
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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Vehicle Care 223
Engine Coolant Reserve Tank
Inspection Cover (Crew Cab
Model)
To gain access to the engine
coolant reserve tank, remove the
inspection cover located under the
rear left seat.
Engine Oil
Engine oil is an important factor
determining engine performance
and longevity. Be sure to use only
the specified oil and oil filters. The
engine oil level must be checked
and the oil should be changed
regularly according to the
Maintenance Schedule.The engine oil performs the
following important functions:
.
It prevents engine parts from
becoming worn.
. It cools engine parts.
. It cleans engine parts.
. It seals the combustion
chambers and prevents rust.
Replace the engine oil at regular
intervals.
When particulate matter (PM) has
accumulated to a preset level in the
diesel particulate filter (DPF), the
filter is automatically regenerated
through combustion. To make this
regeneration (combustion) possible,
a small amount of fuel is injected
into the engine combustion chamber
after firing. This causes fuel to
gradually become mixed with the
engine oil, and the engine oil level
may rise beyond the original level.
This does not indicate a malfunction
of the engine.
Access to the Engine
Single Cab Model
Access to the engine oil dipstick is
located on the engine left side after
tilting the cab. See Cab Tilting
0 220.
Crew Cab Model
The engine oil dipstick is under the
engine inspection sub cover located
beneath the driver's seat.

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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226 Vehicle Care
Consequently, the maintenance
interval of the DPF filter will be
reduced.
Oil Identification Logo
A logo (symbol) is used on most oil
containers to help you select the oil
you should use. The top portion of
the logo shows the oil quality by API
designations such as CK4 or others.
The center portion of the logo
shows the SAE viscosity grade,
such as SAE *W-40 (* indicates
viscosity on the low temperature
side). You should look for this logo
on the oil container, and use ONLY
oil containing the logo.Change Intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals
for your engine are based on the
use of recommended oil quality and
viscosity, as well as high-quality
filters such as genuine GM oil filters.
Using oil other than recommended,
or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended, could
reduce engine life. Damage to
engines due to improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil
quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the new vehicle
warranty.
Your engine was filled with a
high-quality engine oil when it was
built. You do not have to change this
oil before the first recommended
change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend on how
you use your vehicle. For
information on the proper oil and
filter change intervals. See
Maintenance Schedule
0303. Engine Oil Additives
Engine oils contain a variety of
additives. Your engine should not
need any extra additives if you use
the recommended oil quality and
change intervals.
{Warning
Used engine oil contains harmful
contaminants that have caused
skin cancer in laboratory animals.
Avoid prolonged skin contact.
Clean skin and nails thoroughly
using soap and water–not mineral
oil, fuels or solvents. Launder or
discard clothing, shoes or rags
containing used engine oil.
Engine Oil and Gear Oil
Viscosity Charts
Select appropriate engine oil in
accordance with the table below.
It is also important to select the
viscosity appropriate for the
temperature at which your vehicle
operates. Use the following table for
making correct selections.

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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228 Vehicle Care
This Engine Oil Viscosity Grade
Chart shows general information.
For this vehicle, oil with *W-40
viscosity is recommended.
Changing the Engine Oil and
Oil Filter
Engine oil and the oil filter are
important factors in engine
performance and lifespan. Be sure
to use only the specified oil and oilfilters. The engine oil level must be
checked and the oil should be
changed regularly according to the
Maintenance Schedule.
Use the indicated oil quantities only
as guidelines when changing the
engine oil. After changing the oil,
make sure the oil is at the required
level. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0335. Failure to use the recommended
engine oil could result in engine or
DPF breakdown, or in poor fuel
efficiency. Be sure to use the
recommended engine oil.
Engine oil change precaution:
.
When adding oil, remove the
dipstick.
. After adding oil, wait for at least
5 minutes before starting the
engine. Be sure to reinstall the
dipstick.
Discarded Parts, Oils and
Other Liquids
When changing oils, filters, engine
coolant or other liquids, be sure to
have a container ready in advance
for their disposal.
Use methods conforming to legal
requirements for discarding or
disposing of parts, oils, filters or
engine coolant after change or
replacement.
Do not dispose of used engine oil,
fuel or any other oil in a careless
manner such as pouring it on the
ground, into sewers, or into streams

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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Vehicle Care 231
.Dipstick H (HOT) —
Transmission fluid
temperature Approx.
70 - 80 °C (158 - 176 °F).
. 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 0303.
Air Cleaner Indicator Light
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 086.
See Maintenance Schedule 0303.
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.
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.

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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232 Vehicle Care
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 0237. 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
0326.
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 (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
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.(Continued)

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

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
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244 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
hosing. Eventual leakage of HBB
oil, sudden increase in brake
pedal resistance and fire could
unexpectedly result in an
accident.
Hydraulic Brake Booster (HBB)
Fluid (5500HD/5500XD Series)
The HBB system has been
designed to use Dexron VI ATF
fluid. If any other fluid is used with
this system, rubber components
may be damaged, oil may leak and
the system may malfunction. It is
important to remember that the fluid
used in the hydro-booster is
completely different in
characteristics from the brake fluid
used in the master and wheel
cylinders.
If hydro-booster fluid and brake fluid
from the master cylinder are
mistakenly mixed together and
used, rubber components will
deteriorate as a result of insufficient
lubrication. Any resultant oil leakage or system malfunction can in turn
lead to dragging brakes or other
major brake problems. As such,
mixing of these two fluids can
ultimately lead to vehicle fire or
other serious accidents.
When the pump operates while the
engine is running, the fluid in the
hydro-booster will become hot.
During normal braking, the
temperature in piping and within
the hydro-booster can rise above
100 °C (212 °F). For this reason,
special care will be required when
working with hydro-booster
components. If the hydro-booster is
to be removed from the vehicle,
shut off the engine and then allow at
least 30 minutes for it to cool down
before beginning this operation.
Even when the engine is stopped,
the hydro-booster's accumulator will
remain in a highly-pressurized
condition for a significant period of
time. Before removing the
hydro-booster or piping from the
vehicle, stop the engine and press
the brake pedal at least 10 times in
order to lower the accumulator
pressure to atmospheric pressure.This is of particular importance
when removing components such
as the accumulator or pressure
switch from the hydro-booster.
If these operations are attempted
while the accumulator is still at a
high pressure, hydro-booster fluid
may spray out.
Checking the Hydro-booster Fluid
Level
Check the hydro-booster fluid level
and change the fluid according to
the Maintenance Schedule.
The hydro-booster fluid level is
correct if it is between the "MAX"
and "MIN" lines. If the level is too