engine coolant CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1999 1.G Owner's Manual

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6-28
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
(Gasoline Engine)
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank.
NOTICE:
Your coolant surge tank pressure cap is a 15 psi
(105 kPa) pressure
-type cap and must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss and possible
engine damage from overheating.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an ACDelco


thermostat is recommended.

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6-29
Engine Coolant
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, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.

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6-30 What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.

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6-31 Checking Coolant (Gasoline Engine)
The coolant surge tank
is located on the
passenger's side of the
engine compartment.
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see ªChecking
Coolantº in the Diesel Engine Supplement.
CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the surge tank pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the
FILL COLD mark.
If the LOW COOLANT
message comes on, it
means you're low on
engine coolant.
See ªLow Coolantº in the Index.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it
is hand
-tight.

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6-33
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID. Add washer
fluid until the tank is full.
NOTICE:

When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.

Don't mix water with ready
-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn't clean as well as washer fluid.

Fill your washer fluid tank only
three
-quarters full when it's very cold. This
allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.

Don't use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.

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Scheduled Maintenance -- Gasoline Engines
7-17
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)

Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.

Change five
-speed manual transmission fluid (with 4300 V6 or
4800 V8 engines only).
200,000 Miles (332 000 km)

6000 V8 Engine Only: Change five-speed manual transmission fluid.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

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7-18
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
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 in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See ªTiresº in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the
Index for further details.

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7-25
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by
name, part number or specification may be obtained
from your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine Oil
(Gasoline
Engine)Engine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines ªStarburstº
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench

DEX-COOL
or
Havoline
DEX-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Hydraulic Clutch
SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part
No. 12345347 or equivalent
DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Manual
Transmission
(5
-Speed with
Low Gear, RPO
MW3)
GM Goodwrench Synthetic
Manual Transmission Fluid (GM
Part No. 12346190
- 1 qt.) or
equivalent SAE 75W
-85 GL-4
Gear Oil.
Manual
Transmission
(5
-Speed without
Low Gear, RPO
MG5)
Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. 12345349
or equivalent).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.

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9-2
Before Leaving on a Long Trip 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard, Driving In 4-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-34, 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Shift Interlock Check 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Camper Type Mirror 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Camper Wiring Harness 4-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-39, 2-40, 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo
Lamp 2
-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamp On Message 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-11, 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cassette Tape Player Care 3
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette/Compact Disc Storage 2-63, 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cellular Telephone 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-41 . . . .
Center Overhead Console 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire Label 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Engine Oil Message 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Coolant Temp Message 2-84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Eng Oil Level Message 2-85, 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Eng Oil Pressure Message 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Transmission Fluid 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-54 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Seat Position 1-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-58 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-50, 1-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome Wheels, Cleaning 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels 6
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass Surfaces 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-3
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Plastic Components 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2, 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch Fluid, Hydraulic 6-24, 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch, System Check 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Guides, Rear 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Care 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Player 3-18, 3-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Player Care 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass, Rearview Mirror with 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Storage 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Content Theft-Deterrent 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-29, 6-75, 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank 5-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Light 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users 8
-4 . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance Information 8-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-40 . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging and Defrosting 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby B Noise Reduction 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamps 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door
Locks 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third 2-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downshifting 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .