Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
Vehicle Care 217
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 218
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 218
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Cab Tilting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 231
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 237
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 240
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Rear Axle (Gear Oil Viscosity
Chart) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Rear Axle (Oil Level Check) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 250
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 252
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Headlamps and Front Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Roofmarker Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Sidemarker Lamps (Including Turn Signal and Cornering
Lamps) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 263
Interior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 264
Wheels and Tires
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
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.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
Vehicle Care 241
Warning (Continued)
Do not mix the recommended
power steering fluid with fluids of
other brands. Due to chemical
reactions, any mixture of
differently branded fluids may
cause failure of the system.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Washer Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
The windshield washer is equipped
on the windshield wiper arm.
Check the level of fluid in the
windshield washer fluid tank. In
addition, spray windshield washer
fluid and operate the windshield
wipers to check for any areas not
properly wiped. At this time, also
check the spraying condition of the
windshield washer.Inspect the washer fluid level
regularly, especially during bad
weather conditions.
Use a high quality premixed solvent
available at most dealers or service
stations.
Avoid hard water when mixing
windshield washer solvents. Hard
water contaminants may plug
orifices in the washer system and
reduce performance.
Do not use radiator antifreeze in the
windshield washer; it could cause
cab paint damage.
In cold weather, warm the
windshield with the defrosters
before using the washer, to help
prevent icing that may block the
driver's vision.
Refilling Windshield Washer
Fluid
1. The windshield washer fluid
tank (1) is located under the
instrument panel on the
passenger side.
2. Open the cap (2) and fill the tank with windshield washer
fluid.
Upon factory shipment, new
vehicles contain only tap water in
the washer fluid tank. Adjust the
concentration of the fluid to suit your
own usage.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
Vehicle Care 243
utilizes hydraulic pressure from the
HBB pump integral with the power
steering pump.
If the brake booster warning light
comes on or a warning buzzer
continues to sound, there may be a
problem with the HBB.
If this warning light comes on while
driving, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place well clear of
traffic and promptly contact the
nearest dealer for inspection.
Hydraulic brake booster (HBB)
characteristics
In the 5500HD, 5500XD models, an
unusual sound from under the
instrument panel may be heard from
the hydraulic system while brakes
are used. It does not mean trouble.
It is not a sign of malfunction.
If you pump the brakes with the
engine off, a squeaking sound can
be heard. This comes from the
auxiliary accumulator. It is not a
malfunction. With the engine
running, a similar sound can be
heard during sudden braking.Another characteristic of the HBB
system is that the brake pedal may
be pressed easily to the floor with
the vehicle at a stop. This is not a
sign of malfunction.
When the engine is running, the
system automatically charges the
accumulator whenever pressure has
been reduced after braking. Auto
charge may be activated without
braking, depending on temperature
changes in the accumulator. During
auto charge, a hissing and clicking
sound can be heard. This is not a
malfunction.
With the engine running, a booming
sound can be heard during hard
braking. This comes from the
brake-fluid pump. It is not a
malfunction.
Applying continuous hard braking
for a long time will lead to
considerable temperature rise in the
HBB pump. Such overworking of the
brakes is best avoided.
Vacuum or hydraulic power
assisted brakes
If the engine stops, do not pump the
brakes. The system is designed to
stop the vehicle with reserve power
assist if the brake pedal is held
down. This reserve is greatly
reduced each time you apply and
release the brakes. If, when you
turn the steering wheel during
braking, the vehicle does not turn,
release some pressure from the
brake pedal.
In a Vehicle Equipped with an
HBB, Do Not Keep the Brake
Pedal Pressed for an Extended
Period
Caution
Failure to follow the above
instruction will cause the oil inside
the HBB oil pump to get very hot.
This could damage the HBB tank
and deteriorate seals and also
could cause damage to the HBB
oil pump, HBB unit and/or HBB
(Continued)
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
Service and Maintenance 309
No. Service Interval16 000 km/10,000 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
32 000 km/20,000 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
64 000 km/40,000 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
80 000 km/50,000 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
112 000 km/70,000 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
128 000 km/80,000 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
160 000 km/100,000 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi
176 000 km/110,000 mi
Service intervals
months or
kilometers
(miles)
whichever
occurs first (1)
22 Hydraulic brake booster
(HBB) fluid (5500HD
5500XD models) - - - R - - - R - - - R - - -
or every
24 months
23 Brake line and hoses - - I - I - - I - - I - I - I or every
12 months
24 Parking brake cable I - I I I - I I I - I I I - I or every
12 months
25 Automatic transmission
fluid
I - I R I - I R I - I R I - I or every
12 months
26 Differential gear oil I - I R I - I R I - I R I - I or every
24 months
27 Power steering fluid - - - R - - - R - - - R - - - or every
24 months
28 Power steering oil hoses - - - - - - R - - - - - R - - or every
24 months
29 Steering wheel free
play (4) Every 10 400 km (6,500 miles): I
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
Service and Maintenance 315
20. Brake Electric Vacuum Pump
(4500HD, 4500XD models) :
Inspect the brake electric vacuum
pump operation every 16 000 km
(10,000 miles) or 12 months,
whichever occurs first.
21. Brake Fluid :Check the fluid in
the brake fluid reservoir every
16 000 km (10,000 miles). Replace
the fluid every 48 000 km
(30,000 miles).
