Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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234 Vehicle Care
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.
SeeCab Tilting 0220.
For the crew cab model, the engine
coolant reserve tank is under the
access panel beneath the left rear
seat. See Engine Cover 0222.
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.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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Vehicle Care 235
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
Crew Cab Model
When the engine coolant level in the
engine coolant reserve tank is
below the “MIN”line, open the
reserve tank cap and fill to near the
“MAX” line with engine coolant.
Wash the reserve tank cap and filler
neck with clean water. Tighten the
cap securely after the engine
coolant has been replenished.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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236 Vehicle Care
1. When the engine is cool,remove the radiator cap (1).
.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. 2. Fill the radiator to the base of
the filler neck (2).
.Add enough engine coolant
to provide the required
cooling, freezing and
corrosion protection.
. Install the radiator cap.
3. Run the engine until the engine coolant temperature rises to
normal level, and idle the
engine for 10 minutes.
4. Turn off the engine. Make sure that the engine is cool.
Remove the radiator cap and
add engine coolant to the
radiator until it reaches the
base of the filler neck.
5. Install the radiator cap.
Check, replenish or change the
engine coolant only after the engine
has sufficiently cooled down.
When the engine is still hot, take
care to prevent engine coolant from
contact with the exhaust manifold.
Any such contact could result in
exhaust manifold damage. If you use the proper quality engine
coolant, there is no need to add
extra inhibitors or additives which
claim to improve the system. They
may be harmful to the proper
operation of the system.
Do not overfill the engine coolant
reserve tank.
If the level of engine coolant
changes rapidly, have your vehicle
inspected at your dealer.
Thermostat
The engine coolant temperature is
controlled by thermostat(s). The
thermostats stop engine coolant
flow through the radiator until a
preset temperature is reached. The
thermostats are installed in the
engine coolant outlet on the engine
block. The same thermostats are
used in both winter and summer.
When a replacement is needed,
genuine GM parts are
recommended.
Radiator Pressure Cap
The radiator cap, a 108 kPa (16 psi)
pressure type, must be installed
tightly, otherwise engine coolant
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Vehicle Care 237
may be lost and damage to the
engine may result from overheating.
The radiator pressure cap should be
checked periodically for proper
operation. If a replacement is
required, a genuine GM part is
recommended.
Engine Overheating
When the Engine Overheats
The engine cooling system may
overheat if the engine coolant level
is too low, if there is a sudden loss
of engine coolant (such as radiator
hose failure), or if other problems
occur. It may also temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions such as:
.Climbing a long hill on a hot day.
. Stopping after high-speed
driving.
. Idling for long periods in traffic.
If engine power drops and the
needle on the engine coolant
temperature gauge goes up above
the upper limit of the safety zone
and enters the "H" zone, the engine
is overheating. The engine overheat warning light will come on and the
warning buzzer will sound. Either
steam or boiling engine coolant will
squirt out of the radiator. The
vehicle will also have an
“OVER
HEAT” message displayed. Take the
following corrective actions
immediately.
{Warning
To help avoid being burned:
Do not tilt the cab or open the
engine access cover if you see or
hear steam or engine coolant
escaping from the engine
compartment. Wait until no steam
or engine coolant can be seen or
heard before tilting the cab or
opening the engine cover.
Do not remove the radiator cap or
engine coolant reserve tank cap if
the engine coolant in the tank is
boiling. Also do not remove the
radiator cap while the engine and
radiator are still hot. Scalding fluid
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and steam can be blown out
under pressure if either cap is
taken off too soon.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge shows an overheat
condition or you have other
reasons to suspect the engine
may be overheating, continued
operation of the engine (other
than as described here) even for
a short period of time may cause
a fire and the result in personal
injury and severe vehicle
damage. Take immediate action
as outlined.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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238 Vehicle Care
If you see or hear escaping steam
or have any other reason to suspect
there is a serious overheat
condition, stop and park the vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so, turn
on the hazard warning flasher and
then turn off the engine immediately
and safely exit the vehicle.
If Steam Is Not Coming from the
Engine Compartment
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge shows an overheat condition,
or you have reason to suspect the
engine may be overheating, take
the following steps:1. Operate the hazard warning flasher and pull the vehicle
immediately over to a safe
place that does not impede
traffic and park it.
2. Idle the engine and wait until the engine coolant temperature
drops to safety zone. If your air
conditioner (if equipped) is on,
turn it off. And turn on the
heater to help the engine
expel heat. 3. When the needle of the engine
coolant temperature gauge
returns to the middle of the
safety zone, stop the engine.
If the needle of engine coolant
temperature gauge does not
drop inside into the safety
zone, turn the engine off and
have your vehicle serviced at
the nearest dealer.
When the cooling fan for the
radiator is not turning, turn off
the engine immediately.
{Warning
Even when the engine has been
stopped, the engine coolant in the
radiator remains under pressure.
Immediately removing the radiator
cap could cause steam or hot
water to blow out, and you could
be scalded as a result. The
engine coolant in the reserve tank
may also be hot. Immediately
removing the cap could cause hot
water to blow out, and possibly
scald you. Perform inspection,
(Continued)
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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Vehicle Care 239
Warning (Continued)
refilling, and replacement of
coolant only when its temperature
has cooled.
