automatic transmission fluid CHEVROLET DURAMAX 2006 Owners Manual

Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System.......5-2
Diesel Engine Fuel.........................................5-2
What Fuel to Use...........................................5-3
Very Cold Weather Operation...........................5-5
Water in Fuel.................................................5-5
Water in Fuel Light Chart................................5-6
Running Out of Fuel.....................................5-11
Fuel Filter Replacement.................................5-12
Filling the Tank............................................5-15
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-17Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-18
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-18
Engine Oil...................................................5-21
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-24
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-25
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-29
Engine Coolant.............................................5-34
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-39
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-39
Engine Overheating.......................................5-39
Cooling System............................................5-41
Capacities and Specications..........................5-50
Specification Charts......................................5-50
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1
ProCarManuals.com

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
B. Coolant Surge Tank
C. Battery
D. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Restriction Indicator
(If Equipped)
E. Engine Oil Dipstick
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped)
G. Engine Oil Fill CapH. Engine Fan
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
J. Remote Negative (−) Terminal
K. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
L. Brake Fluid Reservoir
M. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped)
N. Underhood Fuse Block
O. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
5-19
ProCarManuals.com

A. Battery
B. Coolant Surge Tank
C. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
D. Engine Fan
E. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil level every
time you get fuel.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-18
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be
warm, at normal operating temperature, and the vehicle
must be on level ground.
1. 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 do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. 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.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the
dipstick, you will need to add at least two quarts/liters of
oil. But you must use the right kind. This section explains
what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity,
seeSpecication Charts on page 5-50.
Notice:Do not add too much oil. If the engine
has so much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating
range, the engine could be damaged.
5-21
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
(Pickup Models)
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 25,000 miles
(41 500 km) 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.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, change the fluid and filter
every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
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.
5-29
ProCarManuals.com

5. Perform a hot check at the first opportunity after the
normal operating temperature of 160°F (71°C) to
200°F (93°C) is reached.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Hot Check Procedure
The fluid must be hot to ensure an accurate check.
The fluid level rises as temperature increases.
1. Operate the transmission in DRIVE (D) until the
normal operating temperature of 160°F (71°C) to
200°F (93°C) is reached.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
3. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds
and then pull it back out again. Repeat the check
procedure to verify the reading.
4. Safe operating level is within the HOT RUN band
on the dipstick. The width of the HOT RUN band
represents approximately 1.06 quart (1.0 liter)
of fluid at normal operating temperature.
5. If the fluid level is not within the HOT RUN band,
add or drain fluid as necessary to bring the fluid
level to within the HOT RUN band.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least twice using the
procedures described previously. Consistency
(repeatable readings) is important to maintaining proper
fluid level. If inconsistent readings persist, check the
transmission breather to be sure it is clean and
unclogged. If readings are still inconsistent, contact
your dealer.
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.
Add fluid 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
doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than one pint
(0.5 L).Don’t overll.
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 inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
•After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described
under “How to Check.”
•When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
5-31
ProCarManuals.com

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.
5-32
ProCarManuals.com

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.
5-34
ProCarManuals.com

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.
5-50
ProCarManuals.com

(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.
6-11
ProCarManuals.com

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.
6-16
ProCarManuals.com