automatic transmission CHEVROLET DURAMAX 2006 User Guide

When to Check and Change
(Van Models)
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
“Additional Required Services”. SeeAdditional
Required Services on page 6-7.
And be sure to use the transmission fluid listed
in “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15
for more information.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of the
uid could come out and fall on hot engine part or
exhaust system parts, starting a re. Too little uid
could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission uid.Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32° C).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C). Get the vehicle warmed up by driving
about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), drive
the vehicle until the engine temperature gage moves and
then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold check can be made after the vehicle has been
sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off, but this
is used only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for
five minutes if outside temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or
more. If it is colder than 50°F (10 C), you may have to idle
the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low during this
cold check, you must check the fluid hot before adding
fluid. Checking the fluid hot will give you a more accurate
reading of the fluid level.
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How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
Using a funnel, add fluid down the transmission dipstick
tube only after checking the transmission fluid while it is
hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If the fluid
level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring
the level up to the HOT area for a hot check. It does not
take much fluid, generally less than one pint (0.5L). Do
not overfill.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
•After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check” earlier in
this section.
•When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way. Then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
Pickup Models
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, 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 5-39.
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 the rst maintenance
service after each 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.
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Capacities and Specications
Specication Charts
Engine VIN Code Type
6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel 2 V8
Capacities
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Cooling System (Pickup Models)
Automatic Transmission
Manual Transmission25.4 quarts
25.0 quarts24.0 L
23.6 L
Cooling System (Van Models)
Front Heat or AC Only
Front Heat or AC Plus Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)
Front and Rear Heat or AC Only
Front and Rear Heat or AC Plus Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)21.0 quarts
22.0 quarts
22.5 quarts
23.5 quarts20.0 L
20.5 L
21.5 L
22.5 L
Engine Oil With Filter 10.0 quarts 9.5 L
All quantities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this manual.
Recheck fluid level after filling. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15for more information.
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Additional Required Services
The following services should be performed at the first maintenance service (IorII) after the indicated miles
(kilometers) shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000)50,000
(80 000)75,000
(120 000)100,000
(160 000)125,000
(200 000)150,000
(240 000)
Inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.• •••••
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components.• •••••
Pickup models: 6-speed manual
transmission only: Change clutch
fluid.See footnote (n).• •••••
Pickup models: 5-speed manual
transmission only: Change manual
transmission fluid.•
Pickup models: Change automatic
transmission fluid and external
transmission filter (severe service).
See footnote (p).• •••••
Pickup models: Change automatic
transmission fluid and external
transmission filter (normal service).•••
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Additional Required Services (cont’d)
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000)50,000
(80 000)75,000
(120 000)100,000
(160 000)125,000
(200 000)150,000
(240 000)
Van models: Change automatic
transmission fluid and filter
(severe service).See footnote (p).•••
Van models: Change automatic
transmission fluid and filter
(normal service).•
Pickup models: Four-wheel drive with
automatic transfer case only: Change
transfer case fluid.See footnote (q).•••
Van models: Replace spark plugs and
inspect spark plug wires.An Emission
Control Service.•
Engine cooling system service
(or every five years, whichever occurs
first).An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (r).•
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service. See
footnote (s).•
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(n)Change clutch uid (or every 24 months, whichever
occurs rst).
(p)Change automatic transmission uid and external
transmission lter if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
-In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
-In hilly or mountainous terrain.
-When doing frequent trailer towing.
-Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(q)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation.
(r)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-34 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
van model fuel operated heater (if equipped), pressure
cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap. For van models, see Fuel Operated
Heater (FOH) (Van Models Only) on page 2-8.
(s)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-21for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
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Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See “Parking Brake”
in your owner manual.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to RUN, but do
not start the engine. Without applying the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
of PARK (P), contact your GM Goodwrench
®
dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK in each shift lever position.
•The ignition should turn to LOCK only when the
shift lever is in PARK (P).
•The key should come out only in LOCK.
Contact your GM Goodwrench
®dealer if service is
required.
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Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
•To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With the
engine running and transmission in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
•To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your GM Goodwrench
®dealer if service is
required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other
debris can collect.
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Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Pickup Models:
Manual
Transmission
(5-Speed
without
Low Gear,
RPO MG5)Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345349, in
Canada 10953465).
Pickup Models:
Manual
Transmission
(6-Speed)Synthetic Transmission Fluid
approved to Allison Transmission
®
specification TES-295
(GM Part No. U.S. 12378515,
in Canada 88900701).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Pickup Models:
Floor Shift
LinkageLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2
Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Van Models:
Front Wheel
BearingsWheel bearing lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2,
Category GC or GC-LB
(GM Part No. U.S. 1051344,
in Canada 993037).
Van Models:
Front and
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic
Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12378261, in
Canada 10953455) or equivalent
meeting GM Specification 9986115.
Pickup Models:
Front AxleSAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 1052271,
in Canada 10950849).
Pickup Models:
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic
Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12378261,
in Canada 10953455) meeting
GM Specification 9986115.
Pickup Models:
Manual
Transfer CaseDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specification”
on the label.
Pickup Models:
Automatic
Transfer CaseAUTO-TRAK II Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12378508,
in Canada 10953626).
Van Models:
Transfer CaseDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specification”
on the label.
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A
Automatic Transmission, Fluid...........................5-29
C
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specifications
Specification Charts.....................................5-50
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-34
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-39
Cooling System..............................................5-41
D
Diesel
Engine Fuel.................................................. 5-2
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-17
Filling Your Tank..........................................5-15Diesel (cont.)
Fuel Requirements and Fuel System................ 5-2
Running Out of Fuel....................................5-11
Very Cold Weather Operation.......................... 5-5
Water in Fuel............................................... 5-5
Water in Fuel Light Chart............................... 5-6
What Fuel to Use.......................................... 5-3
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................... 3-9
E
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-25
Compartment Overview................................5-18
Coolant......................................................5-34
Oil .............................................................5-21
Overheating................................................5-39
Reduced Power Light.................................... 3-7
Engine Coolant Heater...................................... 2-8
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