approximately
10 minutes to warm up the
engine. During 10 minutes, the
automatic transmission fluid
should reach a temperature of
approximately 70 - 80 °C
(158 - 176 °F). During the
winter when temperatures are
low, adjust the amount of
driving time according to the
actual conditions.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground, and firmly apply the
parking brake.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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262 Vehicle Care
3. With the engine idling, movethe selector lever from the “P”
position to the “1”position
while pressing the brake pedal,
and then return the lever from
the “1”position to the “P”
position.
4. With the engine still idling, pull out the dipstick and wipe it with
a clean cloth.
Transmission Dipstick (Diesel
Engines)
Transmission Dipstick (Gasoline Engines)
5. Reinsert the dipstick into position, pull out the dipstick
slowly, and check whether the
fluid level is within the “H”
marked range for the diesel
engine or within the “HOT”
marked range for the gas
engine. Always check the fluid
level at least twice.
Consistently is important in
maintaining accuracy.
If inconsistent readings persist, check the transmission
breather to ensure that it is
clean and free of debris.
.
Gasoline Engine Dipstick
COLD —Transmission fluid
temperature Approx. 19 -
25 °C (66 - 77 °F).
. Gasoline Engine Dipstick H
(HOT) —Transmission fluid
temperature Approx. 70 -
80 °C (158 - 176 °F).
. For gasoline engines, the
“COLD” range on the
dipstick is a guide used by
your dealer for specialized
equipment used to replace
or service the automatic
transmission fluid. When
performing your own
inspections, always use the
“HOT” range after warming
up the vehicle.
. Diesel Engine Dipstick C
(COLD) —Transmission
fluid temperature Approx.
20 - 30 °C (68 - 86 °F).
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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Vehicle Care 263
.Diesel Engine Dipstick H
(HOT) —Transmission fluid
temperature Approx. 70 -
80 °C (158 - 176 °F).
. For diesel engines, the “C
(COLD)” range on the
dipstick is a guide used by
your dealer for specialized
equipment used to replace
or service the automatic
transmission fluid. When
performing your own
inspections, always use the
“H (HOT)” range after
warming up the vehicle.
The fluid must be hot to
ensure an accurate check.
The fluid level rises as
temperature increases.
6. If the fluid level is too low, add the specified fluid through the
dipstick guide tube. Also, check
whether there are no fluid
leaks.
7. Insert the dipstick securely into position.{Warning
Be extremely careful not to burn
yourself when checking the oil
level if the engine temperature is
high. Protect yourself with
gloves etc.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Discarded parts, oil, grease and
fluids could have an adverse effect
on the environment. It is difficult to
dispose of these, so have your
dealer handle all checks and
replacements.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Air Cleaner
Use of clogged air cleaner element
not only causes a deterioration in
the engine output but also increased
fuel consumption and dark exhaust
smoke. Be sure to use a genuine air cleaner
element. If other air cleaner element
is used, it may cause the sensor to
output a wrong signal.
See
Maintenance Schedule 0345.
Air Cleaner Indicator Light
(Diesel Vehicles Only)
When the air cleaner indicator light
comes on, check the air cleaner
element. If the air cleaner element is
clogged, replace the air cleaner
element.
See Vehicle Messages (Diesel
Only) 097.
See Maintenance Schedule 0345.
Engine Coolant
Protection of Engine against
Overcooling
Overcooling of the engine not only
accelerates wear of the vital engine
parts but also hurts fuel economy.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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264 Vehicle Care
Engine Coolant in Cold
Weather
To prevent the engine damage due
to freezing of the engine coolant,
mix the coolant and water at the
ratio of 50/50.
Replace rubber hoses whenever
they crack or are damaged; even
minor cracks allow engine coolant
solution to leak.
{Warning
If your engine cooling system
overheats, seeEngine
Overheating 0269. Continued
operation of the engine even for a
short time may result in a fire and
the possibility of personal injury
and/or severe vehicle damage.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Your vehicle has an engine coolant
recovery system, expansion bottle
and/or an engine coolant reserve
tank system. Engine coolant in the
system expands with heat and overflows into the reserve tank.
When the system cools, engine
coolant is drawn back into the
radiator.
The engine cooling system has
been filled at the factory with a
quality engine coolant. It is
important to use proper engine
coolant to prevent damage to
engine cooling system components.
The engine cooling system is
designed to use engine coolant
rather than plain water. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0378.
See the Maintenance Schedule to
find out when the engine coolant
must be replaced. Note that
changing the engine coolant is
needed to replenish the rust
inhibitors to make certain that all
parts of the engine cooling system
work well.
{Warning
Check, replenish or change the
engine coolant only after the
engine has sufficiently
cooled down.
Do not loosen or remove the cap
of the radiator or engine coolant
reserve tank cap when the engine
coolant is still hot. Hot vapor or
boiling water may burst out and
cause a burn.
