coolant CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2009 2.G Owner's Manual

You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are running.
If the engine is overheating, both fans should be running.
If they are not, do not continue to run the engine and
have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty. See
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-37for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
Notice:If the engine catches re while driving
with no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-37for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{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 the engine if it
overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode on page 5-37for information on driving to a
safe place in an emergency.
5-35

If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or the
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message, along
with a low coolant condition, can indicate a serious
problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning, but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer. SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-51.If you get the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or
the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message
with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and
to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. If you are stopped in a traffic jam, apply the brake,
shift to N (Neutral); otherwise, shift to the highest
gear while driving—D(Drive) or 3 (Third).
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distance
from the car in front of you. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
ve minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” later in this section.
5-36

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates ring groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a loss in power and engine performance.
This operating mode allows the vehicle to be driven to a
safe place in an emergency. Driving extended miles (km)
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
Engine Fan Noise
If the vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan, when the
clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide more air
to cool the engine. In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is not fully
engaged. This improves fuel economy and reduces fan
noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, the fan speed increases as
the clutch more fully engages, so you may hear an
increase in fan noise. This is normal and should not be
mistaken as the transmission slipping or making extra
shifts. It is merely the cooling system functioning properly.
The fan will slow down when additional cooling is not
required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If the vehicle has electric cooling fans, you may hear the
fans spinning at low speed during most everyday driving.
The fans may turn off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or high outside
temperatures, or if you are operating the air conditioning
system, the fans may change to high speed and you
may hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and
indicates that the cooling system is functioning properly.
The fans will change to low speed when additional
cooling is no longer required.
5-37

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
The 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.
5-39

Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-73.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 4-32.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-32.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
rear axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-32.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used on
light duty trucks and some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number ranging from
1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.
Maximum Ination Pressure
:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire can be inated.
The maximum air pressure is molded onto the
sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating for a tire
at the maximum permissible ination pressure
for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
:The sum of
curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg). SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-32.
Occupant Distribution
:Designated seating
positions.
5-71

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.An Emission Control Service.••
Allison Transmission
®only: Replace external transmission lter at the rst
maintenance service performed on the vehicle.
Lubricate chassis components.See footnote #.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter or change indicator (if equipped). If necessary,
replace lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.See footnote (p).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-81and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on
page 6-12.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
6-5

(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.
(l)Extreme Duty Service: Change transfer case fluid if
the vehicle is mainly driven off-road in four-wheel
drive. Vehicles used for farming, mining, forestry,
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and snow
plowing occupations meet this definition.
(m)Severe Duty Service: Change transfer case fluid if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
Frequent trailer towing.
Taxi, police, or delivery service.
6-10

(n)Vehicles with diesel engine or with GVWR above
10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) only: Inspect shields for damage or
looseness. Adjust or replace as required. This is a
Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable to vehicles
sold in the United States and recommended for
vehicles sold in Canada.
(p)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter or change indicator (if equipped) at each engine
oil change.
(q)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle safety,
dependability, and emission control performance. Your
dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
At the First 100, 1,000 and
6,000 Miles (160, 1 600 and
10 000 km)
For vehicles with dual wheels, check dual wheel nut
torque. For proper torque, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-130.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-29.
6-11

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a
gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX
®
Diesel manual.
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-15.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-29.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Floor Shift
LinkageLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) 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 lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Front Axle
(1500 Series) -
Four-Wheel
DriveSAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021671,
in Canada 89021672).
Front Axle
(1500 HD,
1500 AWD,
2500,
2500 HD, and
3500 Series)SAE 75W-90
Synthetic Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021677,
in Canada 89021678) meeting
GM Specication 9986115.
6-15

Clock, Setting.................................................3-86
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Compass.......................................................3-63
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-17
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-29
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-44
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Cruise Control................................................3-13
Cruise Control Light........................................3-50
Cupholders....................................................2-81
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation................................7-10
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-6
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-6
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-7
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government...................................7-14
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-7
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-15D
Daytime Running Lamp...................................3-17
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking.............................................2-10
DIC Compass.................................................3-63
Disc, MP3..........................................3-108, 3-113
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-5
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-20
Dome Lamps .................................................3-20
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Rear Doors.................................................2-11
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-53
DIC Operation and Displays..................3-53, 3-59
DIC Vehicle Customization............................3-76
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-66
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-25
Before a Long Trip......................................4-26
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
4