transmission oil CHEVROLET TAHOE 2003 2.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-7
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Interior Lamps..............................................3-17
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-19
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-20
Climate Controls............................................3-20
Climate Control System.................................3-20
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-21
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-25
Rear Air Conditioning System.........................3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System.......3-32
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System and
Electronic Climate Controls.........................3-34
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-36
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-37
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-38
Tachometer.................................................3-38Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-38
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-39
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator.................3-39
Battery Warning Light....................................3-41
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-42
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-42
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-44
Traction Off Light..........................................3-44
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-45
Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-46
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-47
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-50
Cruise Control Light......................................3-51
Four-Wheel-Drive Light..................................3-51
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-52
Fuel Gage...................................................3-52
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-53
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-53
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-54
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-64
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with the
transmission temperature gage above the normal
operating range, you can damage the transmission.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered under your warranty.
The following situations can cause the transmission to
operate at higher temperatures:
·Towing a trailer
·Hot outside air temperatures
·Hauling a large or heavy load
·Low transmission ¯uid level
·High transmission ¯uid level
·Restricted air ¯ow to the radiator and the auxiliary
transmission oil cooler (if equipped).
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, see
Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-5for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
The Check Engine light comes on to indicate that there is
a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often will
be indicated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This may prevent more serious damage to your
vehicle. This system is also designed to assist your
service technician in correctly diagnosing any
malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after a while, your emission controls may
not work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This
could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered
by your warranty.
3-47

TRACTION ACTIVE
When the traction control system has detected that any
of the vehicle's wheels are spinning, the traction
control system will activate and this message will appear
on the DIC. For more information see
Traction Assist
System (TAS) on page 4-10
TRANSMISSION HOT
If the transmission ¯uid temperature becomes high, the
message center will display this message.
When the transmission enters the protection mode, you
may notice a change in the transmission shifting
patterns. When the transmission ¯uid temperature
returns to normal, the display will turn off and the
transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with the
transmission TRANS FLUID HOT message
displayed, you can damage the transmission. This
could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered
under your warranty.
The following situations can cause the transmission to
operate at higher temperatures:
·Towing a trailer
·Hot outside air temperatures
·Hauling a large or heavy load
·Low transmission ¯uid level
·High transmission ¯uid level
·Restricted air ¯ow to the radiator and the auxiliary
transmission oil cooler.
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, see
Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-5for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals.
TRACTION SYS LIMITED
Text under development.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), this
message will appear on the display and you will
hear a chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to
the off position. Press the select button to acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
3-71

Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will ¯ash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps will also ¯ash, telling other drivers
you're about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ¯ash 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 gearbeforeyou 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.
You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear
selection if the transmission shifts too often (e.g., under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the
transmission shifts too often. See ªTow/Haul Modeº
for more information.
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) for a
few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get
the overheat warning, see
Engine Overheating on
page 5-33.
4-75

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
·start your engine,
·shift into a gear, and
·release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
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 ¯uid (don't over®ll),
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and brake
system. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the
Index will help you ®nd 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 Wiring Harness
Your vehicle is equipped with the following wiring
harnesses for towing a trailer.
4-77

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Speci®cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuel E-85 (85% Ethanol).................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling Your Tank............................................5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under
the Hood....................................................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-23
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-26
Engine Coolant.............................................5-29
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-32
Engine Overheating.......................................5-33Cooling System............................................5-36
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-42
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-43
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-44
Brakes........................................................5-45
Battery........................................................5-48
Jump Starting...............................................5-49
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-55
Rear Axle.......................................................5-56
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-57
Front Axle......................................................5-58
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-59
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-59
Headlamps..................................................5-60
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps.........................................5-61
Side Identi®cation Marker Lamps.....................5-62
Roof Marker Lamps......................................5-62
Taillamps.....................................................5-64
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-66
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-66
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. See
Cooling System on
page 5-36.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil on page 5-18.
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See
Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-26.
F. Engine Oil Fill. See
Engine Oil on page 5-18.
G. Fan. See
Cooling System on page 5-36.
H. Remote Negative (-) Terminal (GND). See
Jump
Starting on page 5-49.I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See
Power Steering
Fluid on page 5-43.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting on
page 5-49.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See
Brakes on
page 5-45.
L. Underhood Fuse Block. See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-109.
M. Battery. See
Battery on page 5-48.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-44.
5-15

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
B. Coolant Surge Tank. See
Cooling System on
page 5-36.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil on page 5-18.
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See
Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-26.
F. Engine Oil Fill. See
Engine Oil on page 5-18.
G. Fan. See
Cooling System on page 5-36.
H. Remote Negative (-) Terminal (GND). See
Jump
Starting on page 5-49.I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting on
page 5-49.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See
Power Steering
Fluid on page 5-43.
K. Brake Master Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes on
page 5-45.
L. Underhood Fuse Block. See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-109.
M. Battery. See
Battery on page 5-48.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-44.
5-17

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission ¯uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the ¯uid and ®lter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle's GVWR is over 8,600 or if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
·In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
·In hilly or mountainous terrain.
·When doing frequent trailer towing.
·Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If your vehicle's GVWR is not over 8,600 and you do
not use your vehicle under any of these conditions,
change the ¯uid and ®lter every 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership 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 ¯uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the ¯uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a ®re.
Too little ¯uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission ¯uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission ¯uid level if you have been driving:
·When outside temperatures are above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
·At high speed for quite a while.
·In heavy traffic ± especially in hot weather.
·While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the ¯uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180ÉF to 200ÉF
(82ÉC to 93ÉC).
5-26

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on
page 5-18for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components with each engine oil
and ®lter change.
Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, transmission shift linkage, transfer case shift
linkage and parking brake cable guides. Ball joints
should not be lubricated unless their temperature is
10ÉF (-12ÉC) or higher, or they could be damaged.
See the mileage intervals following for additional
services that may be performed with an engine oil
change and chassis lubrication. After the services are
performed, record the date, odometer reading and
who performed the service on the maintenance record
pages in Part E of this schedule.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-69for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter or change indicator
(if equipped). If necessary, replace the ®lter. If
vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect
®lter or change indicator (if equipped) at every engine
oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-23for more information.An Emission Control
Service. (See footnote ².)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-69for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
qRotate tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-69for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
6-6