22. Hydraulic Brake Booster Fluid
(5500HD, 5500XD models) :
Replace Dexron VI ATF fluid every
24 months or 30,000 miles
(48,000 km), whichever occurs first.
23. Brake Line and Hoses : Check
lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
every 32 000 km (20,000 miles).
Any questionable parts should be
replaced or repaired at once. When
rubbing or wear is noted on lines or
hoses, the cause must be corrected
at once.
24. Parking Brake Cable : Check
the parking brake cable every
16 000 km (10,000 miles) or
12 months whichever occurs first. 25. Automatic Transmission
Fluid :
Check the automatic
transmission fluid level at each
engine oil change and replace fluid
every 48 000 km (30,000 miles). Do
not overfill.
26. Differential Gear Oil : Replace
lubricant every 48 000 km
(30,000 miles). Check lubricant level
every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or
every 12 months, and add lubricant
to within 0 to 10 mm (0 to 0.4 inch)
of the bottom edge of the filler hole
if necessary.
27. Power Steering Fluid :
Replace power steering fluid every
24 months or 48 000 km
(30,000 miles), whichever occurs
first.
28. Power Steering Oil Hoses :
Replace power steering oil hoses
every 24 months or 80 000 km
(50,000 miles), whichever occurs
first.
29. Steering Wheel Free Play :
Check steering wheel free play after
the first 1 040 km (650 miles) and
then every 10 400 km (6,500 miles). Steering wheel free play
10-50 mm (0.39-1.97 in)
30. Steering Gear Box Torque :
Retighten the attaching bolts of the
steering gear box to the specified
torque every 12 months or every
32 000 km (20,000 miles) whichever
occurs first. Steering gear box tightening torque
103 Y(76 lb·ft)
31. Driveshaft Flange Torque :
Check the fixing bolts of driveshaft
flange for looseness or damage
after the first 16 000 km
(10,000 miles). Driveshaft flange tightening torque
103Y(76 lb·ft)
32. Driveshaft Lubrication :
Lubricate the grease fitting on the
center bearing, as well as each
universal joint and spline coupling
every 12 months or 16 000 km
(10,000 miles) whichever occurs
first.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
318 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Daily
(Pre-operation) Inspections
These checks are in addition to, not
instead of, any legally required daily
inspections. See related topics
under "Maintenance Schedule",
especially if problems are found.
For safe and comfortable driving,
keep record of the distances driven
and the condition of the vehicle
during operation. Perform
inspections at appropriate intervals,
and perform maintenance in
accordance with the findings of the
inspections. If an inspection reveals
an abnormality or there was an
abnormality the previous time the
vehicle was driven, have the vehicle
repaired by the nearest dealer
before it is driven again.1. Components that showed abnormalities during the
previous operation
.Check components that
showed abnormalities
during the previous
operation 2. Checks performed at the
engine
.Fan belt looseness and
damage
. Engine oil level
. Engine coolant level
. Power steering fluid level
3. Checks performed from the driver's seat
.Brake fluid level
. Brake pedal free play
. Operation of meters,
gauges and warning/
indicator lights
. Engine startability,
abnormal noise and color of
exhaust gases
. Parking brake lever stroke
. Windshield washer fluid
spray condition and
windshield wiper
effectiveness
. Windshield washer fluid
level .
Steering wheel position and
free play
. Operation of horn and turn
signal lights
. Door lock operation
4. Checks performed during a walk around the vehicle
.Illumination, flashing,
contamination, damage and
obstruction of lights
. Contamination, damage ad
obstruction of windows,
mirrors and reflectors
. Leaf spring damage
. Oil, engine coolant, fuel,
brake fluid and power
steering fluid leaks
. Water separator
5. Checking wheels and tires .Air pressure
. Cracks and other damage
. Abnormal wear
. Tread depth
. Mounting condition of all
wheel nuts
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
Service and Maintenance 319
6. Checks performed after theengine startup
.Oil, engine coolant, fuel,
brake fluid and power
steering fluid leaks
. Inspect the exhaust system,
checking that the tailpipe is
clear
7. Checks performed while driving the vehicle
.Brake effectiveness
. Engine abnormal noises
Keep the Floor Around the Driver
Seat Clean and Tidy
{Warning
It is extremely dangerous to have
empty cans, empty bottles,
or other items rolling around on
the floor because they could get
trapped under the brake pedal
and prevent brake application.
For proper pedal operation, it is
also essential to lay floor mats (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
properly. Incorrectly installed floor
mats would hinder free movement
of the pedals.
Do not use the dashboard pocket
or the top of the dashboard as a
place to put items that could roll,
which could interfere with your
driving. You and others could be
seriously injured.
Choose Your Footwear Suitable
for Driving
{Warning
Choose footwear that ensures
proper operation of pedals when
driving the vehicle. Use of
footwear unsuitable for driving
may cause an accident. The
driver could be seriously injured
when not wearing the proper
footwear.
Electrical System
Following the after-delivery service,
it is the owner's responsibility to
check all wiring periodically for
cracked, chafed or oil-soaked
insulation and maintain it in a clean
and tight condition to ensure
satisfactory operation of the
electrical system.
Headlights and Turn Signal
Lights
Turn the engine control switch to the
"ON" position, and then check the
way in which the headlights, turn
signal lights, and other exterior
lights come on and flash. In
addition, press the brake pedal to
confirm whether the stop lights
come on, and shift the transmission
to "R" position to confirm whether
the back up lights come on. Also
examine the lights for discoloration,
damage, and looseness.