check oil CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2001 1.G User Guide

6-5
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and
fuel system, allowing your emission control system
to function properly. Therefore, you should not have
to add anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines
containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to
contribute to clean air. General Motors recommends that
you use these gasolines, particularly if they comply with
the specifications described earlier.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don't use it. It can corrode
metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn't
be covered under your warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you'll be driving.

6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:

Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.

Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.

Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.

Don't smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like fuel, oil,
coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other
fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could
be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things
that will burn onto a hot engine.

6-14
Engine Oil
If the CHECK ENG OIL
LEVEL light appears on the
instrument panel, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information, see CHECK ENG OIL LEVEL in
the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It's 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.
All Other Engines 8100 V8 Engine
The engine oil dipstick has a yellow ring handle and
is located on the passenger's side of the engine.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index
for more information.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, 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.

6-18
How to Reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL Message
To reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message, turn the
ignition key to RUN with the engine off. Fully press
and release the accelerator pedal three times within
five seconds. If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message
flashes for five seconds, the system is reset.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don't let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil.
See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and
disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free
-flowing
oil from the filter before disposal. Don't ever dispose of
oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
If you have a problem properly disposing of your used
oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The air cleaner assembly
has an indicator that lets
you know when the air
filter is dirty and needs to
be serviced. The indicator
is located on the air
cleaner cover.
See ªOwner Checks and Servicesº in the Index to
determine when to check the indicator.
If the area inside the clear section of the indicator is
not completely yellow, no air filter service is required.
When the area inside the indicator is completely yellow,
past the red band, the words ªCHANGE FILTERº will
be highlighted. After changing the air filter, press the top
button on the indicator to reset it.

6-21
3. Remove the air filter by pulling downward on the
element. Remove the second portion of the air filter
by sliding it towards the rear of the vehicle and then
pulling downward.
4. Install the new filter by reversing the steps listed
previously. Be sure to follow any instructions that
may be included in the replacement filter package.
Because this procedure can be a little difficult,
you may choose to have it done at your dealer's
service department.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
when to replace the passenger compartment air filter.
See ªScheduled Maintenanceº in the Index.Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Except Allison Transmission)
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle's GVWR is over 8,600 or
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) 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
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.

6-25
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Allison Only)
When to Check and Change
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 90F (32C) 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).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
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 fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check
your transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:

When outside temperatures are above 90F (32C).

At high speed for quite a while.

In heavy traffic
-- especially in hot weather.

While pulling a trailer.

6-28 How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
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 fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON
-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.

After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º

When the correct fluid level is obtained,
push the dipstick back in all the way.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil
is changed. See your maintenance schedule to find out
when to change your transmission fluid.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at your GM dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check
your transmission fluid.

6-34 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.

6-81 Cooling System Capacity
After refill, the level must be rechecked. See ªCooling Systemº in the Index.
Engine Transmission Quantity
VORTEC 4300 V6 Automatic 12.6 quarts (11.9 L)
VORTEC 4300 V6 Manual 12.9 quarts (12.2 L)
VORTEC 4800 V8 Automatic 13.4 quarts (12.7 L)
VORTEC 4800 V8 Manual 13.7 quarts (13.0 L)
VORTEC 5300 V8 Automatic 13.4 quarts (12.7 L)
VORTEC 5300 V8** Automatic 14.9 quarts (14.1 L)
VORTEC 6000 V8 Automatic 14.8 quarts (14.0 L)
VORTEC 6000 V8* Automatic 14.4 quarts (13.6 L)
VORTEC 6000 V8 Manual 15.2 quarts (14.4 L)
VORTEC 6000 V8* Manual 14.8 quarts (14.0 L)
VORTEC 6600 V8 Manual 20.7 quarts (19.6 L)
VORTEC 6600 V8 Automatic 20.3 quarts (19.2 L)
VORTEC 8100 V8 Manual 21.1 quarts (20.0 L)
VORTEC 8100 V8 Automatic 20.7 quarts (19.6 L)
* Vehicles equipped with the optional engine oil cooler.
** Vehicles equipped with the optional air conditioner.

6-82 Crankcase Capacity
After refill, the level must be rechecked. Add enough
engine oil so that the fluid is within the proper operating
range. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine VIN
Quantity with Filter

VORTEC 4300 V6 W 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
VORTEC 4800 V8 V 6.0 quarts (5.7 L)
VORTEC 5300 V8 T 6.0 quarts (5.7 L)
VORTEC 6000 V8 U 6.0 quarts (5.7 L)
VORTEC 6600 V8 1 6.0 quarts (5.7 L)
VORTEC 8100 V8 G 6.5 quarts (6.1 L)

Oil filter should be changed at every oil change.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Type Quantity
Short Bed 26 U.S. gallons (98 L)
Long Bed 34 U.S. gallons (128 L)
Chassis Cab
(Pickup Box Delete)34 U.S. gallons (128 L)
Chassis Cab 3500 27 U.S. gallons (102 L) (front)
23 U.S. gallons (87 L) (rear)
Chassis Cab 3500
(California)24 U.S. gallons (90 L) (front)
23 U.S. gallons (87 L) (rear)
Chassis Cab 3500 27 U.S. gallons (102 L) (front)
Chassis Cab 3500
(California)27 U.S. gallons (102 L) (front)
Chassis Cab
3500HD23 U.S. gallons (87 L) (front)
18 U.S. gallons (68 L) (rear)
Chassis Cab
3500HD23 U.S. gallons (87 L) (front)