Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
Vehicle Care 239
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 240
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 240
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Cab Tilting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 253
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 259
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 262
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Battery - North America . . . . . . 269 Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Rear Axle (Gear Oil Viscosity
Chart) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Rear Axle (Oil Level Check) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 272
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 275
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Headlamps and Front Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Roofmarker Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Sidemarker Lamps (Including Turn Signal and Cornering
Lamps) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 286
Interior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 287
Wheels and Tires
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
262 Vehicle Care
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid level must
be checked and it must be changed
according to the Maintenance
Schedule. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0327.
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 power steering fluid 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
reinstall the cap and cover.
{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.
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
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
264 Vehicle Care
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 switchto 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 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.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
Vehicle Care 265
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)
Caution (Continued)
hosing. Eventual leakage of HBB
oil, sudden increase in brake
pedal resistance and fire could
unexpectedly result in a crash.
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
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
316 Vehicle Care
Front End Towing (All Wheels On
the Ground)
Your vehicle may be towed on all
wheels provided the steering is
operable. Remember that power
steering and brakes will not have
power assist. There must be a tow
bar installed between the tow
vehicle and the disabled vehicle.
Towing with all wheels on theground
1. Bumper
2. Tow Hook
3. Front Axle
4. Towing Guide
5. Towing Chain
To prepare a disabled vehicle for
front end towing with all wheels on
the ground, the following steps are
necessary:
.Block the rear wheels of the
disabled vehicle.
. Disconnect the driveshaft at the
rear axle. Secure the driveshaft
to the frame or crossmember.
When towing, disconnect the
driveshaft at the rear axle to ensure
the transmission is not damaged.
The rear end of the driveshaft must
be disconnected and safely secured
if the 80 km (50 mi) or 48 km/h
(30 mph) is exceeded.
Provide wood blocking to prevent
towing chains and bar from coming
into contact with the bumper.
If there is damage or suspected
damage to the rear axle, remove the
axle shafts.
Cover the hub openings to prevent
the loss of lubricant or entry of dirt
or foreign objects. After Towing
After towing the vehicle, block the
rear wheels and install axle shafts
or driveshaft.
Apply the parking brake before
disconnecting from the towing
vehicle. Check and fill rear axle with
oil, if required.
Rear End Towing
When towing a vehicle with rear
wheels raised, secure the steering
wheel to maintain straight-ahead
position. Make certain that the front
axle is not loaded beyond the front
axle gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) as indicated on the
vehicle's VIN and weight rating
plate.
Special Towing Instructions
1. All state and local laws regarding such items as
warning signals, night
illumination, speed, etc., must
be followed.
2. Safety chains must be used.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
Service and Maintenance 333
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)
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
30 Steering gear box torque - - T - T - - T - - T - T - - or every
12 months
31 Drive shaft flange torque T - T T T - T T T - T T T - T or every
12 months
32 Drive shaft lubrication L - L L L - L L L - L L L - L or every
12 months
33 Leaf spring U-bolt
torque (4) T - T T T - T T T - T T T - T
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
338 Service and Maintenance
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 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
340 Service and Maintenance
Owner Checks and
Services
Before Driving
Proper care and driving is important
not only for extended service life of
your vehicle, but also for improved
fuel and oil economy. Drive carefully
and defensively. Be sure you know
how to use your truck and its
equipment before operating it.
Starting and Operating
Proper care and operation will not
only extend the service life of your
vehicle but also improve fuel
economy.
Check Around the Vehicle Before
Starting the Engine
Before pulling away, perform a
thorough safety check, making sure
there are no children or obstructions
around the vehicle.
Take off the chocks after confirming
that the parking brake is securely
applied. Sit behind the wheel, adjust
the seat position, and buckle up theseat belt. The passengers are also
required to buckle up the seat belts.
Adjust the positions of the steering
wheel and mirrors. Lock the doors.
Turn the power of the dome light or
accessories OFF before starting the
engine.
Engine Conditions
Checking the Engine for
Startability and Abnormal Noises
1. Make sure the parking brake is securely engaged. Step firmly
on the brake pedal.
2. Make sure the selector lever is in "P" or "N" position.
For safety, firmly press the
brake pedal before starting the
engine.
3. Turn the engine control switch to start the engine.
Check that the engine starts
quickly with no abnormal
noises. Checking Condition of the Engine
at Low Speeds and during
Acceleration
1. Make sure the transmission is in the "P" or "N" position and
the parking brake is securely
engaged.
2. Turn the engine control switch to start the engine, and run it to
warm up.
3. Check that the engine is running at a speed within the
standard idle speed range.
During regeneration of the
diesel particulate filter (DPF),
the engine idle speed may
increase.
4. Drive the vehicle, making sure the accelerator pedal does not
stick when gradually
accelerating, the engine speed
rises smoothly and it does not
knock.