check transmission fluid GMC SIERRA 1993 Owners Manual

As in any driving situation, keep pace with traffic and allow adequat\
e
following distances.
Hill and Mountain Roads
I r
AM470001
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling
terrain.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit
there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and \
more enjoyable.
(See “Off-Road” in the Index for information about driving off-road.)
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the
brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission. These parts can \
work
hard on mountain roads.
Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this: let
your engine do some
of the slowing down. Don’t make your brakes do it
all. Shift to a lower gear when you go down a steep or long hill. That
way, you will slow down without excessive use of your brakes.
If you don’t shift down,’ your brakes could get so hot that they
- b wouldn’t work well. You would then have poor braking or even none
going
down a hill. You could crash. .Shift down to let your engine
assist your brakes on a steep downhill slope. I I
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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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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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*
Senrice & Appearance Care
Manual Transmission Huld
When to Check:
the fluid in your manual transmission doesn't require changing.
How to 'Check:
Because this operation can be a :little difficult, you may cho\
ose to have this
done at your dealership Service Department.
t A good time to have it checked is when .the engine oil is changed. However,
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow' all the instructions here, or you could
get a false reading..
. . .. . . ... -
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,
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 re\
st your fingers
on the transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:.
~ ~~ ~
1. Remove the filler plug.
K2471
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of the filler- plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure it is fully seated. If
the fluid level is low, add more fluid as described in the next steps.
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Scheduled Maintenance Services
Explanation Of Scheduled Maintenance Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in the maintenance charts.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in this section. Make sure
whoever services your vehicle uses these. All parts should be \
replaced and
all necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives the ve\
hicle.
1.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER CHANGE* -ALWAYS USE SG OR
SGKE QUALITY, ENERGY CONSERVING II OILS OF THE PROPER
VISCOSITY. To determine the preferred viscosity oil for your vehicle’s
engine (e.g. SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in the Index.
2. CHASSIS LUBRICATION -Lubricate the front suspension, king pin
bushings, steering linkage, transmission, and transfer case shift\
linkage,
parking brake cable guides, propshaft splines (2 wheel drive), brake
pedal springs, and clutch pedal springs at the intervals specified.
If you have a 3500 HD, lubricate the king pins and king pin bushings
every 1,500 miles
(2500 km) for Maintenance Schedule 1, or every 3,000
(5000 km) for Maintenance Schedule 2.
Ball joints and king pin bushings should not be lubricated unless their
temperature is
10°F (-12”C), or higher. When the weather is cold, let
them warm up before lubrication or they could be damaged.
Also, be sure to check
all the vehicle fluid levels at this time.
3.
CLUTCH FORK BALL STUD LUBRICATION -Lubricate the clutch fork
ball stud through the fitting on the clutch housing. Lubricant must be
added “sparingly” to the fitting, as only.
0066 Ib. (.003 kg) is required to
lubricate the ball stud surface.
Do not add lubricant more often than the
intervals in the Maintenance Charts.
Too much lubricant will damage
the clutch assembly.
4. ENGINE IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT (DIESEL ENGINES)* -Adjust to
the specifications shown on the underhood label. You must use
calibrated test equipment.
5. COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE* -Drain, flush and refill system with new
coolant. See “Engine Coolant’’ in the Index for the proper coolant and
mixture to use in your vehicle.
Also inspect the hoses and replace them
if they are cracked, swollen, or
deteriorated. Tighten all hose clamps (except constant tension \
clamps).
Remove debris and clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning
condenser. Wash the radiator neck.
To ensure proper operation, pressure
test the radiator and cap.
* An Emission Control Service
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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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1 Add-on Equipment ................... 6-94
I- Electronic Heatinghir Conditioning
(See "Heating")
Adding Coolant
... 5.12, 5.14. 6-44
... Engine I
Air Cleaner ................................ 6-31
Block Heater
.......... 2.19. 3.5. 6-26
Cold Weather Starting (Diesel)
.................... 2-1 7
Coolant
....... 5.12. 5-1 4. 6.42. 6-96
Coolant Temperature Gage
...... 2-88
Diesel
................................ 6.6. 6-1 9
Crankcase
.................................. 6-96
Fan Noise
.................................. 5-1 7
Noise Control System
.............. 6-1 9
.-Identification,
............................ 6-95
Oil .(See "Oil")
Overheating
................................. 5-9
Running While Parked
............. 2-35
Equipment, Add-on
...................... 6-69
Exhaust System
................ 2.34, 6-65
Exhaust
........................... 2.34,
6-65
Starting
............................ 2.12, 2-1 5
F
Fan Noise ...................................... 5-1 7
Filter
. Replacement Chart ............ 6-99
Finish Care
............................................ 6-88
Damage
..................................... 6-90
Automatic Transmission
........... 6-33
Brake
.......................................... 6-49
Coolant
............................ 5-1 2. 6-42
Front Axle
.................................. 6- 40
Hydraulic Clutch
....................... 6-37
Leak Check
................................ 6-52
Manual Transmission
................ 6-36
Power Steering
............ 1 ............ 6-46
Radiator
....................................... 5-1 4
Fluid
9-3
Rear Axle .................................. 6-41
Recommended Fluids
.............. 7-25
. Transfer Case ............................ 6-39
Windshield Washer.
................. 6-48
Fog Lamps
.................................... 2-54 .
Four-wheel Drive ............... 2.36, 6-39
Transfer Case
................ .2-37, 6-39
Front Axle
................................. 6-40
Fuel (Diesel Engines)
..................... 6.6
Cold Weather Operation
............ 6-7
Filter Replacement
........ 6-1 1, 6.13,
6-99
Fuel Requirements
..................... 6-6
Gage
........................ ; ................. 2-87
Running Out Of
........................ 6-10
Tank Capacity
........................... 6-97
Water in Fuel
.............................. 627
Fuel (Gasoline Engines)
................. 6-4
Filling Your Ta'nk
....................... 6-16
Foreign
. Countries ..................... 6-15
Gage
.......................................... 2-87
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
......... 6-5 A-
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
............................ 6-64, 6-1 01 * .
Fuse Block ................................ 6-65 . . f
Headlights .................... 6.64, 6-100
Power Windows and Other
Trailer Wiring Harness
.. 6.64, 6-1 00
. Windshield Wipers ...... 6-64, 6-100
G
Gages ............................................ 2.87
Coolant Temperature Gage
..... 2-88
Fuel Gage
.................................. 2-87
Odometer
................................... 2-76
Oil Pressure Gage
..................... 2-89
Speedometer.
............................ 2-76
Tachometer
..................... 2.76, 2-78
Trip Odameter 2-77
Voltmeter
................................... 2-90
-
-.
I
Power Options ......... 6.64, 6-100 :
. ...........................
...
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