When removing the radiator cap
and reserve tank cap, use a thick
cloth to cover the cap and turn it
little by little.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
4. If no steam or engine coolant can be seen or heard from the
engine compartment:
.Tilt the cab or open the
engine access cover.
‐If the engine coolant is
boiling, wait until it stops
before proceeding.
‐ Look at the see-through
reserve tank. The
engine coolant level
should be between the
"MAX" and "MIN" lines
on the reserve tank. ‐
If necessary, pour
engine coolant (See
Engine Coolant 0231
for the proper coolant
and water mixture) into
the reserve tank only,
not directly into the
radiator. Also, do not
check engine coolant
level at the radiator.
. Make sure the fan belts are
not broken, or off the
pulleys, and that the fan
turns when the engine is
started. Make sure the fan
blade and pulleys are not
broken.
. Check the radiator hoses
and connections, heater
hoses and connections,
radiator, water pump, EGR
cooler, and SCR system
and hoses for leakage.
If you do not find a leak or
other problem, carefully add
engine coolant to the
reserve tank. If the engine coolant level in
the reserve tank is at the
correct level but there is still
an indication on the
instrument panel of an
overheat condition:
You must let the engine
cool first. You may then add
engine coolant directly to
the radiator. See
“Adding
Engine Coolant” under
Engine Coolant 0231.
5. Inspect to see if there is any dirt, etc. attached to the front
surface of the radiator. Also,
inspect to see if there is
anything blocking the core.
If there is anything attached,
clean and remove it.
6. After the inspection, regardless of the vehicle condition, please
contact the nearest dealer.
Once the engine coolant
temperature gauge no longer
signals an overheat condition, you
can resume driving at a reduced
speed. Return to normal driving
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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240 Vehicle Care
after about 10 minutes if the gauge
pointer does not again show an
overheat condition.
When tap water only has been used
for engine coolant in an emergency,
change the engine coolant as soon
as possible.
Engine damage may be caused if
an overheating engine is suddenly
refilled with water. Instead, refill
slowly.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid level must
be checked and it must be changed
according to the Maintenance
Schedule. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0303.
When replenishing power steering
fluid or flushing the power steering
system, always use ATF
(Dexron
®-VI). Failure to use the
proper fluid may damage the power
steering system seals and hoses,
leading to fluid leakage.
Checking the Power Steering
Fluid Level
The fluid level is correct if it is
between the “MAX”and“MIN” lines
on the reserve tank. If the level is
lower that the “MIN”line, add fluid
up to the “MAX”line.
The reserve tank is located at the
rear of the engine compartment on
the right. When you have finished
checking the fluid level, securely
install the cap and cover.
When you have finished checking
the fluid level, securely install
the cap.
The fluid level is correct if it is
between the "MAX" and "MIN" lines
on the oil dipstick. If the level is
lower than the "MIN" line, add fluid
up to the "MAX" line.
{Warning
Before adding fluid, clean the
area around the cap and pour
fluid from a clean jug or filler.
Foreign matter getting in the tank
may cause power steering system
failure. (Continued)
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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242 Vehicle Care
Follow the instructions provided with
the windshield washer fluid
regarding the ratio for mixing with
tap water.
Poor quality products, engine
coolant, and soapy water must not
be used. Failure to observe this
precaution can result in nozzle
blockage or damage to painted
surfaces.
The washer should never be used
while the tank is empty. Operating
the washer with the tank empty can
result in motor damage.
Brakes
For the most effective braking and
for maximum life from brake system
components, follow these
suggestions:
.Keep any obstructions from
interfering with brake pedal
travel.
. Keep tires properly inflated.
Improperly inflated tires can
reduce the efficiency of the
brakes. Follow the recommendations for
brake checks in the Maintenance
Schedule.
GM replacement brake lining
material is recommended for this
vehicle to maintain the balance
between front and rear brake
performance. GM replacement
brake parts have been carefully
selected to provide the proper brake
balance for purposes of both
stopping distance and controllability
over the full range of operating
conditions. Installation of front or
rear brake lining material with
performance different from that of
the replacement parts
recommended for this vehicle can
change the intended brake balance
of this vehicle.
Checking the Brake Electric
Vacuum Pump (4500HD/
4500XD Series)
1. Turn the engine control switch
to the "ON" position (do not
start the engine), and press the
brake pedal several times. 2. Check for the noisy sound of
the electric vacuum pump
inside the instrument panel at
the same time as vacuum
warning buzzer sound, and
check that the brake low
vacuum warning light
comes on.
3. Then, start the engine. The main vacuum pump driven by
the engine will start running.
If the electric vacuum pump
operation (noisy sound) and
the vacuum warning buzzer
stop, and the brake low
vacuum warning light goes off
thereafter, the operation is
normal.
4. If you cannot hear the noisy sound or the noisy sound stays
on all the time, have the
vehicle inspected by the
nearest dealer immediately.Hydraulic Brake Booster (HBB)
The 5500HD, 5500XD models are
equipped with an HBB system. HBB
is a brake booster device that