automatic transmission fluid CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2003 1.G 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 Speci®cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-5
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-8
Checking Things Under
the Hood......................................................5-8
Hood Release................................................5-9
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-10
Engine Oil...................................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Except Allison
Transmission
ž) ..........................................5-23Automatic Transmission Fluid (Allison
Transmission
ž) ..........................................5-26
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-28
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-29
Engine Coolant.............................................5-30
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-33
Engine Overheating.......................................5-33
Cooling System............................................5-36
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-41
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-42
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-43
Brakes........................................................5-44
Battery........................................................5-47
Jump Starting...............................................5-48
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-54
Rear Axle.......................................................5-55
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-56
Noise Control System.....................................5-58
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-58
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. See
Engine Coolant on
page 5-30.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil on page 5-16.
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If equipped).
See
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Except Allison
Transmissionž) on page 5-23orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (Allison Transmissionž)on
page 5-26.
F. Fan. See
Cooling System on page 5-36.
G. Engine Oil Fill. See
Engine Oil on page 5-16.H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See
Power Steering
Fluid on page 5-42.
I. Remote Negative (-) Terminal (GND). See
Jump
Starting on page 5-48.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting on
page 5-48.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes on page 5-44.
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic
Clutch on page 5-29.
M. Underhood Fuse Block. See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-110.
N. Battery. See
Battery on page 5-47.
O. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-43.
5-11

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. See
Engine Coolant on
page 5-30.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil on page 5-16.
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped).
See
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Except Allison
Transmissionž) on page 5-23orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (Allison Transmissionž)on
page 5-26.
F. Engine Oil Fill. See
Engine Oil on page 5-16.
G. Fan. See
Cooling System on page 5-36.H. Remote Negative (-) Terminal (GND). See
Jump
Starting on page 5-48.
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See
Power Steering
Fluid on page 5-42.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting on
page 5-48.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes on page 5-44.
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic
Clutch on page 5-29.
M. Underhood Fuse Block. See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-110.
N. Battery. See
Battery on page 5-47.
O. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-43.
5-13

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. See
Engine Coolant on
page 5-30.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil on page 5-16.
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped).
See
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Except Allison
Transmissionž) on page 5-23orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (Allison Transmissionž)on
page 5-26.
F. Engine Oil Fill. See
Engine Oil on page 5-16.
G. Fan. See
Cooling System on page 5-36.H. Remote Negative (-) Terminal (GND). See
Jump
Starting on page 5-48.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting on
page 5-48.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See
Power Steering
Fluid on page 5-42.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes on page 5-44.
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic
Clutch on page 5-29.
M. Underhood Fuse Block. See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-110.
N. Battery. See
Battery on page 5-47.
O. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-43.
5-15

Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Except Allison Transmission
ž)
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission ¯uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the ¯uid and ®lter 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 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
·In hilly or mountainous terrain.
·When doing frequent trailer towing.
·Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If your vehicle's GVWR is not over 8,600 and you do
not use your vehicle under any of these conditions,
change the ¯uid and ®lter every 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services 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 ¯uid level if you have been driving:
·When outside temperatures are above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
·At high speed for quite a while.
·In heavy traffic ± especially in hot weather.
·While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the ¯uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180ÉF to 200ÉF
(82ÉC to 93ÉC).
5-23

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The ¯uid 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.
4. If the ¯uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission ¯uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-19.
Add ¯uid only after checking the transmission ¯uid while
it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.) If
the ¯uid level is low, add only enough of the proper ¯uid
to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
It doesn't take much ¯uid, generally less than one
pint (0.5 L).
Don't over®ll.
Notice:
We recommend you use only ¯uid labeled
DEXRONž-III, because ¯uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by ¯uid other than DEXRON
ž-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
·After adding ¯uid, recheck the ¯uid level as
described under
How to Check.
·When the correct ¯uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
5-25

Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Allison Transmission
ž)
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission ¯uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the ¯uid and ®lter 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 90ÉF (32ÉC) 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 ¯uid and ®lter every
50,000 miles (83 000 km).
See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services 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 ¯uid level if you have been driving:
·When outside temperatures are above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
·At high speed for quite a while.
·In heavy traffic ± especially in hot weather.
·While pulling a trailer.
Checking the 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).
5-26

Consistency of Readings
Always check the ¯uid level at least twice using the
procedures described previously. Consistency
(repeatable readings) is important to maintaining proper
¯uid 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 ¯uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-19.
Add ¯uid only after checking the transmission ¯uid while
it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.) If
the ¯uid level is low, add only enough of the proper ¯uid
to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
It doesn't take much ¯uid, generally less than one
pint (0.5 L).
Don't over®ll.
Notice:
We recommend you use only ¯uid labeled
DEXRONž-III, because ¯uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by ¯uid other than DEXRON
ž-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
·After adding ¯uid, recheck the ¯uid level as
described under
How to Check.
·When the correct ¯uid 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 ®nd out
when to change your transmission ¯uid.
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 ¯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.
Check the ¯uid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission
is cool enough for you to rest your ®ngers on the
transmission case.
5-28

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 5-103.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly in¯ation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is in¯ated to
the correct tire in¯ation 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/ratchet to tighten the cable. See
Changing a Flat
Tire on page 5-80.
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. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-19.
Manual Transmission Check
Check the transmission ¯uid level; add if needed. SeeManual Transmission Fluid on page 5-28. Check
for leaks. A ¯uid leak is the only reason for ¯uid loss.
Have the system inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission ¯uid level; add if needed. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid (Except Allison
Transmissionž) on page 5-23orAutomatic Transmission
Fluid (Allison Transmissionž) on page 5-26. A ¯uid
loss may indicate a problem. Check the system
and repair if needed.
6-13

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Manual
Transmission
(6±Speed)TranSyndŸ Synthetic Transmission
Fluid (GM Part No. U.S. 12378515,
in Canada 88900701).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Floor Shift
LinkageLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723, or equivalent) 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 equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Front AxleSAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant (GM
Part No. U.S. 1052271, in Canada
10950849 or equivalent).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S.
12378261, in Canada 10953455) or
equivalent meeting GM Speci®cation
9986115.
Rear Axle
(Steerable)Synthetic Axle Lubricant; use only
GM Part No. U.S. 12378557, in
Canada 88901362.
Do not add
friction modi®er.
Manual
Transfer CaseDEXRONž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
Transfer Case
(Four-Wheel
Drive)AUTO-TRAK II Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12378508, in Canada
10953626).
Transfer Case
(All-Wheel
Drive)DEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
6-20