automatic transmission GMC SIERRA 1993 User Guide

Your Driving and the Road
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 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
45 mph (70
kmlh) or less to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission overheating.
IT you have an automatic transmission, you should use D (or, as you need to,
a lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle i\
n
D when towing
a trailer will minimize heat buildup and extend the life of your transmission.
Or, if you have a manual transmission with fifth gear and you are towing a
trailer, it’s better not to use fifth gear. Just drive in fourth gear
(or, as you
need to, a lower gear).
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 P (Park) yet, or into gear
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
for a manual transmission.
3. When the wheel chocks are
in place, release the regular brakes until the
chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking brake, and \
then
5. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer case is in a
6. Release the regular brakes.
shift
to
P (Park), or R (Reverse) for a manual transmission.
drive gear-not in
N (Neutral).
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CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can
roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenl\
y.
You
or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move,
when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer case is in N (Neutral),
your vehicle will be free to
roll, even if your shift lever is in P (Park).
So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear-not in N (Neutral).
If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re pulling a trailer, also see
“Parking On Hills” in the Index.
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parklng 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 To wing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See
the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are esp\
ecially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t overfill),
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system, and brake ad\
justment. 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.
mailer Wiring Harness
See “Trailer Wiring Harness’’ in the Index.
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Using a Transfer Case Mounted Power Take-Off (Manual
Transmission)
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transfer case into N (Neutral).
3. Hold the clutch pedal down. If the vehicle will remain in the same place,
4. Engage the power take-off.
shift the transmission into the highest
gear.
If you are going to drive the vehicle, shift the transmission into the gear
you want. Then shift the transfer case into the range you wan\
t, apply
the regular brakes and release the parking brake.
5 Release the clutch (and the regular brakes) as you normally \
would.
Using a Transfer Case Mounted Power Take-Off (Automatic
Transmission)
When you release the clutch, the power take-off will start.
1 I Set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transfer case into N (Neutral).
3. Shift the transmission into N (Neutral).
4. Engage the power take-off.
If you are going to drive the vehicle, shift the transfer case into the
range you want. Then apply the regular brakes and release the \
parking
brake.
5. Shift the transmission to D (Drive) to start the power take-off.
6. Release the regular brakes to drive the vehicle.
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Pmbkms on the Road
not be able to get enough power from a single battery in another vehicle
to start your diesel engine.
If your vehicle has more than one battery, use the battery that’\
s closest
to the starter-this will reduce electrical resistance.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be
sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other.
If they are, it could cause a
ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able
to start your
vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical syst\
ems.
You could be injured
if the vehicles roll. Set the parking brake firmly
manual transmission in
N (Neutral).
If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer c\
ase is
not in
N (Neutral).
1 on each vehicle. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Turn off all lights that aren’t need-
ed, and radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both bat\
teries. And
it could save your radio!
ou leave your radio on, it could be badly damaged. The repairs
r.,Jldn’t be covered by your warranty. I
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.
Find the positive
(t) and negative (-) terminals on each battery.
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Service & Appearance Care
.....
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle . This Section
begins with service and fuel information. and then it shows how to check
important fluid and lubricant levels
. There is also technical information about
your vehicle. and a section devoted to its appearance care
.
Service ........................................................................\
........................................... 6-3
Fuel (Gasoline Engines)
........................................................................\
............... 6-4
Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System
...................................................... 6-6
Checking Things Under the Hood
..................................................................... 6-17
Hood Release
........................................................................\
.......................... 6-18
Cleaning Your Diesel Engine
........................................................................\
.. 6-19
Noise Control System
........................................................................\
............. 6-19
Engine Oil (Except Diesel)
........................................................................\
..... 6.20
Engine Oil (Diesel Engines)
........................................................................\
... 6-26
Air Cleaner
........................................................................\
............................... 6-31
Automatic Transmission Fluid
........................................................................\
. 6-33
Manual Transmission Fluid
........................................................................\
..... 6-36
Hydraulic Clutch
........................................................................\
....................... 6-37
Transfer Case
........................................................................\
.......................... 6-39
Front Axle ........................................................................\
................................. 6-40
Rear Axle
........................................................................\
................................. 6-41
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Automatic Transmission Fluid
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 a General Motors 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.
I Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can
nean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts,
itarting
a fire. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
ransmission ftuid.
Wait at least
30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid 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 fluid must be at normal operating temperature,
which is 180°F
to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
To check the transmission fluid hot: Get the vehicle warmed up by driving
about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (1 0°C). If
it's colder than
50°F (lO°C), drive the vehicle in D (3rd gear) until the engine
temperature gage moves and then remains steady for ten minutes. Then
follow the hot check procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold: A cold check is made after the vehicle
has been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine
off and is used only
as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for five minutes
if outside
temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or more.
If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you
may have
to idle the engine longer. A hot check must follow when fluid is
added during a cold check.
