brake fluid CHEVROLET TAHOE 2009 3.G Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
0:Adjustable Pedals
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-30.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-35.
D.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
E. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-32.
F.Tow/Haul Mode on page 2-38(If Equipped).
G.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-51.
H.Audio System(s) on page 3-82.
I.Exterior Lamps on page 3-14.
J.Dome Lamp Override on page 3-19.Instrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-18.Fog Lamps
on page 3-17(If Equipped).
K. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped).
Towing a Trailer on page 4-50.
L. Automatic Transfer Case Control. (If Equipped).
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-40.
M.Cruise Control on page 3-12.N.Tilt Wheel on page 3-6.
O.Horn on page 3-6.
P.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-137.
Q.Climate Control System on page 3-22orDual
Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-24
(If Equipped).
R.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-20. Cigarette
Lighter (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-21.
S.StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6(If Equipped).
Pedal Adjust Button (If Equipped). SeeAdjustable
Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 2-30.Ultrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-56
(If Equipped). Heated Windshield Washer Fluid
Button (If Equipped). SeeWindshield Washer on
page 3-10.Power Assist Steps on page 2-18
(If Equipped).
T.Glove Box on page 2-78.
3-5

TRAILER CONNECTED
On vehicles with the Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, this message displays briey when
a trailer with electric brakes is rst connected to
the vehicle.
This message clears itself after several seconds. This
message also clears if you acknowledge it. After
this message clears, the TRAILER GAIN/OUTPUT
display appears in the DIC.
See “TRAILER GAIN/OUTPUT” underDIC Operation
and Displays (With DIC Buttons) on page 3-52or
DIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons) on
page 3-58and “Integrated Trailer Brake Control System”
underTowing a Trailer on page 4-50for more
information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with
overheated transmission uid or while the
transmission temperature warning is displayed.This message displays along with a sound if the
transmission uid in the vehicle gets hot. Driving with
the transmission uid temperature high can cause
damage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool. This message clears
and the chime stops when the uid temperature reaches
a safe level.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn
signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km). Move the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the off position.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
This message displays when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid reservoir as
soon as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-14for the location of the windshield
washer uid reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 5-39for more information.
3-73

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission)..............................5-22Automatic Transmission Fluid
(4-Speed Transmission)..............................5-25
Cooling System............................................5-28
Engine Coolant.............................................5-29
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-34
Engine Overheating.......................................5-34
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . .5-36
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-37
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-37
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-40
Battery........................................................5-43
Jump Starting..............................................
.5-44
Rear Axle.......................................................5-50
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-52
Front Axle......................................................5-53
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-54
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-57
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-57
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-58
License Plate Lamp......................................5-59
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-59
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-60
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeCooling
System on page 5-28.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-44.
D.Battery on page 5-43.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See “Checking the
Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission) on page 5-22orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (4-Speed Transmission) on
page 5-25.
G. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-44.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-28.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-37.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-40.L.Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-118.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-39.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the 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.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. 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, and check the level.
5-15

Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6-Speed Transmission)
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the transmission uid
level. The only reason for uid loss is a transmission leak
or overheating the transmission. If you suspect a small
leak, then use the following checking procedures to check
the uid level. However, if there is a large leak, then it
may be necessary to have the vehicle towed to a dealer/
retailer service department and have it repaired before
driving the vehicle further.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in the
Maintenance Schedule. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4. Be sure to use the transmission uid listed
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
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
parts 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.
Before checking the uid level, prepare the vehicle as
follows:
1. Start the engine and park the vehicle on a level
surface. Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift lever
in P (Park).
5-22

How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer 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
parts 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 90°F (32°C).
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 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
drive the vehicle in 3 (Third) until the engine temperature
gage moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold uid check can be made after the vehicle has been
sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off, but this
is used only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for
ve minutes if outside temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or
more. If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have to
idle the engine longer. Should the uid level be low during
this cold check, you must check the uid hot before
adding uid. Checking the uid hot will give you a more
accurate reading of the uid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position
the shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
5-26

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down:
The brake uid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the uid level goes back up.
A uid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low uid level. Have the brake hydraulic
system xed, since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes will not work well.Do not top off the brake uid. Adding uid does not
correct a leak. If uid is added when the linings
are worn, there will be too much uid when new brake
linings are installed. Add or remove brake uid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If too much brake uid is added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and the vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake uid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system. See
“Checking Brake Fluid” in this section.
When the brake uid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light comes on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-40.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check the brake uid. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
5-40

Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake uid by looking at the brake uid reservoir.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14.
The uid level should be
above MIN. If it is not, have
the brake hydraulic system
checked to see if there is
a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
Use only new DOT-3 brake uid from a sealed
container. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13.Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This helps keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in the brake hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they
will have to be replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of uid.
If brake uid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid on the vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-109.
5-41

Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-15.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-29.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Front Axle
(1500 Series
Vehicles with
Four-Wheel
Drive)SAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021671,
in Canada 89021672).
6-13