check oil CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1996 Owners Manual

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer
depends
on the weather, the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
Follow this chart.
Viscosity/
Oil Grade
SAE
low-30
SAE
15W40
32°F to 0°F
(OOC to -18OC)
Not
Required
Not
Required
0°F to -10°F
(-18” c to
-23 O C)
Two
Hours*
Two
Hours*
Below -10°F
Below
-23 O C
Eight Hours*
or Overnight
Eight Hours*
or Overnight
*The times listed are minimum times.
It will not harm either the coolant
heater or
the vehicle to leave the coolant heater plugged in longer than the
times stated.
See “Diesel Fuel Requirements and
Fuel System” in the Index for
information
on what fuel to use in cold weather.
lf Your Diesel Engine Won’t Start
If you’ve run out of fuel, look at “Running Out of Fuel” (see “Diesel Fuel
Requirements and Fuel System” in the Index).
If you’re
not out of fuel, and your engine won’t start, do this:
Turn your ignition
key to RUN. Make sure that the GLOW PLUGS light is
out. Then IMMEDIATELY
turn the ignition key to START.
If the light doesn’t go off, wait a few seconds, then try starting your engine
again. And, see your dealer
as soon as you can for a starting system check.
If the light comes
on and then goes off and you know your batteries are
charged, but your engine still
won’t start, your vehicle needs service.
If the light does
not come on when the engine is cold, your vehicle needs
service.
If your batteries don’t have enough charge to start your engine, see
“Battery”
in the Index.
Be sure you have the right oil for your engine, and that you’ve changed
the
oil at the proper times. If you use the wrong oil, your engine may be harder
to start.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then stops, your vehicle needs service.
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NOTICE:
If’ you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a whi\
le
the emission controls won’t work as well, your
fuel economy
won’t be as
good, and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty\
.
Check Gages Light
This orange light will come on briefly when you are starting the engine. If
the light comes on and stays on while you are driving, it could indicate a
problem
with your vehicle. It could be a problem with your oil pressure,
coolant temperature, or some other problem. Check your various gages to
see
if they are in the warning zones. If they are, have your vehicle serviced
right away.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light
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Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per
square inch) when the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure
in kPa (kilopascals). Oil pressure may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and
oil viscosity, but readings above the low pressure
zone indicate the normal operating range.
A reading in the low pressure zone may be caused by a dangerously low oil
level or other problem causing
low oil pressure. Check your oil as soon as
possible.
A CAUTION:
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your
engine can become
so hot that it catches fire. You or others could
be burned. Check your oil as soon
as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be
costly and is not covered
by your warranty.
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You may prefer to use a non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner. This type
of cleaner
uses a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaner
cassette will not cause
an error, but it may not clean the tape player as
thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.
A scrubbing action cleaner cassette is available through your retailer
(SPO
#12344600).
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time.
Always verify that the cassette tape is in good condition and the tape player
is clean before obtaining service
on your tape player.
NOTICE:
Cassette tape adapter kits for portable CD players will not work
in your cassette player. These adapters will cause the radio to
display an error and the adapter cassette
will be ejected.
Care of Compact Discs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective
cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface
of a disc is
soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth
in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean it, wiping from
the center to the edge.
Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs
by grasping the outer edges or the edge
of the hole and the outer edge.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being
damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten
it
out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should
replace it.
Check every once in a while to be sure
the mast is still tightened to the
fender.
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When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in
advance. If you miss your exit do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp
can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed
is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of
motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend
to
think you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re
not fresh
- such as after a day’s work - don’t plan to make too many
miles that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and
shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained,
it’s ready to go. If
it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of
course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
GM dealers all
across
North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before
a trip:
0 Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean
inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread
good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Should you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook along your route?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain
falling asleep
at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
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Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra wiring (included in
the optional trailering package). The green arrows
on your instrument panel
will flash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will
also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn,
change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your instrument panel will flash
for turns even if the bulbs
on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think
drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep
downgrade. If
you don’t shift down, you might have to use your brakes so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On
a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your speed to around 45 mph
(70 kdh) to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission overheating.
If
you have an automatic transmission you should use DRIVE (3) (or, as
you need to, a lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in
DRIVE (3) when towing a trailer will minimize heat build-up and extend
the life
of your transmission.
If
you have a manual transmission and you are towing a trailer, it’s better
not to use FIFTH (5) gear. Just drive in FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need
to,
a lower gear).
When towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, consider the following:
Engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If
you turn your engine off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs similar
to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run while parked (preferably on level ground)
with the automatic transmission
in PARK (P) (or the manual transmission
out of gear and the parking brake applied) for a few minutes before turning
the engine off.
If you do get the overheat warning, see “Engine
Overheating” in the Index.
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If
something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be injured,
and both your vehicle and
the trailer can be damaged.
But
if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into PARK (P) yet, or in gear
for a manual transmission.
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Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See
the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially
important
in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system, an\
d brake
adjustment. Each
of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help
you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see
that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Lighting Systems Wiring
See “Trailer Wiring Harness” in the Index.
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You should ask your service station operators if their gasolines contain
deposit control additives and oxygenates, and
if they have been
reformulated
to reduce vehicle emissions.
Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System
Some states and provinces have restrictions on the purchase of diesel fuel
for light-duty vehicles and require you
to buy permits or pay special taxes.
Some
of these restrictions apply only to residents, and others apply to both
residents and visitors. These restrictions can change.
To learn the current
restrictions
in any state or province, contact your auto club, the police or
other officials.
Fuel Requirements
NOTICE:
Diesel fuel or fuel additives not recommended in this manual
could damage your fuel system and engine. Your warranty
wouldn’t cover this damage. And:
Diesel fuel that has been mixed with engine oil could damage
your engine and emission controls.
Always check with your
service station operator to make sure his diesel fuel has not \
been mixed with engine oil.
If you ever run out of diesel fuel, it can be difficult to restart
your engine. “Running Out
of Fuel,” later in this section, tells
you how to get it started again.
To avoid all this, try never to
let your tank get empty.
What Fuel to Use
For best results, use Number 2-D diesel fuel year-round (above and below
freezing conditions) as
oil companies blend Number 2-D fuel to address
climate differences. Number 1-D diesel fuel may be used
in very cold
temperatures (when it stays below
0°F or -1 8°C); however, it will produce
a power and fuel economy
loss. The use of Number 1-D diesel fuel in warm
or hot climates may result in stalling, poor starting when the engine
is hot
and may damage the fuel injection system.
Diesel fuel may foam when you fill your tank. This can cause the automatic
pump nozzle
to shut off, even though your tank isn’t full. If this happens,
just wait for the foaming
to stop and then continue to fill your tank.
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Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline
Engines)
If you plan on driving in another country outside the U.S. or Canada,
unleaded
fuel may be hard to find. Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use
even one tankful, your emission controls won’t work well or at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system can corrode,
and your engine oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor
will be damaged. All of that means costly repairs that 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.
You can
also write us at the following address for advice. Just tell us where
you’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation,
North American Export Sales
(NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
LIH 8P7
Filling Your Tank
The fuel cap is behind
a hinged door on the
left side of your
vehicle.
A CAUTION:
Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that
can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasol\
ine
or refueling your vehicle.
Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from gasoline.
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Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly. Pull down
the hood and close it firmly.
Cleaning Your Diesel Engine
NOTICE:
If you spray or pour water or any other liquid on your engine
when it is warm or hot, or when
it is running, you could cause
serious damage
to it. If you ever clean the engine, clean it only
when it
is cold.
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engines)
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.
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