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3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid
level must be in the
COLD area for a cold check or in the HOT area or
cross-hatched area for a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is where it should be, push the dipstick back in all the
way; then flip the handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
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.
If the fluid level
is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the level
up
to the COLD area for a cold check or the HOT area for a hot check. It
doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a pint. Don’t overfill. We
recommend you use only fluid labeled DEXRON@IIE, because fluids \
with that
label are especially made for your automatic transmission. Damag\
e caused by
fluid other than
DEXRON@IIE is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
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.
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6. AIR CLEANER FILTER REPLACEMENT* -Replace at every 30,000
miles (50 000 km) or more often under dusty conditions. Ask your dealer
for the proper replacement intervals for your driving conditions\
.
7. FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPACK (2 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) -Clean
and repack the front wheel bearings at each brake relining, or\
at the specified interval, whichever comes first.
8.
TRANSMISSION SERVICE
Automatic Transmission
-Change the transmission fluid and filter every
15,000 miles (25 000 km) for vehicles under 8,600 GVWR or every
12,000 miles (20 000 km) for vehicles over 8,600 GVWR if the vehicle
is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic.
Where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C\
) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
Frequent trailer pulling.
Uses such as taxi, police, delivery or other commercial service\
.
If the vehicle is not used mainly under any of these conditions, change
the fluid and filter every 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) for vehicles under
8600 GVWR or every
24,000 miles (40 000 km) for vehicles over 8600
GVWR. See “Automatic Transmission Fluid” in the Index for more
information.
Manual Transmission -Transmission fluid does not require periodic
changing.
Regulator Valve System for any worn, plugged or collapsed hoses. Have
the system checked as described in the Service Manual.
9.
CDRV SYSTEM INSPECTION* -Check
the Crankcase Depression
10. FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT* -Replace the fuel filter at the specified
interval
or sooner if clogged.
11. SPARK PLUGS REPLACEMENT* -Replace spark plugs with the type
listed in Section
6. See “Specification Charts” in the Index.
12.
SPARK PLUG WIRE INSPECTION* -Clean wires and inspect for burns,
cracks or other damage. Check the wire boot fit at the distributor and at
the spark plugs. Replace wires as needed.
*An Emission Control Service
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Scheduled Maintenance Sewices
When the wheels are removed for rotation, inspect disc brake pads f\
or wear
and rotors for surface condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings for wear and
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylind\
ers, parking
brake, etc., at the same time. Remove any rust
or dirt from the wheel and
mounting surfaces before mounting the wheel.
Inspect brakes more often if driving habits or conditions resull In
frequent braking.
Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which should be mad\
e at the
time period specified
to help ensure proper safety, emission performance, and
dependability of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever \
any fluids
or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones,
as shown
in this Section.
At Least Once a Month
Tire inflation pressure check -Check the tires for proper inflation. If they
are low, inflate them
to the level specified on the certification label or on the
tire inflation charts. See “Loading Your Vehicle’’ or “Inflation-Tire Pressure” in
the Index.
At Least Once a Year
Key lock cylinder lubrication -Lubricate key lock cylinders with engine oil.
See the “Recommended Fluid and Lubricants’’ chart in this section.
Transmission neutral or clutch start switch operation
CAUTION
~
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the veh\
icle.
2. Firmly apply both the manual parking brake and the regular brake. See
“Brakes” and “Parking Brake” in the Index.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal.
3. Be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
4. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear.
The starter should work only in
P (Park) or N (Neutral).
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On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in N (Neutral), push the
clutch down halfway, and try to start the engine. The starter should work only
when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor.
Steering column lock operation -While parked, try to turn the key to Lock
in each gear shift position.
With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to
Lock only when the
gear shift is in
P (Park).
On vehicles with a key release lever, try to turn the key to
Lock without
pressing the lever. The key should turn to
Lock only with the key lever
depressed.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in
Lock.
Parking brake and transmission
P (PARK) mechanism operation -
CAUTION I
4 When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move.
You
or others could be injured and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is
room in front of your vehicle in case you begin
to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the
vehicle begin to move.
IW
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.\
Keeping your foot
on the regular brake, set the manual parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running and the
transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.
To check the “Park” mechanism’s holding ability: Apply the \
regular brake
and shift to
P (Park). Release the manual parking brake, then slowly
release the regular brake.
Lap and shoulder belts condition and operation -Inspect belt system,
including: webbing, buckles, latch plates, retractors, guide loop\
s and anchors.
Have a belt assembly replaced
if the webbing has been cut or otherwise
damaged.
Body
Lubrication Service -Lubricate all body door hinges with engine oil.
Also lubricate the tailgate, tailgate handle pivot points, and tailga\
te mounted
spare tire carrier
(if equipped). Lubricate the body hood, fuel door and rear
compartment hinges, latches and locks including interior glove
box and
console
doors, and any folding seat hardware. Lubricate the hood safety lever
pivot and prop
rod pivot. More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
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