oil change 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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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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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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Hesitation or “flat” performance at high speed or during hard acceleration
may be an indication of premature fuel filter plugging due
to dirty or
contaminated fuel. The filter element may need to be changed
if this
happens. See your dealer for assistance.
To drain water:
I. Stop and park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn off the engine and apply
the parking brake.
2. Remove the fuel tank cap.
3. Place a fuel-resistant container under the filter drain hose.
4. With the engine
off? open the
water drain valve
2 to 3 turns.
When standing
in
front of the
vehicle, the valve is located
on the
right side of the
thermostat housing.
5. Start the engine and allow it to idle until clear fuel is observed.
6. Stop the engine and close the water drain valve.
7. Remove the fuel-resistant container and properly dispose of the
contaminated fuel.
To find out how to properly dispose of contaminated
diesel fuel see “What to Do
with Used Oil” in the “Engine Oil (Diesel
Engines)” part, later
in this section.
8. Install the fuel tank cap.
If the WATER IN FUEL light comes on again after driving a short distance
or the engine runs rough or stalls-a large amount of water has probably
been pumped
into the fuel tank. The fuel tank should be purged.
6% CAUTION:
Diesel he1 containing water is still flammable. You could be
burned. If you ever try to drain water from
your fuel, keep
sparks, flames and smoking materials away
from the mixture.
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The engine oil filler cap is located on the driver’s side engine valve cover.
Just fill it enough to put
the level somewhere in the proper operating range.
Push the dipstick all
the way back in when you’re through.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils of the proper quality for your vehicle can be identified by looking for
the “Starburst” symbol. The “Starburst” symbol indicates that the oil has
been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and is preferred
for use in your gasoline engine.
If you change your own oil, be sure
you use oil that has the “Starburst”
symbol
on the front of the oil container. If you have your oil changed for
you, be sure the oil put into your engine is American Petroleum Institute
certified
for gasoline engines.
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HEAVY DUTY EMISSIONS - GASOLINE ENGINES
- RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAL
VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
- ~~
HOT
WEATHER
/ v
"F
+lo0 c - +38
t8Q - - +27
+60 - +16
+4Q - - +4
+20 ---7
0 ---18
-
-
SAE 1OW-30
PREFERRED
SAE 5W-30
cola
WEATHER
LOOK
FOR THIS
SYMBOL
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown in the chart, SAE IOW-30 is best for your vehicle. nowever, you
can use
SAE 5W-30 if it's going to be colder than 60°F (I 6°C) before your
next oil change. When
it's very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30. These
numbers
on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity
oils, such as SAE 20W-50.
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NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute
Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol. Failure \
to
use the proper oil can result in engine damage not covered by
your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil) meets all the
requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your GM dealer is ready to advise if you
think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly
important when outside temperatures are below freezing.
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop and
go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or off-road frequently.
0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle.
If any one of these
is true for your vehicle, then you need to change your oil
and filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months - whichever comes
first.
Light Duty Emissions:
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every 7,500 miles (1 2 500
km) or 12 months - whichever comes first.
Heavy Duty Emissions:
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every 6,000 miles (10 000
km) or 12 months - whichever comes first.
Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in
very cold weather, 0°F (- 18OC) or colder. If your vehicle has this option,
see “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.
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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.
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DIESEL ENGINES
I RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY 6RADE ENGINE OILS
SELECT THE SAE ORADE OIL BASED ON
THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE
BEFORE NEXT 011 CHANGE
HOT
WEATHER
/OF c
+ 100
+BO - -
+32 --
0 -9
-20 -
+ 38
+ 18
SAE 15W-40
PREFERRED
above 0°F (- 1 8°C)
SA€ 1 OW-30
- SA€ I 30
COLD
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
SAE 15W-40
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 15W-40 is best for your vehicle.
However, you can use
SAE 1OW-30 if it's going to be colder than
32°F (0OC) before your next oil change. When it's very cold, below
0°F (-1 8OC), you should use SAE 1 OW-30 to improve cold starting.
Also, SAE 30 may be used at temperatures above freezing, 32°F (OOC).
These numbers on the oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do
not use other viscosity oils such as SAE IOW-40 or SAE 2OW-50.
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This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is used on most oil containers to help
you select the correct oil.
You should
look for this on the oil container, and use only those oils that
display the logo.
GM Goodwrench@
oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil) meets all the
requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your GM dealer is ready to advise if you
think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 5 to I0 miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly
important when outside temperatures are below freezing.
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop and
go traffic).
You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or off-road frequently.
0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle.
If any of
these is true for your vehicle, then you need to change your oil and
filter every
2,500 miles (4 000 km) or 3 months - whichever comes first.
If
none of them is true, change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles (8 000
km) or I2 months - whichever comes first.
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. Wdsh 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.
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