oil GMC SIERRA 1994 User Guide

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 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission overheating.
When towing at high altitude with steep uphill grades,you need to consider
the following information. The lower atmospheric pressure at high altitude
allows your vehicles engine coolant to boil at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes.
If you immediately turn your engine off after towing at high altitude with
steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs similar
to engine
overheating.
To avoid this, let your vehicle operate in a parked position with
the transmission in
“N” (Neutral) for a few minutes before you turn off the
engine. If you do get the overheat warning, see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
If you have an automatic transmission, you should use
“D” (or, as you need
to, a lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in
“D” when
towing a trailer will minimize heat buildup 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 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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into “P’ (Park) yet, or in gear
for a manual transmission.
Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until the
chocks absorb
the load.
Re-apply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking brake, and then
shift to
“P7, (Park), or “R” (Reverse) for a manual transmission.
If
you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer case is in a
drive gear-not in
“N7 (Neutral).
Release
the regular brakes.
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A 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
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle
won’t move, even 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 Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
0 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
fluid (don’t overfill), engine oil,
axle lubricant, belts, cooling system, and 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 Light Wiring
See “Trailer Wiring Harness” in the Index.
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Cooling System -Gas Engines
When you decide it's
safe to lift the hood,
here's what you'll see:
A. Coolant recovery
tank
B. Engine fan(s)
C. Radiator pressure
cap
A CAUTION:
If your vehicle has air conditioning, the auxiliary electric fan
under the hood can start up even when
the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don't do anything
else until it
cools down.
The coolant level
should be at or above
the
COLD mark. If it
isn't, you may have a
leak in the radiator
hoses, heater hoses,
radiator, water
pump
or somewhere else in
the cooling system.
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A CAUTION:
If your vehicle has air conditioning, the auxiliary electric fa\
n
under the hood can start up even when the engine
is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away
from
any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, don’t do anything else
until it cools down.
E The coolant level
should be slightly
above the
COLD
mark. If it isn’t, you
may have a leak in the
radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water
pump or somewhere
else
in the cooling
system.
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Service & Appearance Care
Section
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
...................... 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
............................. 6-15
HoodRelease
.......................................... 6-15
Cleaning Your Diesel Engine
.............................. 6-16
Noise Control System .................................... 6-16
Engine Oil (Except Diesel)
................................ 6-17
Engine Oil (Diesel Engines)
............................... 6-24
iri
Air Cleaner ............................................ 6-29
Automatic Fluid ........................................ 6-30
ManualFluid
........................................... 6-33
Hydraulic Clutch
........................................ 6-34
RearAxle ............................................. 6-35
mnsfer Case
.......................................... 6-36
FrontAxle
............................................. 6-37
Engine Coolant
......................................... 6-38
Power Steering Fluid
.................................... 6-43
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Fuel Requirements
NOTICE:
Diesel fuel or fuel additives not recommended in this manual
could damage your fuel system and engine. Your warranty
wouldn’t cover this damage. And:
Diesel fuel that has been mixed with engine oil could damage
your engine and emission controls. Always check with your
service station operator to make sure his diesel fuel has not
been mixed with engine oil.
If you ever run out of diesel fuel, it can be difficult to restart
your engine. “Running Out of Fuel,” later in this section, tells
you how to get it started again.
To avoid all this, try never to
let your tank get empty.
What Fuel to Use
For best results, use number 2-D diesel fuel year-round (above and below
freezing conditions) as oil companies blend number
2-D fuel to address
climate differences. Number
1-D diesel fuel may be used in below freezing
weather, however, it will produce a power and
fuel economy loss. The use
of number
1-D diesel fuel in warm or hot climates may result in stalling,
poor starting when the engine
is hot and may damage the fuel injection
system.
Diesel fuel may foam when you fill your tank. This can cause the automatic
pump nozzle to shut off, even though your tank isn’t full. If this happens,
just wait for the foaming to stop and then continue to
fill your tank.
A CAUTION:
Heat coming from the engine may cause the fuel to expand and
force the fuel out of your tank. If something ignites the fuel,
a
fire could start and people could be burned. To help avoid this,
fill your fuel tank only until the automatic nozzle shuts
off.
