transmission oil CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1996 Owners Manual

NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you
do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK
(P) only
when your vehicle is stopped.
Turn your ignition
key to RUN.
Observe the GLOW PLUGS light. (This light may not come on if the
engine is hot.)
NOTICE:
If the GLOW PLUGS light stays on, it means that your vehicle
could have one
of several problems, so you should have it
serviced right
away.
2. As soon as the GLOW PLUGS light goes off, IMMEDIATELY turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. (The
longer you wait to start after the light goes off, the harder it will be to
start the engine.)
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time
will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the
excessive heat can damage your starter motor.
3. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking, turn the
ignition key
to OFF. Wait one minute for the starter to cool, then try the
same steps again.
If you’re trying to start your engine after you’ve run out of fuel, follow the
steps
in “Running Out of Fuel” (see “Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel
System”
in the Index).
When your engine is cold, let it
run for a few minutes before you move your
vehicle. This lets oil pressure build up. Your engine will sound louder when
it’s cold.
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NOTICE:
After you’ve used the coolant heater, be sure to store the \
cord as
it
was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you
don’t, it could be damaged.
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.
Instead of trying
to list everything here, we ask that you contact your GM
dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give
you the best advice for that particular area.
Automatic Transmission
T
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, it now features
an electronic shift position indicator within
the instrument cluster. This
display must be powered anytime the shift lever
is capable of being moved
out
of the PARK (P) position. This means that if your key is in the OFF
position, but not locked, there will be a small current drain on your battery
which could discharge your battery over a period of time. If you have a need
to leave your key
in the ignition in the OFF position for an extended period
for any reason,
it is recommended that you disconnect the battery cable
from the battery to prevent discharging your battery.
PARK (P) -This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use
when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.
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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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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.
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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.
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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
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Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
Cooling System Service (or every 24 months, whichever occurs first)
Spark Plug Replacement
Fuel Filter Replacement
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement Front Wheel Bearing Repack
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
Automatic Transmission Service (severe conditions only)
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
Spark Plug Wire Inspection
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection
Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection
Engine Timing Check
Schedule 1 Definition - Gasoline Engines With Heavy Duty
Emissions
Follow Maintenance Schedule I if any one of these is true for your vehicle:
e
e
e
e
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly
important when outside temperatures are below freezing.
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.
You frequently tow
a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle.
Schedule
I should also be followed if the vehicle is used for delivery
service, police, taxi, or other commercial application.
Schedule I Intervals - Gasoline Engines with Heavy Duty
Emissions
Every
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
Engine Oil and Filter Change (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first)
Chassis Lubrication (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first)
Drive Axle Service
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Schedule I lntervals - Diesel Engines
Every
2,500 Miles (4 000 km)
Engine Oil and Filter Change (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first)
Chassis Lubrication (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first)
Air Cleaner Filter Inspection,
if Driving in Extremely Dusty or Dirty
(Off-Road) Conditions
Every 5,000 Miles (8 000 km)
Drive Axle Service
Every 7,500 Miles (12 000 km)
Air Cleaner Filter Inspection, if Driving in Dusty Conditions
At 7,500 Miles (72 000 km) - Thea Every 75,000 Miles (24 000 km)
Tire Rotation
Every 10,000 Miles (16 000 km)
Shields and Underhood Insulation Inspection
Thermostatically Controlled Engine Cooling Fan Check (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first)
Air Intake System Inspection
Every 15,000 Miles (24 000 km)
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement
Front Wheel Bearing Repack (or at Each Brake Relining) (2-Wheel Drive Only)
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
Fuel Filter Replacement
Cooling System Service (or every
24 months, whichever occurs first)
Every 50,000 Miles (80 000 km)
Automatic Transmission Service
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Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
Automatic Transmission Service
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
Crankcase Depression Regulator Valve (CDRV) System Inspection
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Inspection
(if equipped)
Exhaust Pressure Regulator Valve Inspection
Maintenance Schedule I - Gasoline Engines With
Light Duty Emissions
The services shown in this schedule up to 60,000 miles (100 000 km) should
be performed after
60,000 miles (100 000 km) at the same intervals.
Footnotes
The California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to
perform this maintenance item will
not nullify the emission warranty or
limit recall liability prior
to the completion of vehicle useful life. We,
however, urge that all recommended maintenance services be performed at
the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded.
** Drive axle service:
0 Locking Differential - Drain fluid and refill at first engine oil change.
At subsequent oil changes, check fluid level and add fluid as needed. If
driving
in dusty areas or towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill every
15,000 miles (25 000 km).
Standard Differential - Check fluid level and add fluid as needed at
every
oil change. If driving in dusty areas or towing a trailer, drain
fluid and refill every
15,000 miles (25 000 km).
More frequent lubrication may be required for heavy-duty or off-road
use.
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