check oil GMC SIERRA 1993 Owners Manual

. If the light. doesn’t go off, wait a few seconds, then try staiting your engine
again. And, see your dealer
as soon as you- can for a starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes out and you know your batte\
ries are
charged, but your engine still won’t start, your vehicle nee\
ds service.
If your batteries don’t have enough .charge to start ,your engine, see “Battery”
in the Index.
Be sure you have the right oil for your engine, and that you’ve changed the
oil
at the proper times. If you use the wrong oil, your engine may be harder
to start.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then stops, your vehicle needs service.
NOTICE
Don’t use starting “aids” such as ether or gasoline, in the m~v intakc They
could damage your engine.
..- - .- * K2214
In very cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or colder, if you have an engine block
heater, it can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up.
2-1 9
ProCarManuals.com

Features & Controls
A reading in the low pressure zone may be caused by a dangerously low oil
level or other problem causing low oil pressure. Check your oil as soon as
possible.
bnu I IUIY
+ Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your engine
can become
so hot that it catches on fire. You or others could be
burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle
serviced.
I NOTICE
Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly anc
not covered by your warranty.
Voltmeter
Standard Cluster Tachometer Cluster
14 14
A
K2336
When your engine is not running, but the ignition is on (in the Run position),
this gage shows your battery’s state of charge in DC volts. When the engine
is running, the gage shows the condition of the charging system. Readings
between the low and high warning zones indicate the normal ope\
rating range.
Readings
in either warning zone indicate a possible problem in the electrical
system.
2-90
ProCarManuals.com

close behind you, you can allow a little extra time and flash\
your brake lights (in addition to your turn signal) as extra warning that you are about to slow
down and exit.
The exit ramp can be curvea, somerlmes quite sharply. The exit\
speed is
usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer,\
not to
your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher\
speeds, you
may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are.\
For example,
40 rnph (65 km/h) might seem like only 20 mph (30 km/h). Obviously, this
could lead to serious trouble
on a ramp designed for 20 mph (30 kmlh)!
Driving a Long Distance
Although most long trips today are made on freeways, there are\
still many
made on regular highways.
Long-distance driving on freeways and regular highways is the s\
ame in some
ways. The trip has to be planned and the vehicle prepared, you drive at\

higher-than-city speeds, and there are longer turns behind the \
wheel. You’ll
enjoy your trip more
if you and your vehicle are in good shape. Here are
some tips for a successful long trip.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re
not fresh-such as after a day’s work-don’t plan to make too many miles
that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and \
shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained,
it’s ready to go.
If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of
course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in \
your vehicle’s
dealerships all across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help \
if
you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels?
Lights: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread
good enough for long distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure? inside and outside?
445
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can
roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenl\
y.
You
or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move,
when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer case is in N (Neutral),
your vehicle will be free to
roll, even if your shift lever is in P (Park).
So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear-not in N (Neutral).
If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re pulling a trailer, also see
“Parking On Hills” in the Index.
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parklng on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer To wing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See
the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are esp\
ecially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t overfill),
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system, and brake ad\
justment. Each
of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help \
you find them
quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these sections before
you start your trip.
Check periodically
to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
mailer Wiring Harness
See “Trailer Wiring Harness’’ in the Index.
4-61
ProCarManuals.com

Service & Appearance Care
.....
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle . This Section
begins with service and fuel information. and then it shows how to check
important fluid and lubricant levels
. There is also technical information about
your vehicle. and a section devoted to its appearance care
.
Service ........................................................................\
........................................... 6-3
Fuel (Gasoline Engines)
........................................................................\
............... 6-4
Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System
...................................................... 6-6
Checking Things Under the Hood
..................................................................... 6-17
Hood Release
........................................................................\
.......................... 6-18
Cleaning Your Diesel Engine
........................................................................\
.. 6-19
Noise Control System
........................................................................\
............. 6-19
Engine Oil (Except Diesel)
........................................................................\
..... 6.20
Engine Oil (Diesel Engines)
........................................................................\
... 6-26
Air Cleaner
........................................................................\
............................... 6-31
Automatic Transmission Fluid
........................................................................\
. 6-33
Manual Transmission Fluid
........................................................................\
..... 6-36
Hydraulic Clutch
........................................................................\
....................... 6-37
Transfer Case
........................................................................\
.......................... 6-39
Front Axle ........................................................................\
................................. 6-40
Rear Axle
........................................................................\
................................. 6-41
6-1
ProCarManuals.com

