coolant temperature CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2008 2.G User Guide

Engine Coolant
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL
®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, 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 5-32.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.
5-29

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur.
Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-14for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
If your vehicle has the DURAMAX®Diesel engine, see
the DURAMAX®Diesel manual for more information.
You will nd a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-48.
In addition, you will nd ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE, ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE,
and ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED messages in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) on the instrument panel.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-66.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood.
Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine
is overheated, the liquids in it can catch re.
You or others could be badly burned. Stop
your engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode (V8 Engines Only) on page 5-34for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
5-32

3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture,
to the FULL COLD mark.4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until the engine coolant
temperature gage indicates approximately
195°F (90°C).
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
6. Verify coolant level after engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary, repeat coolant ll
procedure Steps 1 through 6.
5-39

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer uid needs to be added, be
sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Use a uid that has sufficient protection against
freezing in an area where the temperature may fall
below freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Your vehicle has a low washer uid message in the
DIC that comes on when the washer uid is low.
The message is displayed for 15 seconds at the start of
each ignition cycle. When the WASHER FLUID LOW
ADD FLUID message displays, you will need to add
washer uid to the windshield washer uid reservoir.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-14for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
5-42

(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies 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 see Checking the Restraint Systems
on page 1-88.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, body door hinges,
hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, tailgate hinges, tailgate linkage,
tailgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door
hinge, locks, and folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be sure vent hose
is unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any
maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean
mud and dirt from the underbody, care should be taken
to not directly spray the transfer case output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals and
contaminate the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the transfer case and should
be replaced.(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is
over 8600 lbs or 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.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-29
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition. Check
that the purge valve, if the vehicle has one, works
properly. Replace as needed.
6-9

Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp...............................................5-63
Center Seat...................................................1-12
Chains, Tire...................................................5-92
Charging System Light....................................3-45
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-49
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-122
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-42
Infants and Young Children...........................1-39
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-45
Older Children.............................................1-35
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-54
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Center Front Seat Position........................1-57
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........1-57, 1-62, 1-66
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-44
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-24
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-120
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-118
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-115
Finish Care...............................................5-119Cleaning (cont.)
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-117
Interior.....................................................5-114
Leather....................................................5-116
Tires........................................................5-121
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-122
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-118
Weatherstrips............................................5-117
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-120
Climate Control System...........................3-25, 3-28
Dual Automatic............................................3-29
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-35
Clock, Setting.................................................3-86
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Compass...............................................2-56, 2-58
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-29
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-48
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-32
Cooling System..............................................5-35
Cruise Control................................................3-13
Cruise Control Light........................................3-54
Cupholders....................................................2-78
3

E
EDR .............................................................7-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-125
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-128
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-125
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-126
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-125
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-129
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-125
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-20
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-20
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-49
Coolant......................................................5-29
Coolant Heater............................................2-27
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-48
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-17
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-54
Fan Noise..................................................5-40
Fast Idle System.........................................2-25
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-34Engine (cont.)
Overheating................................................5-32
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry Lighting.................................................3-21
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Exit Lighting...................................................3-21
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-35
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-17
F
Fast Idle System............................................2-25
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage.............................................5-122
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-134
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-11
Flat Tire........................................................5-93
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-94
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-110
Fluid
Automatic Transmission........................5-22, 5-26
Power Steering...........................................5-41
Windshield Washer......................................5-42
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-20
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-53
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-36, 5-54
5

Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-54
Front Axle......................................................5-56
Fuel............................................................... 5-6
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-7
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-12
Filling the Tank...........................................5-10
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-9
Gage .........................................................3-55
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-6
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light.......................................3-56
Running Out of...........................................2-54
Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-128
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-125
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-126
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-129
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-125G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-48
Fuel..........................................................3-55
Oil Pressure...............................................3-52
Speedometer..............................................3-38
Tachometer.................................................3-38
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-45
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-71
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-6
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-78
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-6
6