heater GMC SIERRA 1995 User Guide

If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may
not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
0 Climb a long hill on a hot day.
0 Stop after high speed driving.
0 Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer. See “Driving on Grades’’ in the Index.
If
you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute
or
so:
1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan speed and open the
window as necessary.
3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N); otherwise, shift to the
highest gear while driving
- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (@) or
DRIVE
(3) for automatic transmissions.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive. Just to be safe,
drive slower for about ten minutes. If the warning doesn’t come back on,
you can drive normally.
If
the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
If there’s still no sign of steam, push the accelerator until the engine speed is
about twice as fast as normal idle speed. Bring the engine speed back to
normal idle speed after two or three minutes. Now see
if the warning stops.
But then, if
you still have the warning, turn ofSthe engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.
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The coolant level
should be a1 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.
A CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very
hot. Don’t touch them.
If you do, you can be burned.
Don’t run the engine
if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t
covered
by your warranty.
If there seem to be no leak. start the engine again. See if the fan speed
increases when idle speed is doubled
by pushing the accelerator pedal down.
If it doesn’t, your vehicle needs service. Turn off the engine.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at or above
the COLD mark, add
a SO/SO mixture of c.lea12 water (preferably distilled)
and
a proper antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant”
in the Index for more information about the proper coolant mix.)
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NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiat\
or,
heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant.
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Cooling System - Diesel Engines
When you decide it‘s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see:
A. Coolant surge tank pressure cap
B. Engine fan(s)
C. Radiator
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 surge 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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I A CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very
hot. Don’t touch them.
If you do, you can be burned.
Don’t run the engine
if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine
fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
I NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t
covered by your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, start the engine again. See if the fan speed
increases when idle speed
is doubled by pushing the accelerator pedal down.
If
it doesn’t, your vehicle needs service. Turn off the engine.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank
I NOTICE:
The diesel engine has a specific coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at the COLD
mark, add a
50/50 mixture of cleun water (preferably distilled) and a proper
antifreeze at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling system,
including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it. (See
“Engine Coolant”
in the Index for more information about the proper
coolant mix.)
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NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core and other parts.
So use the recommended coolant.
A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine
parts are hot enough. Don't spill coolant on
a hot engine.
1. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap and upper
radiator hose,
is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to the left
until it first stops. (Don't press down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
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Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in
very cold weather, 0°F (-1 8OC) or colder. If your vehicle has this option,
see “Engine Coolant Heater’’ in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay
on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. (See the manufacturer‘s warnings about the use
and disposal of
oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to
the environment. If you change your own oil,
be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t
ever dispose
of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies
of water. Instead. recycle it by taking it to
a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of
your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.
Engine Oil (Diesel Engines)
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil level 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.
Turn off the engine
and give the oil
a few
minutes
to drain back
into the
oil pan. If you
don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the
actual level.
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NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine could overheat
and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Some conditions. such as air trapped
in the cooling system. can affect the
coolant level
in thc radiator. Check the coolant level when the engine is cold
and
follow the steps under “Adding Coolant“ for the proper way to add
coolant.
If you have to add coolant more than lour timcs a ycar, have your dealer
check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to add extra
inhibitors or additives which claim to improve the system. These
can be harmful.
Adding Coolant - Gasoline Engine
The coolant reco\wy
tank is located on the
passenger side
at the
rear comer
of the
engine compartment.
To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD mark, or
a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should be up to the
HOT mark, or a little higher.
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Engine (continued)
Coolant
..................................................... 6-35
Coolant Heater
...................................... 2.18.3-4. 6.21
Coolant Temperature Gage (See “Gages”)
Control Module System
........................................ 6-57
Diesel Heater Output
............................................ 34
Exhaust
..................................................... 2-32
FanNoise
................................................... 5-25
Identification
....................................... 6-76,677, 6-81
Oil (See “Oil”)
Overheating
.................................................. 5-10
RunningWhileParked
......................................... 2-32
Starting Your Gasoline Engine
................................... 2-12
Starting Your Diesel Engine
..................................... 2-14
Exhaustsystem
................................................. 6-56
F
Filter Replacement Chart (See “Service-Replacement Parts and Filter
Recommendations”)
FinishDamage
.................................................. 6-74
Fluid Capacities (See “Capacities and Specification”)
FluidLeakCheck
................................................ 646
Fluids (See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”)
Fog Lamps (See “Lamps-Fog”)
Four-WheelDrive
.......................................... 2-33, 6-33
Front Axle Locking Feature
..................................... 2-36
Transfer Case
........................................... 2-34, 6-33
Canadian
...................................................... 6-5
Diesel
....................................................... 6-3
FillingYourTank
............................................. 6-11
Fuel
Foreign Countries (Gasoline Engines)
............................. 6-11
Filter Replacement (Diesel Engines)
............................... 6-9
Gage (See “Gages”)
Gasoline
..................................................... 6-2
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
........................................ 6-3
Running Out of Fuel (Diesel Engines)
.............................. 6-8
Tankcapacity
................................................ 6-83
Water in Fuel (Diesel Engines)
............................... 2-74, 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ................................... 6-79, 6-87
FuseBlock
............................................. 6-80, 6-86
G
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
................................ 2-80
Oil Pressure Gage
............................................. 2-81
Tamper Resistant Odometer ..................................... 2-69
Trip Odometer
................................................ 2-69
FuelGage
................................................... 2-79
Speedometer
................................................. 2-69
Tachometer
.................................................. 2-70
Voltmeter
.................................................... 2-82
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H
Halogen Bulbs (See "Bulb Replacement")
Hazard Warning Flashers
........................................... 5-1
Head Restraints (See "Seats")
Headlamps and Vehicle Lighting
.................................... 2-48
Replacement (See "Bulb Replacement")
High Beam Indicator Light (See "Lights")
High-Low Beam Changer
...................................... 240
Reminder .................................................... 2-49
Heater Controls .................................................. 3-1
Refrigerant Capacity ........................................... 6-85
Heater/Air Conditioning Controls ............................... 3-2 . 6-46
Highway Hypnosis (See "Driving-Highway Hypnosis")
Hitches (See "Towing-Hitches")
Hood
Checking Under: Hood Release .................................. 6-13
Horn .......................................................... 2-38
Hydraulic Clutch ................................................ 6-31
When to Check and What to Use ................................. 6-32
Howtocheck ................................................ 6-32
Hydroplaning (See "Driving in the Rain")
I
If You're Stuck in Sand . Mud. Ice . or Snow ........................... 5-39
Ignition Switch .................................................. 2-10
Intlation-Tire Prussure (See "Tires")
Instrument Cluster
............................................... 2-68
InstrumentPanel ................................................ 2-68
J
Jacking Equipment Storage ................................... 5-27 . 5-28
Jump Starting .................................................... 5-2
K
Key Lock Cylinders ......................................... 6-46.7-94
Key Release Button .............................................. 2-11
Keyless Entry System ............................................. 2-7
Keys
........................................................... 2-1
L
Labe 1 s
Lamps
Certification/Tire (See "CertificaticdTire Label")
CargdCenter High Mounted Stop Lamp
...................... 2.52, 2.83
Daytime Running Lamps ....................................... 2-50
Dome
....................................................... 2-51
Fog ........................................................ 2-49
Headlights
(See "Headlamps")
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