check transmission fluid CHEVROLET S10 2004 Owners Manual

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under
the Hood....................................................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-20
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-27
Cooling System............................................5-29
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-36
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-43
Jump Starting...............................................5-44
Rear Axle.......................................................5-49
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-50
Front Axle......................................................5-51
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Headlamps..................................................5-53
One-Piece Front Turn Signal Lamps................5-55
Two-Piece Front Turn Signal Lamps................5-56
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-57
Taillamps.....................................................5-58
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-58
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-43for more
information.
B. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-23for more information.
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for
more information.
D. Engine Oil Fill. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for
more information.
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-20for more
information.
F. Power Steering Reservoir. SeePower Steering Fluid
on page 5-36for more information.
G. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. SeeBrakes on
page 5-39for more information.
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more information.
I. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-105for more
information.
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-38for more information.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this, the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change the
Automatic Transmission Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles
(25 000 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).
SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4
.
How to Check the Automatic
Transmission Fluid
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.
5-20

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’s colder than 50°F (10°C), drive the vehicle
in THIRD (3) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold fluid 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’s 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.Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
•Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
•With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
•With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
•Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The transmission dipstick
handle has this symbol
on it.
The transmission dipstick is located near the center of
the engine compartment. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for more information on location.
5-21

1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. To get an accurate reading, when checking the fluid
level, keep the tip of the dipstick down to avoid the
fluid traveling up the dipstick.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area,
below the cross-hatched area, for a cold check or
in the HOT area or cross-hatched area for a
hot check.
5. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-32.
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 overfill.
Notice:We recommend you use only uid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, because uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by uid other than DEXRON
®-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
•After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check the Automatic
Transmission Fluid” earlier.
•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.
5-22

Capacities and Specications
Please refer toPart E: Maintenance Record on page 6-36in the index for more information. See refrigerant change
label under the hood for charge capacity information and requirements.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Capacity
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a1.8 lbs 0.79 kg
Automatic Transmission
Drain and Refill5.0 quarts 4.7 L
Cooling System 13.8 quarts 13.1 L
Differential Fluid
Rear Axle
Front Axle4.0 pints
2.6 pints1.9 L
1.2 L
Engine Oil with Filter 4.5 quarts 4.3 L
Fuel Tank 17.5 gallons 67.4 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140Y
All capacities are approximate. After refill, the levelmustbe checked.
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level or as recommended in this
manual. SeePart E: Maintenance Record on page 6-36
Capacities and Specications
Type VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap Firing Order
4300
V6X Automatic0.060 inches
(1.52 mm)1-6-5-4-3-2
5-111

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-98.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly inflation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is inflated to
the correct tire inflation pressure, make sure that
the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try
to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel
wrench to tighten the cable. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 5-82.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-32.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-20. A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
6-26

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-75
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-76
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-78
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-13
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-20
Automatic Transmission Check..........................6-26
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-28
B
Backing Up....................................................4-58
Battery..........................................................5-43
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-5
Battery Rundown Protection.............................3-17
Bed Rails......................................................2-41
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-32
Before You Go Off-Roading..............................4-14
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-27
Brake
Parking......................................................2-25
System Inspection.......................................6-31
System Warning Light..................................3-28
Brake Adjustment............................................5-42
Brake Fluid....................................................5-39
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-42
Brake Wear...................................................5-41Brakes..........................................................5-39
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-52
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-57
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Headlamps.................................................5-53
One-Piece Front Turn Signal Lamps...............5-55
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-58
Taillamps....................................................5-58
Two-Piece Front Turn Signal Lamps...............5-56
Buying New Tires...........................................5-76C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specifications..........................5-111
Carbon Monoxide...................2-10, 2-29, 4-36, 4-51
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-97
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-76
Your CD Player...........................................3-78
Your CDs ...................................................3-77
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-58
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-25
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-58
2

CD Messages................................3-50, 3-60, 3-75
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-57
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-21
Certification/Tire Label.....................................4-46
Chains, Tires..................................................5-80
Charging System Light....................................3-27
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-30
Gages Warning Light...................................3-35
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-40
Checking Coolant............................................5-25
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level.................................................5-21
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-54
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-101
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-30
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-39
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat
Position..................................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Outside Seat Position........................1-41Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-44
Top Strap...................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-38
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-18
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-95
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-98
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-101
Weatherstrips..............................................5-98
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels............................5-100
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-98
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-95
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-97
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-97
Cleaning Leather............................................5-96
Cleaning the Mirror.........................................2-31
Cleaning the Photocells...................................2-31
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-97
Cleaning the Windshield and Wiper Blades.......5-100
Cleaning Tires..............................................5-100
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-96
Cleaning Wood Panels....................................5-97
Climate Control System...................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-21
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-94
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-14
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-104
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-105
Headlamps...............................................5-104
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-105
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-105
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs.................................3-32
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-43
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-30
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-19
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-29
Cooling System Inspection............................6-30
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-35
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Fan Noise..................................................5-36
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-27
Starting......................................................2-18
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.....................5-108
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-25
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-25
Engine Speed Control.....................................2-19Entry Lighting.................................................3-15
Environmental Concerns..................................4-15
Event Data Records (EDR)................................ 7-9
Exit Lighting...................................................3-16
Express Down Window....................................2-12
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station...............3-54
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station
(RDS and XM™).................................3-45, 3-65
Finding a Station....................3-38, 3-43, 3-52, 3-62
Finish Care....................................................5-99
Finish Damage.............................................5-101
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-78
Flash-to-Pass Feature....................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-81
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-82
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-36
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
FM Stereo.....................................................3-76
Fog Lamps....................................................3-15
Following Distance..........................................4-57
Footnotes................................................6-7, 6-18
5