check oil CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1996 User Guide

Turn off the engine
and give the oil
a few
minutes
to drain back
into the oil pan.
If you
don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the
actual level.
To Check Engine Oil
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.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need to add some oil. But
you must use the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the
oil level gets above the upper mark that shows the proper
operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
6-15
ProCarManuals.com

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 Oil (Diesel Engines)
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil level 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.
r Turn off the engine
and give
the oil a few
minutes to drain back
into the
oil pan. If you
don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the
actual level.
6-20
ProCarManuals.com

To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or a cloth, then push it
back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need to add some oil. But
you must use
the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the
oil level gets above the proper operating range, your engine
could be damaged.
6-21
ProCarManuals.com

To remove the air cleaner filter on a gasoline engine or a 6.5 liter naturally
aspirated diesel engine, turn the wing nuts
to the left. Remove the cover and
change
the filter.
To remove the air cleaner filter on a 6.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine,
first remove the rubber elbow. Remember to observe the caution about
turbocharger blades
on the rubber elbow.
Then, unhook the cover retaining clips
and push the rear
of
the cover toward the
engine.
Automatic Transmission Nuid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the
engine
oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
when to change your
fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the
Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this
done
at your GM dealer 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.
6-26
ProCarManuals.com

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission
fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid 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 a
int. Don 7 overfill. We recommend
you
use only fluid labeled DEXRON -111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission. Damage caused by fluid
other than DEXRON@-111
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
8
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to
Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way; then flip
the handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is changed. However,
the fluid
in your manual transmission doesn’t require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this
done at your
GM dealer Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could
get a false reading.
I 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.
Check the fluid 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 fingers
on the transmission case.
6-29
ProCarManuals.com

How to Check Lubricant
P
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add
some lubricant.
If the differential is at operating temperature (warm), add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
If the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise the level to 1/2 inch
(I 2 mm) below the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Engine 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 “Engine
Overheating”
in the Index.
The proper coolant for your vehicle will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half chi? wcmr (preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets
“GM Specification 6038-M,” which won’t damage
aluminum parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to “GM
6-33
ProCarManuals.com

To Check Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap. Just look at the
windows
on the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid levels should be above MIN.
If
they aren’t, have your brake system checked to see if there is a leak.
After work
is done on the brake hydraulic system, make sure the levels are
above
MIN and below the top of each window.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid - such as
Delco Supreme 1 1 @ (GM Part No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a
sealed container only, and always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap before
removing it.
NOTICE:
Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid. For
example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so
badly that they’ll have to be replaced.
Brake fluid can damage paint, so be careful not to spill brake
fluid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care” in the Index.
6-42
ProCarManuals.com

Air Conditioning
Every now and then have your dealership check your air conditioning
system to be sure
it has not lost any cooling ability. If you think the system
is not working properly, have your dealership check it out as soon as
possible.
The air conditioning will not work when the temperature is below
40°F
(4°C).
Fluid Leak Check
After the vehicle has been parked for a while, inspect the surface under the
vehicle for water, oil, fuel or other fluids. Water dripping from the air
conditioning system after
it has been used is normal. If you notice fuel leaks
or fumes, the causes should be found and corrected at once.
Lock Cylinders
To be sure your locks operate properly, they must be lubricated. Your
vehicle’s maintenance schedule will tell
you how often to lubricate them.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index for the proper
lubricant to use.
You should not use penetrating oils because they could wash out the factory
installed lubricant and cause the lock
to bind. De-icers which contain
alcohol could also wash away
the lubricant, so be sure to lubricate the lock
after using
a de-icer of this type.
Battery
Every new GM vehicle has a Delco Freedom’ battery. You never have to
add water
to one of these. When it’s time for a new battery, we recommend
a Delco Freedom@ battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown
on the original battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, take off the
black, negative
(-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your battery
from running down.
6-45
ProCarManuals.com

Crankcase Capacity
ENGINE
5.7L
6.5L
6.5L
7.4L
VIN
K
S
F
N
QUANTITY WITH
FILTER?
5 Quarts (4.8 Liters)
7 Quarts (6.5 Liters)
7 Quarts (6.5 Liters)
7 Quarts (6.5 Liters)
After refill, the level
MUST be checked as outlined under “Engine Oil And
Filter Recommendations”
in Section 5.
All quantities are approximate.
?Oil filter should be changed at EVERY oil change.
Fuel Tank Capacity
TYPE
Gasoline/Diesel
Utility Models - Standard
Suburban
- Standard
QUANTITY
30 Gallons ( I 1 3 Liters)
42 Gallons
( I59 Liters)
All quantities are for a completely dry tank and are approximate.
Service Replacement Part and Filter
Recommendations
- Gasoline Engines
Engine
VIN
Oil Filter
Air Cleaner Filter
PCV Valve
Spark Plugs”
Fuel Filter
Radiator Cap
5.7L
K
PF1218T A348C
cv774c
CR43TS
GF48 1
RC36
?Four Wheel Drive Vehicle
- use a PF52 oil filter
*Use AC copper-cored resistor type spark plugs
7.4L
N
PF1218
A348C
cv774c
.CR43TS GF48
1
RC36
ProCarManuals.com

Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement
Spark Plug Replacement
Fuel Filter Replacement
Cooling System Service (or every
24 months, whichever occurs first)
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
Automatic Transmission Service (severe conditions only)
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection
Spark Plug Wire Inspection
Engine Timing Check Fuel Tdnk, Cap and Lines Inspection
I
Schedule lI Definition - Gasoline Engines With Light Duty
Emissions
Follow Schedule 11 orzly if none of the conditions from Schedule I is true.
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
Engine Oil and Filter Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first)
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first)
Drive
Axle Service
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) - Then Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
Tire Rotation
7-S
ProCarManuals.com