engine coolant GMC SIERRA 2005 User Guide

Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ll a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the gasoline vapor.
You can be badly burned and your vehicle
damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
Do not ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in contact with the
inside of the ll opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the lling is complete.
Do not smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
5-12

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-35andCoolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap on page 5-37.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (Except Allison Transmission
®)
on page 5-27orAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(Allison Transmission
®) on page 5-30.
F. Electric Engine Cooling Fan (If Equipped). See
Cooling System on page 5-40.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20.H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-46.
I. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). SeeJump
Starting on page 5-53.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-53.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-49.
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). SeeHydraulic
Clutch on page 5-34.
M. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-125.
N. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-52.
O. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-48.
5-15

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-35andCoolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap on page 5-37.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (Except Allison Transmission
®)
on page 5-27orAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(Allison Transmission
®) on page 5-30.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20.
G. Electric Engine Cooling Fan (If Equipped). See
Cooling System on page 5-40.H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). SeeJump
Starting on page 5-53.
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-46.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-53.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-49.
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). SeeHydraulic
Clutch on page 5-34.
M. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-125.
N. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-52.
O. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-48.
5-17

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-35andCoolant Surge Tank
Pressure Cap on page 5-37.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (Except Allison Transmission
®)
on page 5-27orAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(Allison Transmission
®) on page 5-30.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-20.
G. Engine-Driven Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-40.H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). SeeJump
Starting on page 5-53.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-53.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-46.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-49.
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). SeeHydraulic
Clutch on page 5-34.
M. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-125.
N. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-52.
O. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-48.
5-19

When to Check and What to Use
The clutch master cylinder
reservoir is located in the
rear of the engine
compartment on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14
for more information
on location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the uid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper uid.
SeeOwner Checks and Services on page 6-10and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14.
How to Check and Add Fluid
The proper uid should be added if the level does
not reach the bottom of the diaphragm when it is in
place in the reservoir. See the instructions on the
reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-37.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-35

What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost would not be covered by your warranty.
Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use the proper coolant, you do not
have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14
for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL
COLD mark.
5-36

If your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant sensor,
and the LOW COOLANT LEVEL message comes
on and stays on, it means you are low on engine
coolant. See “LOW COOLANT LEVEL” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-54.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixtureat the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-14for more
information on location.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-42.
In addition, you will nd an ENGINE OVERHEATED
and a REDUCED ENGINE POWER message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) on the instrument
panel. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-54.
5-37

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode (V8 Engines Only) on page 5-39for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only)
on page 5-39for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
An overheat warning, along with a low coolant condition,
can indicate a serious problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear
no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer. SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-68.
5-38

If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
3. If you are in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving — DRIVE (D) or THIRD (3).
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle is
equipped with an engine-driven cooling fan, push down
the accelerator until the engine speed is about twice
as fast as normal idle speed for at least three minutes
while you are parked.
If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle is
equipped with an electric engine cooling fan, idle the
engine for three minutes while you are parked.If you still have the warning,turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicleuntil it cools down. Also,
see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only)
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In
this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 5-20.
5-39

Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Coolant Surge Tank
B. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
C. Engine-Driven Cooling FanA. Coolant Surge Tank
B. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
C. Electric Engine Cooling Fan (If Equipped)
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away
from any underhood electric fan. 8100 V8 Engines
All Other Engines
5-40