check transmission fluid CHEVROLET C/K 2003 Owners Manual

2-14
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:

Let your engine warm up before you
operate your vehicle under load.

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).

Don't drive at any one speed
-- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Use the lowest gear you can when you start
a loaded vehicle in motion and when going
up hills to avoid overloading the engine.

Check and adjust engine and transmission
fluid levels often and be sure tires are
properly inflated for the load you're
carrying.

If you have a Caterpillar
 diesel engine, see
the Caterpillar Diesel Engine Operation
& Maintenance Manual.

4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in flat or rolling terrain.Here are some tips that can make your drive through
steep country safer:

Keep the vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and
transmission. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.

Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the
slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
CAUTION:
If you don't shift down, your brakes could get
so hot that they wouldn't work well. You would
then have poor braking or even none going
down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let
your engine assist your brakes on a steep
downhill slope.

6-
6-1
Section 6 Service and 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 part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-4 Fuel (Gasoline Engine)
6
-5 Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System
6
-15 Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline Engines)
6
-15 Filling Your Tank
6
-17 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-18 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-20 Noise Control System
6
-21 Engine Oil (Gasoline Engines)
6
-27 Engine Oil (Caterpillar
Diesel Engines)
6
-27 Engine Oil (DURAMAX Diesel)
6
-30 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-32 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-32 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-34 Rear Axle
6
-34 Rear Axle Shift Motor (Option)
6
-35 Engine Coolant
6
-38 Engine Coolant (Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)6
-38 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-39 Power Steering Fluid
6
-40 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-41 Brakes
6
-52 Battery
6
-54 Other Service Items
6
-58 Tires
6
-67 Appearance Care
6
-68 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-71 Cleaning the Outside Your Vehicle
6
-75 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-76 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-76 Service Statement
6
-77 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-77 Electrical System
6
-86 Capacities and Specifications
6
-90 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-32
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
checked. See your Allison Automatic Transmission
Operator's Manual to find out when to change your
transmission fluid and filters.
How to Check and What to Use
The Allison Automatic Transmission Operator's Manual
that came with the vehicle shows how to check the
automatic transmission fluid and what fluid to use.
Automatic Transmission External Filter
Your automatic transmission filter requires periodic
replacement.
Consult the Allison Automatic Transmission
Operator's Manual that came with the vehicle for
proper change intervals.
Manual Transmission Fluid
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.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
checked. See your Maintenance Schedule to find out
when to change your transmission fluid.

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.

6-89 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.

7-4
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle in good working condition. But we don't know
exactly how you'll drive it. You may drive very short
distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive
long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
You may use your vehicle in making deliveries or in
many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read the
following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good
condition, see your dealer.
This part tells you the maintenance services you should
have done and when you should schedule them. If you
go to your dealer for your service needs, you'll know
that GM
-trained and supported service people will
perform the work using genuine GM parts.The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Part C. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives
the vehicle.
This schedule is for vehicles that:

carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle's
GVW Rating label. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.

are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.

use the recommended fuel. See ªFuelº in the Index.
Scheduled Maintenance Supplements
If your vehicle has a Caterpillar diesel engine, your
owner's manual is supplemented by the Caterpillar
Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance Manual. If
your vehicle has an Allison transmission, your owner's
manual is supplemented by an Allison Transmission
Operator's Manual. Always refer to these manuals for
related maintenance services.

7-15

Exhaust brake service (if equipped). Check for
excessive spindle free play and smooth operation.
Lubricate ball joint cap.

Air compressor dry element pleated paper air strainer
service (or every 2 months or every 800 hours,
whichever occurs first).

Inspect air compressor discharge port (or every
6 months or every 1,800 hours, whichever
occurs first).

Manual transmission (ZF 6
-speed only) fluid
replacement (or every 48 months, whichever
occurs first).
120,000 Miles (192 000 km)

C600, C700 and C800 Gasoline Engines Only:
Replace engine drive belts.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)

Cooling system service (or every 60 months since
last service, whichever occurs first). (3)(35)

Diesel Engine Only: Inspect engine drive belt;
replace as necessary.
200,000 Miles (320 000 km)

Remove, disassemble, clean and inspect the air
brake trailer supply valve (or every 2 years, or
every 7,200 hours, whichever occurs first).

