maintenance GMC SIERRA 1996 User Guide

How to Add Fluid
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 in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back
in all the way; then flip the handle
down
to lock the dipstick in place. Refer
to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine what
kind
of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants’’
in the Index.
Add fluid
only after checking the transmission fluid
HOT. (A COLD check is used only as a reference.) If
the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid
to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot
check. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a
pint
(-0.5 L). Don’t overjill. We recommend you use only
fluid labeled DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that
label is made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON-I11 is
not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
0 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.
6-21
ProCarManuals.com

How to Add Fluid
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule
to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid 1evel.u~ to tbe bottom
of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch system in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. A slight amount of play
(1/4 inch to
1/2 inch or 6 mm to 12 mm) in the pedal is normal.
It isn’t a good idea
to “top off’ your clutch fluid.
Adding fluid won’t correct a leak. A fluid loss in this
system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired.
When to Check and, What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule, Owner Checks
and Services, to determine
how often you should
check the fluid level.in
your clutch master cylinder
reservoir and for the proper
fluid. See “Owner
Checks and Services” and
“Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants’’ in the Index.
How to Check
The proper fluid should be added if the level does not
reach the bottom
of the diaphragm when it’s in place in
the reservoir. See the instructions
on the reservoir cap.
6-23
ProCarManuals.com

Rear Axle
When to Chc d 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. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom
of the filler plug hole.
C3 (3500 HD) Trucks Equipped with
Dana Rear
Axle
Additional rear axle scheduled maintenance is required
on 3500 HD models equipped with Dana rear axles
when they are driven under the following conditions:
Extreme loading (at or near GVWR) or trailer
towing, and:
0 Operation above 45 mph (70 km/h) for extended
periods
of time
Vehicles used
in any of these conditions require the
rear axle lubricant be changed every 30,000 miles
(SO 000 km). Fluid capacity is 4.12 quarts (3.9 L).
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index.
6-24
ProCarManuals.com

Four-wheel Drive
Most lubricant checks in this section also apply to
four-wheel-drive vehicles. However, they have two
additional systems that need lubrication.
Transfer Case
M7hen to Check Lubricant
How to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections’’
in the Index.
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of 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.
6-25
ProCarManuals.com

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.
6-26
ProCarManuals.com

Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine cotnparttnent is cool, unscrew the cap
and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten
it. Then remove the cap again
and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should he at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up
to the mark.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index. Always use the proper fluid.
Failure to
use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating
your vehicle in an area where the tetnperature
may
fill1 below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
6-3 1
ProCarManuals.com

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir
is here. It is filled
I with DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are
only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that
the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put
in, the fluid level
goes back
up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your
brakes
won’t work well, or won’t work at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid.
Adding
brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll have
too much
fluid
when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
A CAUTION0
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill
on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine
is hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work
is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections”
in the Index.
6-33
ProCarManuals.com

4. Push in gently on
the bulb, turn it
counterclockwise
c
. ..
and remove it from
the socket .
5. Put in a new bulb and, pushing in gently, turn it
clockwise
until it is tight.
6. Put the socket back in the latnp assembly and replace
the lens and lens seal.
indshield Wiper Blade l.Lpldcement
For proper type and length, see "Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts"
in the Index. To replace the
windshield wiper blade assembly:
1
1. Lift the wiper arm and rotate the blade until it is
facing away
from the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wipcr asselnbly
toward the driver's side
of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps I and 2.
ProCarManuals.com

How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure.
You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may
look
properly inflated even when they’re underinflated.
Be sure
to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks
by keeping out dirt
.and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be inspected every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km) for any signs of unusual wear. If
unusual wear
is present, rotate your tires as soon as
possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. See “When It’s Time for New
Tires” and ‘‘Wheel Replacement” later
in this section for
more information.
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels,
also see “Dual ‘Tire Operation” later
in this section.
I
FRT FRT
I
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation
is the most important. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services”
in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
If
your vehicle has single rear wheels, always use one of
the correct rotation patterns
shown here when rotating
your tires.
If your vehicle has front [Ires with different load ranges
or tread designs (such as all season vs. on/off road) than
the rear tires, don’t rotate your tires front to rear.
6-50
ProCarManuals.com

Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect
on the underbody, If these are
not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur
on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame,
floor pan and exhaust system even though they have
corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed
in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody vehicle washing system
can do this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can
fdl upon and
attack painted surfxes
on your vehicle. This damage can
take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped discolorations, and
small irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface.
Although
no defect in the paint job causes this, GM
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.
This applies
only to materials manufactured and sold by
General Motors. Bodies, body conversions or equipment
not made or
sold by General Motors are not covered.
6-65
ProCarManuals.com