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
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
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
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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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.-
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324 Service and Maintenance
one side, unusual sounds when
braking, increased brake pedal
travel or harder pedal. The front and
rear brakes are attached to an auto
adjuster mechanism. If there are no
defects, as the pedal travel is
properly maintained, adjustments
are not necessary. Check regularly
that the brake fluid reservoir
(left-hand side of the instrument
panel) or HBB reservoir (5500HD,
5500XD models: left side behind the
cab) is properly filled and check for
fluid leaks. Any of these conditions
could indicate the need for brake
system inspection and/or service.
G: Exhaust System :Be alert for
any changes in the sound of the
exhaust system or any smell of
fumes. These are signs the system
may be leaking. Have it checked
and/or repaired at once. (Refer to
"Engine Exhaust Emissions Caution
(Carbon Monoxide)" under Engine
Exhaust 0159).
H: Windshield Wipers and
Washers : Check operation and
condition of the wiper blades. Check
the flow of the washer spray. I: Defroster :
Turn the outlet
selector knob to "Defroster" and the
fan speed control knob to the fully
clockwise position. Then check the
airflow from the ducts at the inside
base of the windshield.
J: Rearview Mirrors and Sun
Visors : Check that friction joints
hold mirrors and sun visors in place.
K: Horn : Sound the horn, now and
then, to be sure it works.
L: Lap-Shoulder Belts : Check the
seat belt system (including webbing,
buckles, latch plates and anchors)
for proper operation, and for
damage.
M: Seat Adjusters : When
adjusting the driver's manual seat,
be sure the seat adjusters latch by
pushing the seat forward and
backward. Do not attempt to adjust
the seat when the vehicle is in
motion.
N: Lamps : Check panel lighting,
warning lamps, indicator lamps and
interior lamps. On the outside,
check: license plate lamps, side
marker lamps, reflectors on outside mirrors, headlamps, parking lamps,
identification and clearance lamps,
taillights, brake lamps, turn signals,
cornering lamps, backup lamps and
hazard warning flashers. Have
headlamp aim checked immediately
if beams seem improperly aimed.
O: Glass, Mirrors, Lights and/or
Reflectors Condition :
Look for
broken, scratched, dirty or damaged
glass, mirrors, lamps or reflectors
that could reduce the view or
visibility, or cause injury. Replace,
clean or repair promptly.
P: Door Latches : Check that doors
close, latch and lock tightly. Check
for broken, damaged or missing
parts that might prevent tight
latching.
Q :Tilt Cab (Driving Position) : Be
sure the tilt lever is down and
locked.
R: Fluid Leaks : Check for fuel,
water, oil or other fluid leaks by
looking at the surface beneath the
vehicle after it has been parked for
a while. If you notice diesel fumes or
fluid at any time, have the cause
found and corrected at once.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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Service and Maintenance 327
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oils with the letters CK-4 are required for your vehicle. The CK-4
designation can appear either alone or in combination with other American
Petroleum Institute (API) designations, such as API CK-4/SL. These letters
show API levels of quality. To determine the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle's diesel engine, see Engine Oil0223.
Hydraulic Brake Booster (If
Equipped) DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Power Steerig Fluid DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Rear Axle Multi purpose gear oil SAE80W-90 GL-5, SAE90 GL-5
Rear Axle
(Limited slip differential (LSD)) Multi purpose gear oil SAE80W-90 GL-5, SAE90 GL-5 for limited slip
differential together with limited slip differential lubricant additive (GM
Part No. 88900330) or equivalent.
Windshield Washer Solvent Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
Index 353
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Diesel Particulate Filter . . . . . . . . . 161
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 341
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Driver Information Cen- ter (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Driving Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . 137, 146
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 23
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 132
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 136
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
E
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137, 146
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231 Engine (cont'd)
Alarm and Automatic
Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Check Light (Malfunction In-
dicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Checks Before Operating . . . . . 156
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 222
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 72
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
High Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Reduced Power Light . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 160
Shutdown Warning Light . . . . . . . . 80
Engine Oil Level Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Engines Diesel Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Exhaust Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Exhaust Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Exhaust Fluid Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . 92
F
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . 94
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 229
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Diesel Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Front Seat Position Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Fuel Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Cold Weather Operation . . . . . . 209
Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
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Index 357
Storage Areas (cont'd)Information on Loading the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 54
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
System Noise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Temperature, Operating . . . . . . . . 153
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 343
Three-Point Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Tires If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Towing Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Transmission (cont'd)
Overdrive Off, Automatic . . . . . . 195
Service Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 78
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
U
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
V
VehicleControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Getting In and Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 330
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Service Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Starting and Stopping . . . . . . . . . 149
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Vehicle Care
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
W
Wait to Start Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Warning Buzzers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Water in Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Windows Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 252