When removing the radiator cap
or engine coolant reserve tank
cap, use a thick cloth to cover the
cap and turn it slowly.
Engine coolant is toxic and must
not be ingested. If the engine
coolant is mistakenly ingested,
seek prompt medical attention.
If the engine coolant gets in your
eyes, rinse your eyes immediately
with a large amount of water for
15 minutes or longer. Also, if your (Continued)
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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Vehicle Care 265
Warning (Continued)
eyes are still irritated or otherwise
feel abnormal, seek immediate
medical attention.
If the engine coolant gets on your
skin, rinse it off using a soap with
a large amount of water. Also,
if abnormality is seen, seek
medical attention.
Engine coolant is flammable, and
therefore, it must be kept away
from flames and other heat
sources. Engine coolant also
could ignite if it comes in contact
with a hot surface, such as the
exhaust manifold. Exercise
caution to prevent this from
happening.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Preparing Engine Coolant
To prevent engine damage due to
freezing of the engine coolant and
to protect the cooling system from
corrosion, use a mixture of the recommended type antifreeze and
water. If the engine of the vehicle is
at
−30 °C (−22 °F) or above, the
coolant concentration should be
50%. Direct use of “50/50
Pre-diluted” product which is already
diluted to 50% concentration is
recommended. If the outside
temperature engine or vehicle is
used at −30 °C (−22 °F) or below,
coolant concentration of 55% is
recommended.
It is the owner ’s responsibility to:
. Maintain the engine cooling
system freeze protection at or
above −30 °C (−22 °F) (at or
below −30 °C (−22 °F) in colder
climates to ensure protection
against corrosion and loss of
engine coolant from boiling.
A 50/50 (55/45 for colder
climates) mixture of the
recommended type antifreeze
and water will provide freeze
protection to at or above −30 °C
(−22 °F), (at or below −30 °C
(−22 °F) in colder climates) and
boil protection to 128 °C
(262 °F). Periodic replacement
of engine coolant is needed to replenish the anticorrosion
additives that wear out with use.
Engine coolant that has become
dark in color shows that it needs
to be changed.
. Use only the recommended
coolant. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0378.
. Do not use methanol-base
antifreeze, alcohol or plain water
alone in your vehicle at any time.
They will boil at a lower point
than that at which the engine
coolant temperature gauge will
warn of overheating, and they do
not provide proper protection
against corrosion.
Engine Coolant Quantity
For the quantity of engine coolant,
see Capacities and Specifications
0 389. After changing the engine
coolant, check that the engine
coolant is up to the specified level.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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266 Vehicle Care
{Warning
For storage, close the cap of
coolant container securely and
keep it in a place inaccessible to
children.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Using any coolant other than that
recommended by your dealer could
cause damage to the engine,
radiator or heater core. In particular,
use of coolants containing borate
salts or silicates may result in
engine or radiator corrosion,
causing engine coolant leaks and
other problems.
To dilute the coolant, use distilled
water or deionized water.
Do not use the coolant at any
coolant concentration other than
that specified. If the coolant
concentration is 60% or higher,
overheating is likely to occur, while
if it is 30% or lower, anti-corrosion
function is not provided sufficiently. Using coolant at any coolant
concentration other than that
specified may reduce anti-freezing
performance, and engine coolant
may freeze.
If the engine coolant decreases
rapidly, go immediately to the
nearest dealer for a check and
repair.
Checking the Engine Coolant
Level
For the single cab model, the
engine coolant reserve tank is
located behind the front-right wheel.
See
Cab Tilting 0247.
For the 3.0L diesel and the 6.0L
crew cab models, the engine
coolant reserve tank is under the
access panel beneath the left rear
seat. See Engine Cover 0250.
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Vehicle Care 267
For the 5.2L crew cab model, the
engine coolant reserve tank is under
the access panel beneath the left
rear seat. SeeEngine Cover0250.
When the engine has cooled down,
make sure that the fluid level in the
engine coolant reserve tank is no
lower than the “MIN”line. In
addition, carefully remove the
radiator cap and check to see if it is
damaged. Check that the engine
coolant is full to the filler neck.
Check the engine coolant level only
when it is cold.The radiator cap (1) opens and
closes in double action. When
removing the radiator cap, take
caution not to damage the cap and
the filler neck (2).
Turn the cap slowly to the left until it
reaches a “stop”. Do not press down
while turning the cap.
Wait until any remaining pressure
(indicated by a hissing sound) is
relieved, then press down on the
cap and continue turning it to
the left.
Also, check to make sure there are
no leaks from the radiator or
radiator hose. Check for fluid or stains on the ground showing leaks
where the vehicle is parked. Contact
your dealer if you discover leaks.
Using the vehicle when there are
leaks can lead to engine seizure.
Adding Engine Coolant
Single Cab Model