cooling GMC SIERRA 1996 User Guide

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
I. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose,
is no longer hot. Turn
the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
until it
first stops. (Don't press down while turning the
pressure cap.
j
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is
still some pressure left.
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Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When the
clutch
is engaged, the fan spins fdster to provide more air
to cool the engine.
In most every day driving conditions,
the fan
is spinning slower and the clutch is not fully
engaged. This improves fuel economy and reduces fan
noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing andor
high outside temperatures, the
fm speed increases as the
clutch more fully engages.
So you may hear an increase
in fan noise. This is normal and should not be mistaken
as the transmission slipping or making extra shifts.
It is
merely the cooling system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional cooling is not required
and the clutch partially disengages.
You may also hear this
fm noise when you start
the engine.
It will go away as the fan clutch
partially disengages.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially
if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out
of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what
to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a. drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Fake your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain
lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like
a skid and
ITMY require the same correction you’d use in
a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to
go. It may be
very bumpy and
noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes tlat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change
a flat tire safely.
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Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often
to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
"Scheduled Maintenance Services"
in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole.
you'll
need to add some lubricant.
If the differential is at operating temperature (warm),
add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
If the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise
the level
to 1/2 inch (1 2 mm) below the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of lubricant to use. See "Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants"
in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL
TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your
vehicle for
5 years or 100,000 miles (1 66 000 km),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains
your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see "Engine Overheating"
in
the Index.
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A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your vehicle
will:
Give freezing prorecrlon down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning gages work as they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant it is important that you use
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free)
coolant meeting
GM Specification 6277M.
If silicated coolant is added to the system,
premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion may result.
In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. use
a mixture
of one-half dum wwter (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL” (orange-colored.
silicate-free) antifreeze that meets
GM Specification
6277M. which
won‘t damage aluminum parts. Use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) (GM Part
No. 363462 1 ) with any complete coolant change. If you
use this mixture.
you don’t need to add anything else.
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system
is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get
too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50150 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze.
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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.
If you have to add coolant more than four times 8 year,
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.
Checking Coolant
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see "Clwcking
Coolant"
in the Diesel Engine Supplement.
d
The coolant recovery tank is located on the passenger
side at the rear corner of the engine compartment.
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 sho~~ld be up to the HOT mark, or a
little higher.
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Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any
of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new
GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure
to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
CAUTION:
I
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you
lose. control.
You could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured. Always use the
correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for
replacement.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
7
Whenever a wheel, wheel bolt or wheel nut is replaced
on a dual wheel setup, check the wheel
nut torque after
100,
1,000 and 6,000 miles (160, 1 600 and 10 000 km)
of driving. For proper torque, see “Wheel Nut Torque”
in
the Index.
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for
more information.
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Maintenance Schedule
I Short Trip/City Definition -- Gasoline Engines . I ~
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
off-road frequently.
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
0 You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or
You frequently tow a trailer.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if you
operate your vehicle under any of these conditions is that
these conditions cause engine oil to break down soonez
or other commercial application.
I Short Trip/City Intervals -- Gasoline Engines I
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change
(or 3 months, whichever occurs first). Chassis
Lubrication (or
3 months, whichever occurs first). Drive
Axle Service (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) -- Then Every
12,000 Miles (20
000 km): 'Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Shields and
Underhood Insulation Inspection
(GVWR above
8,500 lbs. only). Thermostatically Controlled Engine
Cooling Fan Check (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first). Front Wheel Bearing Repack
(2WD only)
(or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Fuel Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (vehicles over
8600 GVWR or
driven under severe conditions only).
Evwy 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines
Inspection. Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
Inspection. Evaporative Control System Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation
(PCV) Valve Inspection.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule
on
the following pages.
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Maintenance Schedule
Long Trip/Highway Definition -- Gasoline Engines 1
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short TripKity Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine
under highway conditions causes engine oil to break
down slower:
I Long Tripmighway Intervals -- Gasoline Engines I
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first). Drive Axle Service.
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) -- Then Every
15,000 Miles (25
000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Shields and
Underhood Insulation Inspection (GVWR above
8,500 lbs. only). Thermostatically Controlled Engine
Cooling Fan Check (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Fuel Filter
Replacement. Front Wheel Bearing Repack
(2WD only) (or at each brake relining, whichever
occurs first).
Transmission Service (vehicles over
8600 GVWR or
driven under severe conditions only).
-Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory I
Drive Belt Inspection. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines
Inspection. Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
Inspection. Evaporative Control System Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule
on the following pages.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic
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Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components; see footnote #
(or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid
as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for leaking.
**
0 For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean
and repack the front wheel bearings (or
at
each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
Vehicles With GVWR Above 8,500 lbs.
Only: Inspect shields and underhood
insulation
for damage or looseness. Adjust
or replace
as required. This is CE Noise Emission
Control Service. Applicable only to vehicles sold in
the United Stcrtes.
0 If your engine has a thermostatically
controlled cooling fan, inspect all hoses and
ducts for proper
hook-up (or every 12
months, whichever occurs first). Be sure the
valve works properly. This is n Noise Elnission
Contml Sot*vic'e. Applicuhle only to vehicles sold in
the United Stcrtes.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
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1 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0. Lubricate chassis components; see footnote #
(or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for leaking.
**
0 For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean
and repack the front wheel bearings (or at
each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
0 Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service. f
0 Vehicles With GVWR Above 8,500 lbs.
Only: Inspect shields and underhood
insulation for damage or looseness. Adjust
or replace as required.
This is a Noise Emission
Control Service. Applicable only to vehicles sold in
the United States.
0 If your engine has a thermostatically
controlled cooling fan, inspect all hoses
and ducts for proper hook-up (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first). Be sure
the valve works properly.
This is a Noise
Emission Control Service. Applicable .only to
vehicles
sold in the United States.
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. During tire rotation, check brake calipers for
freedom of movement. Refer to the
appropriate
GM service manual for proper
calir>er service procedures.
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
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