Diesel Engine Only: Inspect engine drive belt;
replace as necessary.

C400 and C500 Gasoline Engines Only: Inspect
drive belts; replace as necessary. (18)
250,000 Miles (400 000 km)

Wheel bearings service -- Eaton Axle (oil-filled) (or
every 36 months, whichever occurs first). (23)(46)

Rear axle service
-- Eaton, Rockwell, Spicer Axles
(or every 36 months, whichever occurs first). (37)

Manual transmission (except ZF 6
-speed) fluid
replacement (or every 60 months, whichever
occurs first).
300,000 Miles (480 000 km)

Remove, disassemble, clean and inspect the air brake
air dryer (or every 3 years, or 10,800 hours,
whichever occurs first). Replace dessicant on
Bendix
-Westinghouse units.

7-16
Footnotes

= The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
(1) = If your vehicle has an Allison automatic
transmission, your GM owner's manual is supplemented
by an Allison Transmission Operator's Manual. Always
refer to these manuals for related maintenance services.
(2) = Refer to the Caterpillar Diesel Engine Operation
and Maintenance Manual for oil recommendations and
change intervals.
(3) = An Emission Control Service.
(4) = A Noise Emission Control Device.
(5) = Applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.(6) = Check fluid level in brake master cylinder, power
steering pump, axle, transmission and hydraulic spring
parking brake pump (if equipped). A low fluid level in
the brake master cylinder can indicate worn brake
linings and should be checked accordingly.
(7) = Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook
-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect
caliper assemblies. Check brake pedal for excessive free
play or travel (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first)
and have serviced if needed. Check brakes more often if
driving habits and conditions result in frequent braking.
(8) = Inspect parking brake drum and linings for wear or
cracks and check linkage and adjustment.
(9) = This vehicle has the GM Oil Life System. This
system will show you when to change the engine oil and
filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 000 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
Remember to reset the Oil Life System whenever the oil
is changed. For more information, see ªChange Oil
Lightº in the Index.

7-17
(10) = Check clutch pedal for free travel. Press pedal
by hand until resistance is felt. Free travel should be
maintained at 1.5 to 2 inches (38 to 51 mm) measured
at the clutch pedal pad. Make checks at 1,000 miles
(1 600 km) and then at every 7,500 mile (12 000 km)
interval thereafter.
(11) = Inspect rear axle air shift motor for fluid leaks.
Remove plug to check fluid level. Inspect air lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, etc. Inspect at
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 22,500 miles (36 000 km)
and then every 22,500 miles (36 000 km) thereafter.
(12) = Chassis Lubrication Service: Lubricate all grease
fittings in front suspension, front axle and steering
linkage. DO NOT lubricate kingpin bushings with air
pressure equipment; instead, use a hand grease gun to
ensure complete purge and eliminate sealer cap
distortion. Lubricate transmission and shift linkage,
hood latches and hood hinges, parking brake lever pivot,
clevis pins and linkage, disc brake caliper rails, clutch
linkage and release bearing (if equipped), bearing pads,
propshaft universal joints, brake camshaft bracket, slack
adjusters, pedal shaft, clutch cross shaft and clutch pedal
springs. Lubricate suspension, axle and steering linkage
more often when operating under dusty or muddy
conditions and in excessive off
-road use.(13) = Check steering system:

Look for damaged, loose or missing parts. Also look
for parts showing signs of wear or lack of lubrication.
Replace parts as needed. Also check steering gear
mounting bolts, pitman arm nut, gear housing upper
cover and side cover attaching bolts, steering column
mounting bolts and cardan joint clamp bolts; tighten
if necessary. (See service manual.)

Inspect power steering hoses, tubes and fittings for
leaks. Hoses and lines must not be twisted, kinked or
tightly bent. Make sure clips, clamps, supporting
tubes and hoses are in place and properly secured.

Check steering gear for leakage around pitman shaft
and housing. If leakage is evident (lubricant oozing
out, not just oily film), leak should be corrected
immediately.
(14) = Check front and rear suspension. Look for
damaged, loose or missing parts or parts showing signs
of wear or lack of lubrication. Replace parts as needed.