Service & Appearance Care
Diesel Fuel Requirements
and Fuel System
Some states and provinces have restrictions on the purchase of diesel fuel
for light-duty vehicles and require you
to buy permits or pay special taxes.
Some of these restrictions apply only
to residents, and others apply to both
residents and visitors. These restrictions can change.
To learn the current
restrictions in any state or province, contact your auto club, \
the police or
other officials.
Fuel Requirements
1 NOTICE
Diesel fuel or fuel additives not recommended in this manual could
damage your fuel system and engine. Your warranty wouldn’t cover thi
damage. And:
Diesel fuel that has been mixed with engine oil could damage your
engine and emission controls.
Always check with your service station
his
diesel fuel, it can be difficult to restart your
engine. “Running Out of Fuel,” later
in this section, tells you how to
get
it started again. To avoid all this, try never to let. your tank get
What Fuel to Use:
You can use either Number I-D or Number 2-D diesel fuel, but you’ll get
better fuel economy using
2-D.
Diesel fuel may foam when you fill your tank. This can cause the automatic
pump nozzle
to shut off, even though your tank isn’t full. If this happens, just
wait for the foaming to stop and then continue to fill your tank.
1 CAUTION
- Heat coming from the engine may cause the fuel to expand and force
the fuel out of your tank. If something ignites the fuel, a \
fire could start
and people could be burned.
To help avoid this, fill your fuel tank only
until the automatic nozzle shuts
off. Don’t try to “top if off .” I
I
6-6
ProCarManuals.com

6. Close the water drain valve and connect a hose going from the air bleed\

valve port
to a fuel-resistant container. The inside diameter of the hose
should be one-eighth of an inch.
for the starter to cool.
Do this until you can see clear fuel coming from
the air bleed valve.
7. Turn your ignition key to Start for 10 to 15 seconds. Wait one minute
8. Close the air bleed valve and replace the fuel tank cap.
9. Start your engine and let it idle for five minutes. Be sure to check your
fuel filter for leaks.
Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline Engines)
If you plan on driving in another country outside the US. or Canada,
unleaded fuel may be hard to find.
Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use
even one tank full, your emission controls won’t work well \
or at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system \
can corrode,
and your engine oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s three-way catalytic
converter and oxygen sensor will be damaged.
All of that means costly
repairs that wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for advice. Just tell us where
you’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors of Canada Ltd.
International Export Sales
Post Office Box
828
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7N1, Canada
6-1 5
ProCarManuals.com

Service & Appearance Care
Exhaust:
Removal of muffler andlor resonator.
Removal of exhaust pipes and exhaust pipe clamps.
Engine Oil (Except Diesel)
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to
get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle\
must be on
level ground.
t
L
K2389
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to get back down into the
oil pan.
If you don't, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
I
K2613
To Check Engine Oil: Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip lower.
6-20
ProCarManuals.com

Service & Appearance Care
Engine Block Heater:
An engine block heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in very
cold weather,
0°F (-18°C) or colder. If your vehicle has this option, see
“Engine Block Heater” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil:
I CAUTION I
Used engine oil contains things that have caused skin cancer
laboratory animals. Don’t let used oil stay on your skin fo\
r very
I
Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good han\
d
cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags containin\
g
used engine oil.
Used-oil can be a real threat
to the environment. If you change your own oil,
be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disp\
osal. Don’t ever
dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used
oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of your used
oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling \
center for help.
Engine Oil (Diesel Engines)
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil level every time you get fuel. In
order
to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle\
must
be on level ground.
c
-
K2394
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to drain back into the oil
pan. If you don’t the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
6-26
ProCarManuals.com

T-
K2613
To Check Engine Oil: Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or a cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip
lower.
When to Add Oil: If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need to
add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This part explains what kind\

of oil to use. For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Spec\
ifications’’ in
the Index.
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the proper operating range, your engine could
be damaged. I
I
w
ii
I
- “‘I
. ..
Ll
6 -”
i f f i
w
K2395
6-27
ProCarManuals.com