oil level CHEVROLET C/K 2003 User Guide

6-25
As in the chart shown previously, SAE 5W-30 is best for
your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W
-30 if it's
going to be 0
F (
-18
C) or above. These numbers on
an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not
use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W
-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench
oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls
below
-20F (-29C), consider using either an
SAE 5W
-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both
will provide easier cold starting and better protection for
your engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good
performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System)
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly,
you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A change oil light will come on. Change your
oil as soon as possible within the next two times you
stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system may not indicate
that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However,
your engine oil and filter must be changed at least once
a year and at this time the system must be reset. It is also
important to check your oil regularly and keep it at the
proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.

6-27
Engine Oil (Caterpillar

Diesel Engines)
See your Caterpillar
Operation & Maintenance Manual
for information on oil quality and viscosities as well as
the temperature range chart.
Engine Oil (DURAMAX Diesel)
Checking Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your engine oil level every time
you get fuel.
The engine oil dipstick is
located in the engine
compartment on the driver's
side of the vehicle.
In order to get an accurate
reading, the oil must be
warm (at normal operating
temperature) and the vehicle
must be on level ground.Turn off the engine and give the oil at least five minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. With a cool engine, allow
30 minutes. If you don't, the oil dipstick might not show
the actual level.
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 down.

6-28 When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you'll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and
Specificationsº in the Index.
NOTICE:
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.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you're through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for these two things:

CH
-4
Oils designated as API CH
-4 are best for your
vehicle. The CH
-4 designation may appear either
alone or in combination with other API designations,
such as API CH
-4/SJ or CH-4/CG-4/SJ.
These letters show American Petroleum Institute
(API) levels of quality.
NOTICE:
If you use oil that doesn't have this designation,
CH
-4, you can cause engine damage which is not
covered by your warranty.

6-33 How to Check and What to Use
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check to be sure that the lubricant level is up
to the bottom of the fill opening. On heavy duty
transmissions (an inch of oil level equals about
one gallon of fluid.)
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine the proper fluid to use. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the
fill opening.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.

6-34
Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.
Rear Axle Shift Motor (Option)
When to Check and Change Fluid
If you have an optional air-shift two-speed, controlled
traction, or locking differential type rear axle, a good
time to check the fluid level in the axle shift motor is
when the rear axle lubricant is checked. Use refrigerant
oil (shift motor only).
How to Check Fluid
Remove the plug on the front plate of the axle shift
motor, add enough fluid to raise the level to the bottom
of the filler plug hole, then replace the plug.
What to Use
Refer to your Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.

6-51
Tandem Axle Models
ITEM
NO. ITEM REMARKS
1 Brake Camshafts One fitting each.
2
Propshaft U
-JointOne fitting each joint.
Lubricate with
GM Part No. 1051344,
Wheel Bearing Lubricant.
4 Brake Shoe
Roller PinsApply engine oil at pin
to shoe joint only.
5 Rear Spring Pin One fitting each side.
6 Rear Axles Fill to level of filler plug.

6-57 Front Wheel Bearings with Oil-Filled Hubs
If your vehicle has oil-filled
hubs, occasionally check to
see if they have enough oil.
You can tell if there is oil
there by using the circular
gage on the sight glass.
If there isn't, clean the rubber fill plug in the center of
the glass, and then remove it. Be careful not to allow
any dirt or water to get into the oil. Add enough of the
recommended oil to bring it up to the level mark that
you'll see on the glass.Refer to your Maintenance Schedule for the proper
oil to use.
When you fill the hub, check the glass again after
driving a short distance. It takes a while for the oil to
flow through the system, and you may find that you
have to add a little more to fill it to the proper level. Be
sure not to overfill the hub.
Air Conditioning System
Every now and then, have your dealership check your
air conditioning system to be sure it has not lost any
cooling ability. If you think the system is not working
properly, have your GM dealer check it out as soon
as possible.

6-88 Engine Oil with Filter Capacity
Engine Quarts (Liters)
7.2L** 30.0 (28.4)*
8.1L** 6.5 (6.1)
7.8L** 23.8 (22.5 )
6.6L** 14.6 (13.8)
*Additional oil is required with auxiliary oil filter
systems. Make sure to add enough extra oil to fill the
auxiliary oil filter system. For vehicles equipped with
the LUBERFINER 750
-C, add 14 quarts (13.25 L).
** Check fill level on the oil indicator after initial fill to
make sure it is actually full. Oil level may vary
depending on vehicle option content.
Fuel Tank Capacity
C4/C5 Models Gallons (Liters). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard* 41 (155.2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional 40 (151.4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional 60 (227.1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional 80 (302.8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C6/C7/C8 Models Gallons (Liters). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard 50 (189.2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional 35 (132.4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional 50 (189.2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional
70 (264.8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional75 (283.8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional& 100 (378.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
* One 25
-gallon (94.6 L) tank and one 16-gallon
(60.6 L) tank

Two 35
-gallon (132.4 L) tanks
One 25
-gallon (94.6 L) tank and One 50-gallon
(189.2 L) tank
&Two 50
-gallon (189.2 L) tanks

6-89 Transmission Capacity
For manual transmissions, the correct oil level is to the
bottom of the fluid fill plug opening. The oil capacity
will vary, due to the angle of the transmission, with the
vehicle. For automatic transmissions, see the Allison
Automatic Transmission Operator's Manual for oil
check and maintenance information.
Manual Transmission Pints (Liters). . . . . . . . . . . .
ZF S6
-650 12.7 (6.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RT6609 12.5 (5.9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RT8709B 25.1 (11.8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS4205A, FS4205B, FS4205C 11.1 (5.3). . . . . . . . .
FS5205A, FS5205C 11.6 (5.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS5406 18.4 (8.7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS6305A, FS6305B 18.4 (8.7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS6406 18.4 (8.7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FS8406 18.5 (8.8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RT8908LL 29.1 (13.8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Automatic Transmission Pints (Liters). . . . . . . . . .
MD 3060 P 52.0 (24.6)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MD 3560 P 52.0 (24.6)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1000 Series 16.0 (8.9)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2000 Series 35.0 (13.5)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2200 Series 35.0 (13.5)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2400 Series 35.0 (13.5)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*Add two pints (one liter) when changing spin-on or
remote filter.

7-5
Scheduled Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated at the same miles (km)
after those intervals for the life of this vehicle.
Gasoline engine vehicles have a computer that lets you
know when to change your engine oil. This is not based
on mileage, but on engine revolutions and engine
operating temperature. When the computer has
calculated that the oil needs changing, the GM Oil Life
System will indicate that a change is necessary.
The ªFootnotesº at the end of this Maintenance
Schedule further explain maintenance services.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Supplementsº earlier in
this section.
100 Miles (160 km)

Wheel stud nut service. (46)
1,000 Miles (1 600 km)

Wheel stud nut service. (46)

Rear axle air shift motor service.(11)

L18/LB7 Engines Only: Clutch pedal free
travel service. (10)
7,500 Miles (12 000 km)

Gasoline Engine Only: Check Oil Life System.
If engine oil and filter are changed, reset system.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Parking brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (8)

L18/LB7 Engines Only: Clutch pedal free
travel service. (10)
10,000 Miles (16 000 km)

DURAMAX Diesel Only: Change engine oil
and filter (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). (2)(3)