Don’t try to “top it off.”
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Cold Weather Operation
In cold weather (below 20”F, or -7”C), use 1-D or “Winterized” Number
2-D fuel (a blend of I-D and 2-D). Be sure you get the right fuel. In very
cold temperatures (when
it stays below 0°F or -1 8OC), use Number 1-D.
If you’re driving in very cold temperatures and can’t get Number I-D or a
“winterized” Number
2-D, you can use one gallon of kerosene for every
two gallons
of diesel fuel. Once you add the kerosene, run your engine for
several minutes
so the fuels will mix. Add kerosene only when the
temperature falls below
0°F (-1 8” C), because the fuel economy of kerosene
isn’t
as good as that of diesel fuel.
NOTICE:
Never use home heating oil or gasoline in your diesel engine.
They can cause engine damage.
In cold weather, your fuel filter may become clogged (waxed), especially if
you use Number
2-D diesel fuel that hasn’t been “winterized.” To unclog it,
warm the filter to between 32°F and 50°F (0°C to 10°C). You won’t need
to replace
it.
Water in Fuel
Sometimes, water can be pumped into your fuel tank along with your diesel
fuel. This can happen
if a service station doesn’t regularly inspect and clean
its
fuel tanks, or if it gets contaminated fuel from its suppliers.
If this happens,
a “WATER IN FUEL” light will come on. If it does, the
excess water must be drained. Your dealer can do this
for you.
This light also should
come on briefly when
you start your engine,
as a check. If it
doesn’t, have it fixed
so it will be there to
let you know if you
ever
do get water in
your fuel.
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1
I 4. With the engine
off, open the
water drain valve
2 to 3 turns.
When standing
in
front of the
vehicle, the valve
is located on the
right side of the
thermostat
housing.
5. Start the engine and allow it to idle until clear fuel is observed.
6. Stop the engine and close the water drain valve.
7. Remove the fuel-resistant container and properly dispose of the
contaminated
fuel. To find out how to properly dispose of contaminated
diesel fuel see “What to Do with Used
Oil” in the “Engine Oil (Diesel
Engines)” part, later
in this section.
8. Install the fuel tank cap.
If the WATER IN FUEL light comes on again after driving a short distance
or
the engine runs rough or stalls-a large amount of water has probably
been pumped into the fuel tank. The
fuel tank should be purged.
A CAUTION:
Diesel fuel containing water is still flammable. You could be
burned. If
you ever try to drain water from your fuel, keep
sparks, flames
and smoking materials away from the mixture.
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9. Close the air bleed valve and replace the fuel cap.
10. Start your engine and let it idle for five minutes. Check your fuel filter
and air bleed valve for leaks.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the U.S. or Canada,
unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do not use leaded gasoline.
If you use
even one tankful, your emission controls won’t work well or at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system can corrode,
and your engine oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor
will be damaged. All of that means costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered
by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business
in the country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for advice. Just tell us where
you’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation,
North American Export Sales (NAES)
1908 Colonel
Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
Filling Your Tank
The fuel cap is behind
a hinged door on the
left side of your
vehicle.
/i CAUTION:
Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns vioIently, and tha\
t
can cause very
bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline
or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from gasoline.
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Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire.
These include liquids like gasoline or diesel fuel, oil, coolant,
brake fluid, windshield washer and other fluids, and plastic or
rubber. You or others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or
I spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly. Pull down
the hood and close it firmly.
Cleaning Your Diesel Engine
NOTICE:
If you spray or pour water or any other liquid on your engine
when it is warm or hot, or when it is running,
you could cause
serious damage to it.
If you ever clean the engine, clean it only
when it is cold.
Noise Control System
The following information relates to compliance with Federal noise
emission standards for vehicles
with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) of more than
10,000 pounds (4 536 kilograms). The Maintenance
Schedule booklet provides information on maintaining the noise control
system to minimize degradation
of the noise emission control system during
the life of your vehicle. The noise control system warranty
is given in your
Warranty hooklet.
These standards apply only to vehicles sold
in the United States.
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